The spring of 2012 should prove to be an exciting season for local theaters in Cleveland. This year brings something for everyone; find plays with history and art contexts, murder mysteries, gut-busting comedy, interactive performances, song, dance, and of course, spring love. Check out some highlights of what is sure to be an eventful spring.

Red (Presented by Cleveland Playhouse)
Allen Theatre 
1407 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 771-4444
www.clevelandplayhouse.com

(credit: clevelandplayhouse.com)

Price: $49 to $69
Dates: March 16 – April 8, 2012

“Red” is a play about the great Russian-American painter Mark Rothko. Like most artists, Rothko and his assistant struggle to make a living off of their work, however the painter finally gets a big chance to do just that. However, it turns out that the very gig that would finally offer a substantial pay out might be the one that undermines the very work he loves and has dedicated his life to creating.

The Mousetrap (Presented by Great Lakes Theater)
Hanna Theatre
2067 East 14th St.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 771-4444
www.greatlakestheater.org

(credit: greatlakestheater.org)

Price: $15 to $70
Dates: March 9 – March 25, 2012.

“The Mousetrap” is a classic “whodunnit?” murder mystery by the much acclaimed novelist, short story writer, playwright and poet Agatha Christie. The setting is a guest house where complete strangers happen to cross the paths of each others’ lives at the most unopportune time, and during a snowstorm to boot. They all have their individual stories and backgrounds, some more suspicious than others. Was it the architect or the newlyweds? Go see this play for a surprise ending.

“Mythbusters” Behind the Myths Tour (Presented by MagicSpace Entertainment)
State Theatre
1519 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 771-4444
www.mythbusterstour.com

(credit: mythbusterstour.com)

Price: $11.50 to $101.50
Date: March 22, 2012  at 7 p.m.

Hosts of the popular show “Mythbusters” Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage banter with each other as well with the audience members in this performance. This is the kind of show that keeps observers on their toes while challenging what they think they know. Expect onstage science experiments and inside look into the making of the show.

Mike Epps: I’m Still Standing Tour
State Theatre
1519 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 771-4444
www.playhousesquare.org

(credit: mikeepps.com)

Price: $45.50 – $55.50.
Date: March 23, 2012 – 7 p.m.

Stand-up comedy is an art form many engage in, but very few master. Mike Epps is one of those few talented individuals who bring enough uniqueness to the craft to make him very hard to ignore. Combine that originality with humor that causes the audience to burst out into gut-busting laughter, and you have yourself a performance to remember. Check him out at the State Theatre and prepare to be entertained.

Related: East Side, West Side: A Perfect Day In Cleveland

Come Fly Away
Palace Theatre
1615 Euclid
Cleveland, OH 44115
(216) 771-4444
www.playhousesquare.org

(credit: comeflyaway.com)

Price: $10 to $77.50
Dates: May 8 to May 20, 2012

Musicals can easily become trite and overly dramatic, but when they hit there really is no other experience like it.  ”Come Fly Away,” is a new Broadway musical that is poised to entertain an engaged audience. It combines the classic original music of Frank Sinatra and the award-winning choreography of Twyla Tharp. Check out this musical to see Sinatra’s songs come alive on stage.

Related: Top 10 Most Anticipated Films Of 2012

Ricky Johnson is a published author, relationship guru and a general man about town, Cleveland in this case. His background in the legal field gives him the analytical tools to express extra insight that many readers may miss regarding current events and issues. His work can be found at Examiner.com.