Drake, Nate Bargatze, skating champs among 15 can't-miss events in Columbus in early 2024

As we turn the page on a new year, the Greater Columbus arts-and-entertainment community is preparing to present a panoply of exciting offerings this winter.

From bold theater productions to dynamic dance events and much-anticipated appearances by internationally known singers and musicians, there will be numerous things to do and see in the months ahead. Literary, visual arts and even a few events blending athletics and entertainment are also on tap.

We have assembled the details for 15 can’t-miss events through early March.

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Nate Bargatze will make a stop in Columbus on Jan. 11 and 12.
Nate Bargatze will make a stop in Columbus on Jan. 11 and 12.

Nate Bargatze 'Be Funny Tour'

NATIONWIDE ARENA, 200 W. NATIONWIDE BLVD.

Details: The comedian, synonymous with good-natured comedy, arrives in Columbus with his “Be Funny Tour,” and you can be certain of one thing — he will be.

Showtimes: 7 p.m. Jan. 11-12

Tickets: $79.75 to $628.50

Information: www.nationwidearena.com

'The Color Purple: The Musical'

GARDEN THEATER, 1187 N. HIGH ST.

Details: Music drawing from multiple genres, including jazz, ragtime and gospel, helps to tell the story of Celie, the protagonist of Alice Walker’s Southern-set novel about a Black community.

Showtimes: various dates and times from Jan. 18 through Feb. 18

Tickets: $33.33 to $65.71

Information: www.shortnorthstage.org

Isabeau Levito is among the skaters slated to perform at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Isabeau Levito is among the skaters slated to perform at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

U.S. Figure Skating Championships

NATIONWIDE ARENA, 200 W. NATIONWIDE BLVD.

Details: Over seven days and multiple events, watch as the country’s leading figure skaters across various categories — men’s, women’s, pairs and dance — take to the ice in pursuit of placement on the U.S. World and World Junior teams.

Dates: various times, Jan. 22-28

Tickets: single session tickets start at $14.50; all-session and weekend packages also available

Information: www.nationwidearena.com

Michele Norris will make an appearance at the King Arts Complex.
Michele Norris will make an appearance at the King Arts Complex.

Author Michele Norris

KING ARTS COMPLEX, 867 MOUNT VERNON AVE.

Details: In a presentation by Gramercy Books in Bexley, the author of “Our Hidden Conversation: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity” will participate in a conversation with Anna Staver, host of “All Sides” on WOSU.

Time: 7 p.m. Jan. 25

Tickets: $40

Information: www.gramercybooksbexley.com

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra

SOUTHERN THEATRE, 21 E. MAIN ST.

Details: The orchestra will be joined by one of its youngest-ever collaborators: 16-year-old violinist Fiona Khuong-Huu, who will perform works by Camille Saint-Saens and Maurice Ravel.

Showtimes: 7 p.m. Jan. 27-28

Tickets: $18 to $64

Information: www.promusicacolumbus.org

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'From Struggle to Strength: Inspiring Journies of Central Ohio’s Refugee Community'

DECORATIVE ARTS CENTER OF OHIO, 145 E. MAIN ST., LANCASTER

Details: Photographs by prizewinning photographer Tariq Tarey will enrich spectators’ understanding of refugees who have made their homes in central Ohio.

Dates: Jan. 27-April 28

Admission: free

Information: www.decartsohio.org

'Dancing With the Stars: Live!'

VALUE CITY ARENA, WEST LANE AVENUE AND OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD

Details: Audiences who make the long-running hit TV show into appointment viewing will have the chance to see the stars — and the dancers partnering with them — in this live presentation. Professional dancers include Brandon Armstrong, Pasha Pashkov and Emma Slater.

Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30

Tickets: verified resale tickets start at $145

Information: www.schottensteincenter.com

A variety of characters will be part of Disney on Ice.
A variety of characters will be part of Disney on Ice.

Disney on Ice

NATIONWIDE ARENA, 200 W. NATIONWIDE BLVD.

Details: Finally, the perfect performance to satisfy the youngsters in your life who love Disney characters as well as those addicted to winter sports: In “Into the Magic,” characters from “Cinderella,” “Frozen” and other Disney productions will lace up their skates.

Showtimes: 7 p.m. Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 2, 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Feb. 3 and 10:30 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4

Tickets: $15 to $90

Information: www.nationwidearena.com

Touring cast of "Come From Away."
Touring cast of "Come From Away."

'Come From Away'

PALACE THEATRE, 34 W. BROAD ST.

Details: The Broadway hit — revolving around travelers temporarily exiled in Newfoundland following the events of Sept. 11, 2001 — returns to Columbus for just two nights.

Showtimes: 8 p.m. Feb. 2, 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 3

Tickets: verified resale tickets starting at $244

Information: www.capa.com

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

PALACE THEATRE, 34 W. BROAD ST.

Details: The contemporary dance group will bring its eclectic mix of styles — encompassing contemporary movement, ballet, hip-hop, jazz and more — to an equally eclectic program, “Star Dust: From Bach to Bowie.”

Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7

Tickets: $34 to $69

Information: www.capa.com

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BalletMet will present "Alice" in February.
BalletMet will present "Alice" in February.

'Alice'

OHIO THEATRE, 39 E. STATE ST.

Details: BalletMet will present an encore of its production of outgoing Artistic Director Edwaard Liang’s imaginative ballet inspired by “Alice in Wonderland," which was first performed in February 2020.

Showtimes: 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 9, 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 10, 2 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11

Tickets: $38.50 to $118.30

Information: www.balletmet.org

Britney Coleman as Bobbie (center) and the North American tour of "Company."
Britney Coleman as Bobbie (center) and the North American tour of "Company."

'Company'

OHIO THEATRE, 39 E. STATE ST.

Details: Late composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim is credited with offering a fresh take on the American musical, and this national touring production takes a fresh spin on his celebrated 1970 work: In the musical on contemporary romantic life, the lead character of Bobbie, written as a male part, will be played by a woman.

Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13-15, 8 p.m. Feb. 16, 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 17, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18

Tickets: $40 to $85

Information: www.capa.com

World’s Toughest Rodeo

NATIONWIDE ARENA, 200 W. NATIONWIDE BLVD.

Details: Bull-riding, bareback riding and barrel racing are among the events featured in this rodeo, which invites the audience to get in on the action with pony rides and cowboy meet-and-greets.

Times: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16-17

Tickets: $49.50 to $84.50

Information: www.nationwidearena.com

Drake will perform in Columbus Feb. 2021.
Drake will perform in Columbus Feb. 2021.

Drake

VALUE CITY ARENA, WEST LANE AVENUE AND OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD

Details: As part of the “It’s All a Blur Tour,” the rap artist — whose career has taken him from his 2009 debut album, “So Far Gone,” to his most recent record, “For All the Dogs” — will perform alongside J. Cole.

Showtimes: 8 p.m. Feb. 20-21

Tickets: verified resale tickets start at $125

Information: www.schottensteincenter.com

Three Dog Night will perform March 9 in Mershon Auditorium.
Three Dog Night will perform March 9 in Mershon Auditorium.

Three Dog Night

VALUE CITY ARENA, WEST LANE AVENUE AND OLENTANGY RIVER ROAD

Details: “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” “Joy to the World” and “Black and White” are among the signature tunes of this iconic rock group.

Showtime: 8 p.m. March 9

Tickets: $45 to $198

Information: www.schottensteincenter.com

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Want something to do? Here are 15 events taking place in early 2024