Ah yes, Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and you have to find something to do with that special someone. I thought I’d share my plan and expand on one of the Valentine’s Day ideas Scott shared earlier , because Opera Columbus has covered me for part of the weekend. I’ll be attending the opening performance of Romeo & Juliet at the Ohio Theatre with my girlfriend. Performances take place Friday, Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available here .

Tip: I was able to get my tickets on the cheap. As Opera Columbus shared on their Facebook page , if you use code FANS when buying your tickets, you’ll get a 20% discount.

And I’ll leave you with a fun fact -  the leads, Jonathan Boyd and Malinda Haslett, are a real life married couple. Brian Banion (Friar Lawrence) and Elise DesChamps (Stephano) are also a married couple. Love will certainly be in the air on stage.

Photo by Bob Macklin/courtesy of BalletMet

With Thanksgiving come and gone, the holiday shopping list is now on a lot of minds. But before you hit the mall, consider getting a little more inventive.

Why not give your friends and family members an experience you can enjoy together? Who knows, you might even start a new holiday tradition.

Last Christmas, my boyfriend and I took our moms to see the musical Grease at the Palace Theatre. The day was such a hit that we’re continuing the trend this year. We tossed around several possible places to take them, including Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium , Shadowbox: Holiday Hoopla and the Short North Holiday Hop , which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend.

In the end, we decided on a true holiday classic: The Nutcracker , which BalletMet will perform at the Ohio Theatre. Prices start at $29 and performances run December 11-23, so even the busiest holiday schedule can be accommodated. But don’t wait too long to buy tickets, because they go fast - you can get them online here .

I can’t think of a more perfect excuse to get dressed up, enjoy a night out and truly get into the holiday spirit.

If you haven’t heard about the CAPA Summer Movie Series yet, you are missing out.

In keeping with the tradition of the past 39 years, CAPA is screening 20 films at the Ohio Theatre . This summer, they have done a great job of mixing it up for us. On the menu: classics such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Dirty Harry, chick flicks like Dirty Dancing and Steel Magnolias, and even a Cartoon Capers Saturday for the kids.

Last Friday I made it to the first film of the Series, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. A favorite of my Dad, this was a film I had always considered to be “before my time.” While it was unlike many of today’s blockbusters, it was certainly an enjoyable ride that introduced me to a much younger Robert Redford—one with a very strong resemblance to Brad Pitt.

But beyond the movie, it was the overall experience that really won me over.

The moment you walk into the Ohio Theatre you are taken to another world. Time flies as you admire the stunning Spanish-Baroque interior and listen to the live organ music flowing from the stage. Before you know it, it is time for the show! I loved watching the film in a true theater setting.

For only $4 per ticket—and $2.50 per ticket if you buy a strip of 10—there is no reason to skip this Columbus favorite.

For more details and a link to the CAPA brochure including schedule, click here . Enjoy the show!

If you are looking for a fun night out this week, I highly recommend going to see Mamma Mia! at the Ohio Theatre . As a bride-to-be, I was quite intrigued by the storyline: On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

The music was fabulous and I guarantee anyone who goes will know no less than six songs in the show. From "Dancing Queen" to "Take A Chance On Me," the audience was singing along the whole way through.

Insider tip: After the cast takes their bow, DON’T LEAVE! I’m not going to give it all away, but it involves sequin pants and platform shoes.

The show runs through Sunday - check here for more details and tickets from Broadway Across America-Columbus .

And if you’re an ABBA fan, note that there’s more fun to come later this month. Sweden’s best ABBA tribute band, WATERLOO, will play at the Columbus Symphony’s Picnic with the Pops on July 25 .  Bring your own picnic to enjoy during the outdoor show, or reserve a table for your group. You can buy tickets here .

Last night, I attended the opening of The Color Purple . The Ohio Theatre was packed, and from the moment the orchestra started playing I was captivated by the cast and the music.

Kenita Miller, who played Celie, has a voice that is flawless and powerful. I had chills when she sang her opening number, "Somebody Gonna Love You." The rest of the numbers offer a variety of music, from gospel to jazz to ragtime.

The Color Purple’s inspiring story is about a woman’s soul-searching journey and her triumph over hardship and adversity. The core of the story will tug at your heartstrings, but there is plenty of comic relief throughout the show that will have you laughing in your seat. Lynette Dupree plays Sofia, and her performance of the song "Hell No!" along with her quick wit and tell-it-like-it-is attitude had the audience in stitches.

With only a few days left in Columbus, I highly recommend going before it’s gone. Tickets are available here .

You can also follow two of the cast members on Twitter:
LaToya London (who plays Nettie) @llondon
Tiffany Daniels (who plays Squeak) @Tiffeesha

Wildlights

I’m typically a person who staunchly waits until after Thanksgiving to do any type of holiday of activity. I avoid gift buying, just say no to caroling and partake in no general merrymaking. All of this grinchiness changed last Thursday as I sat in the beautiful and ornate Ohio Theatre and watched Harry Connick Jr. perform his Christmas concert . The show was fantastic and a lot of fun. The regal setting in the Ohio Theatre couldn’t be beat for a night of jazz and the snow falling outside was an added bonus.

Smiling as Harry made his way through familiar tunes, I couldn’t help but to think of the other not-to-be missed activities around Columbus this season.

• I’ll definitely be making it to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for Wildlights (photo shown is by Rod Berry Photography ). Bundling up and sipping hot chocolate as you stroll through the light display is half the fun, so no fair picking a warm day to visit (besides it’s more crowded on the warmer days and way more crowded as you get closer to December 25).

• Although I usually avoid the malls this time of the year, I am really excited to visit Easton Town Center . They’ve gone out of their way to make shopping an experience. Beautiful decorations, carriage rides, pedicabs and photos with Santa are all featured. Also take note of 24 Days of Giving - if you’re caught feeding a meter, you might be rewarded with a gift card.

• The Holiday Hop in the Short North Arts District is always on my holiday must-do list. Not only is the Short North a great destination for one-of-a-kind gifts, it’s also a wonderful urban holiday experience complete with fantastic window displays and unbeatable people watching.

• For me the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without letting some of that inner snarkiness escape. For this purpose there is nothing better than a trip to CATCO’s Santaland Diaries . You can’t beat the works of David Sedaris for bringing out the levity in any situation and this one-man show leaves me in tears of laughter.

So I’ll be joining in the holiday spirit a little earlier than normal this year and I can’t wait to get started! What are your not-to-be-missed holiday outings or traditions?