SUNDAY, FEB. 23 2014 >>>

1. Giuseppe Verdi's Messa da Requiem is one of the most dramatic and inspiring sacred pieces ever written, contrasting fiery climaxes with passages of heart-rending poignancy. Composed in 1874 as a memorial to the Italian poet and novelist, Allesandro Manzoni, the Requiem is one of the most moving works ever to flow from the heart of Verdi. At 2:30 p.m. in the Pantages Theater, the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra will open its concert of opera music with excerpts of the piece. That's a tough act to follow. Can baritone Kenneth Overton and the Tacoma Symphony Chorus move the audience along with lively and poignant selections from Aida, Il Trovatore, La Traviata and Carmen? Only Music Director Harvey Felder and crew know the answer. The "Major General Song" from Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance is on the set list, which means an "I am the very model of a modern Major-General" sing-along could bust out.

2. Twelve chairs surround the table, and the audience surrounds the chairs. Lakewood Playhouse's 12 Angry Men's set design announces its intentions immediately and without mistake: as an audience, we are made to be conscientious observers, to judge these jurors as they judge a murder. It's an intriguing way to view this show, and it's one of the things that this production gets absolutely right. Read Rev. McKinney's full review of 12 Angry Men in the Music & Culture section, then catch the show at 2 p.m. 

3. Speaking of local plays, Olympia Family Theater's The House at Pooh Corner and Olympia Little Theatre's Educating Rita stage the final production of each play at 1 and 2 p.m., respectively. Read our reviews of the shows here. 

4. This show is back on. The Olalla Community Club canceled the Alejandro Fleites & Sin Embargo Feb. 9 due to snow. At 2 p.m., the Cuban, jazz, Latin and American music quartet will perform at the Olalla Community Hall. The $15 tickets can be purchased at Al's Store in Olalla and at Allstar Guitar in Gig Harbor and at the door.

5. Remember that time in high school when your parents went away? You know, plot line of every teenage movie ever made - except this time, you blew up the house. Standing in the ashes as your parents roll up, what do you do? Say it with us now -iiiiiimprovise. Take notes at 8 p.m. in the Tacoma Comedy Club when male and female comedians battle with improv and sketch skills. Watch Monica Nevi, Jen Seaman, Kelsey Cook and Mitch Mitchell take on Adam Norwest, Cory Michaelis, Kane Holloway and Aaron Kirby - and next time you're in a lose-lose situation, you'll wondrously make screams turn to laughter.

LINK: Sunday, Feb. 23 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area