Going out

        Theater: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati opens an edgy evening of theater with the area premiere of the 2001 Humana Festival favorite Heaven and Hell (On Earth) and the original anthology Seven (Deadly Sins). 8 p.m. today,1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, $10. 421-3555.

        R. A. Salvatore: The author of the best-selling novelization of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones hits hyperspeed and makes his only regional stop to sign and discuss the book. 7-8:30 p.m. today, Books & Co., 350 E. Stroop Road, Kettering. (800) 777-4881.

        Film fest: The Cincinnati Film Society hosts the Ann Arbor Film Festival tour, showing off a selection of winning entries from the new-film showcase. 7 p.m. today, Cincinnati Art Museum auditorium, Eden Park, $4-$6. 721-2787.

        Bike races: Riders and spectators are welcome to pedal on up for the Ault Park race series on a course that traverses the Observatory Avenue circle, Mount Lookout. 7-9 p.m. today. 731-9111.

Staying in

        TV picks: ABC's Peter Jennings looks at the high cost of medicine on Peter Jennings Reporting — Bitter Medicine: Pills, Profit and the Public Health (10 p.m., Channels 9, 2).

        • TV critic John Kiesewetter also says Biography profiles ER star Noah Wyle (8 p.m. and midnight, A&E).

The Goods: CD picks

        The week's big one is The Eminem Show (Interscope; $19.98 limited-edition CD with DVD; $12.98 cassette), the third disc for the controversial rapper.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: The Nothing Sacred Players push the envelope with improv comedy. 9 p.m. Thursday, Hoffner Lodge, 4120 Hamilton Ave., Northside, $4-$5. 227-9580.

        48 hours out: More than 300 fine artists and crafts-people show and sell their wares at Summerfair. 2-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Coney Island, Interstate 275 and Kellogg Avenue, Anderson Township, $7 includes parking. 531-0050.

        72 hours 'til Saturday: Willie Aames brings life to Bibleman Live!, a live stage show based on the popular children's ministry series The Bibleman Adventure. 6:30 p.m., TimberWolf Amphitheater, Paramount's Kings Island, $15.99-$32.99. 562-4949.

— Jim Knippenberg

        Contact Jim Knippenberg by phone: 768-8513; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jknippenberg@enquirer.com.

The Top Picks: Our annual guide
Legends live large
Crockett vs. Boone: Who would win?
Simon Kenton was big man, too
Vulcans vs. Romulans? Magazine explains all
Wines complement fresh fruit
Trade Secrets
Body & mind
Get to it