Out On the Town

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12 >> Eisenhower Dance: Red, Hot And Blue

The dancers from this Michigan-based contemporary dance company will tell stories of passion, humor and joy through the magic of dance. The first act, “Threads,” is packed with duets and solos about intimacy, passion and self-reflection. “Better Places” takes you on a fun vacation as you catch the sounds of jiving blues music bouncing off the walls. “The Show” is inspired by the circus and Frederico Fellini’s films. Finally, “Begin with the End in Mind” finishes with a romantic feel, enhanced by intricate lifts that highlight the grace and strength of the dancers. 7:30 p.m. $10-25. Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall, 750 W. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. (517) 432-2000, whartoncenter.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 13 >> ‘Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey’ Speakers Series

Frederick D. Haynes III is an activist against racial, economic and social injustice on local and national levels. He uses his background as a pastor to couple theology with action. This is a part of the “Slavery to Freedom” series, which explores the modern African American experience. The final speaker of the series is veteran journalist John Seigenthaler. FREE. 5 p.m. Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, Big Ten A, 219 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing. (517) 432-4000, kelloggcenter.com

THURSDAY, FEB. 13 >> Poodle Moth Story Slam at the Allen Street Market Place

Well before reality TV and superhero movies dominated our attention, people loved to sit around and tell each other stories. Poet and best-selling novelist George Dawes Green had evenings that harkened back to such a time with his friends in his native Georgia, which is what he set out to recreate when he started The Moth, a weekly storytelling competition held in New York City, and steadily finding its way across the country. While not officially sanctioned by The Moth, Allen Street Marketplace is holding its own version, called the Poodle Moth Story Slam. Participants are granted five minutes on the mic to tell a true story pertaining to the evening´s topic, which will be “Big, Bad Love.” Although the deadline for submitting stories has already passed, you can still come hear local tales of bleeding hearts and horrible breakups. Popcorn and refreshments will be available for sale. 7 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Allen Street Marketplace, 1619 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 367-2468, allenneighborhoodcenter.org.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, FEB. 14-23 >> “Cyrano De Bergerac” by MSU Department of Theatre

Cyrano De Bergerac can be called a snoot, but only because his beak is as big as a toucan’s. Bergerac has many talents — he’s a daring duelist, a poet, a musician and an overall romantic guy — but his gigantic schnozz hinders him socially. Doubting his appeal, he speaks his admiration to the heiress Roxanne through the lips of the more attractive character, Christian. Roxanne, who’s unaware of this, tells Bergerac about her love for Christian. Will she discover the truth or be forever blinded to it? 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14; 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19. $15/$13 seniors/$10 students. Preshow discussion 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16. Wharton Center Fairchild Theatre, 150 Auditorium Road, East Lansing. (517) 432-2000, whartoncenter.com.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, FEB. 14-23 >> “Prelude to a Kiss” by Lansing Community College

It’s the big day. She’s breathtaking in white and he’s looking dapper in a bowtie. They’re leaning in for the sealing smooch, but wait, what happened before that? The star characters, Rita and Peter, have their own crazy story that surpasses the usual wedding day mishaps. Rita kisses an old man at the wedding and their souls are swapped. Perhaps this wedding took place on a freaky Friday, we’re not sure, but Peter must reunite the souls to their proper frames. There’s a lesson to learn here, brides: maybe it’s OK to take a pass on the “something old” before your wedding day. $15/$10 seniors/$5 students and faculty. Valentine’s Day two-for-one special available. 8 p.m., Friday-Saturday, Feb. 14-15; Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-1488, lcc.edu/showinfo.

TUESDAY-SUNDAY, FEB. 18-23 >> “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” at the Wharton Center

The animated story of love and transformation returns to the Wharton stage. The Broadway production had more than 1,000 performances, but this is the show’s first time through East Lansing in 15 years. You know the story: Belle, the sweet singing beauty from a small town, escaped one bigheaded bloke Gaston, only to be trapped by another in a story packed with love, magic spells and enchanted rose petals. $32/$25 students. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Feb. 18-24; times vary the rest of the weekend. Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall, 750 W. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. (517) 432-2000, whartoncenter.com.