Online Chat

        Leonard Foglia joins Janelle Gelfand to discuss directing the opera Dead Man Walking. Log on to Cincinnati.Com Friday from 12:30-1 p.m. and join in.

Last Minute

        Red only: Don't miss Kay Muir's Any Color as Long as It's Red retrospective at the Chidlaw Gallery, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Eden Park. The 89-year-old Cincinnati resident has been influenced by nature and color that has resulted in an elusive, rhythmic simplicity. She often uses optics or oscillation of color that “chaos, tension, speed and progression in the dance of the painting.” 9 a.m.-9 p.m Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through July 3. 562-8777.

— Marilyn Bauer

        Dinner theater: There's mayhem on the minds of a trio in a love triangle in Murder at the Howard Johnson's, a comedy with ever-changing alliances. Dinner 6:30 p.m., curtain 8 p.m. today through Saturday, dinner 5 p.m., curtain 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Northern Kentucky University Summer Dinner Theater, Fine Arts Center, Highland Heights. $24 dinner and show, $12 show only. (859) 572-5464.

— Jackie Demaline

Countdown

        Art show: Closson's Art Gallery has a colorful show of three very distinct painters. Paul Chidlaw, Merle Rosen and Michael Sharp have their paintings on display through July 13. For those who like folk art and naive painting, Ms. Rosen's work will be interesting. Mr. Sharp's sophisticated work with multilayers and unique colorations is truly wonderful. 401 Race St., downtown. 762-5510.

— Marilyn Bauer

FYI

        Band search: Jim Beam is looking for the best new country bands and solo artists to compete in the 10th annual Jim Beam Country Band Search. Visit www.jimbeam.com for official rules and applications. Deadline is Aug. 23. The national finals begin Nov. 16 in Nashville.

— Ann Hicks

        New on the strip: Cirque du Soleil and MGM Mirage Inc. plan to bring two new shows to the Las Vegas Strip beginning in 2003.

        The first show — in a rebuilt theater at New York-New York hotel-casino — will feature a blend of dance, humor and acrobatics, Lyn Heward, president of creative content for Cirque du Soleil, said.

        The second, scheduled to open in 2004 across Las Vegas Boulevard at the MGM Grand hotel-casino, will attempt to alter spectators' perceptions of gravity and the 3-D world, Mr. Heward said.

        “We hope to offer spectators an experience that's larger than life,” he said.

        A group of street performers began Cirque du Soleil in Quebec in 1984. Now more than 500 performers from several countries perform in Cirque du Soleil shows in Orlando, Fla.; five traveling shows in North America and Europe; and two shows in Las Vegas.

— The Associated Press

Movies opening Friday

        • Hey Arnold!
        • The Lady and The Duke
        • Mr. Deeds
        • The Mystic Masseur

Coming Friday in Weekend

        All aboard: Young locomotive enthusiasts will enjoy Indiana's Whitewater Valley Railroad this weekend when children's book icon Thomas the Tank Engine steams into Connersville.

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Drew Hastings is just like you
Gallery director keeps it 'rough and comfortable'
KNIPPENBERG: Knip's Eye View
'Bach and Beyond' soloists outstanding
The Early Word
Top 10s
Get to it