Out On the Town

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 >> “ Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune” at Williamston Theatre

Love has knocked Frankie on her butt too many times to count, leaving her reluctant to fall for its tricks again. Johnny is a romantic who makes every effort to woo Frankie. The two work together in a greasy spoon diner, and after two weeks of Johnny’s attempts, Frankie gives in for lust — but not for love. As their pseudo-relationship progresses, however, they start to unlock each other’s secrets. Williamston Theatre’s latest outing debuts this week with a series five preview performances and talkback sessions with the director, John Manfredi, before the March 28 opening night. The show runs through April 19. 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $15-25. Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam St., Williamston. (517) 655-7469, williamstontheatre.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 >> SmArts Collaborative Panel

As part of their ongoing "SmArts" workshops, The Arts Council of Greater Lansing welcomes three mid-Michigan creatives who have found success in their artistic ventures. The panelists are Chad Badgero of Peppermint Creek Theatre Co. and the Renegade Theatre Festival; Dave Isbell of MSU’s Alumni Association and Spartan Super Heroes; and Missy Lilje of Happendance Community Dance Project. They will share the hills and valleys of their collaborative projects and perhaps help inspire some folks looking to express themselves creatively but are not quite sure how to get started. FREE for members/$10 non-members. 10 a.m.-noon. MICA Gallery, 1210 Turner St., Lansing. (517) 372-4636, lansingarts.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 >> The Lansing State Journal Remembers

The Historical Society of Greater Lansing rounded up a group of Lansing State Journal reporters, columnists and a photographer to share their newspaper experience at this special event. Hear from Marcia Van Ness, a reporter from 1966 to ‘98, who worked during the transition of women being introduced into the newsroom. Karen Douglas, a former reporter, will detail the paper’s history, which started in 1855 as the Lansing Republican. Learn how a ticked-off Mark Twain weaves into the paper’s history and what the reporter did to make him so angry. Other speakers include Mike Hughes, David Olds, Kathleen Lavey and two Onlooker columnists who got their start at the Journal. And then settle in for a few laughs during a Jay Leno-like segment as former staff members share newspaper bloopers that have been compiled throughout the years. 7 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. lansinghistory.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21 >> Elvis tribute artist at St. Johns High School

The King takes the stage at St. Johns High School for a night of pelvis thrusting and karate chopping. Elvis tribute artist Jake Slater has been moving and grooving as the late King of Rock ‘n’ Roll for the last six years. For this performance, the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary hopes to inch closer to its $100,000 pledge to the Right Here, Right Now Emergency Services Department Construction Project. Ticket sales will benefit this new emergency wing that’s under construction. A limited number of VIP tickets are available that get you reserved seating, a pre-show meet-and-greet with Slater backstage and a goodies bag. $25 VIP tickets/$12/$10 students ($2 discount for advance sales.) $7-9 p.m. St. Johns High School Auditorium, 501 W. Sickles St., St. Johns. (989) 224-7169 or (517) 242-6781, dzuker@casair.net or tmczuker@casair.net.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21 >> Nightingales: An Intimate Evening with Lansing’s Ladies of Jazz

These ladies will belt their distinctive jazz stylings to the tunes provided by the Reggie Thomas trio. The Nightingales are Betty Baxter, Betty Joplin, Twyla Birdsong, Shahida Nurullah, Mardra Thomas and Ursula Walker. Walker received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 Detroit Black Music Awards, honoring her 60-year career as a jazz vocalist. This is a fundraiser for the Summer Solstice Jazz Festival in June. $25/$50 VIP seating. 7-9 p.m. The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 319-6980, eljazzfest.com or brownpapertickets.com/event/565097.

MONDAY, MARCH 24 >> Ford Test Drive Benefit for the Greater Lansing Food Bank

Help feed the hungry by taking a spin in a brand new set of wheels. MSU’s Ford College Ambassadors will team up with Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln for this unique fundraiser. For every test drive, Ford Motor Co. will donate $20 to the Greater Lansing Food Bank, up to $6,000. During the event you can be entered into a raffle and have a chance at winning Detroit Tigers tickets, NCG Cinemas Eastwood packages or gift certificates to local restaurants. If you’re stuck on the other side of town, a shuttle will be available from 3-6 p.m. at the MSU Union to take you to the dealership. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln, 6080 E. Saginaw Highway, Grand Ledge. (248) 836-7259, bakerb@msu.edu or grandledgeford.com.