Few dates have the home-run success of a dinner and a show. Whether you are in a long-term relationship, or a nervous couple in a budding romance, a dark theatre is the perfect place to cozy up and share an armrest. Luckily, Valentine’s Day weekend is filled with local opportunities to feel warm and fuzzy with a sweetheart by your side. Here’s a round-up of the best bets for your perfect date night, or just a platonically, pleasant evening spent before a stage.
All Weekend:
All Aboard the Marriage Hearse – After nearly three years together, Amy wants to get married, but Sean does not believe in the institution. Tonight is the night when they settle the question once and for all: Will they break up or will they keep their relationship going? $15. 8pm, Friday and Saturday. 2:30pm Sunday. Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St. 419-243-9277, toledorep.org
Leading Ladies – Waterville Playshop presents a comedic look at two Shakespearean actors attempting to collect a multi-million dollar inheritance. $10. 8pm, Friday and Saturday. 2:30pm, Sunday. Maumee Indoor Theatre, 601 Conant St. 419-897-8902, watervilleplayshop.org
Susannah – Carlisle Floyd’s American opera will transport the audience to Tennessee in 1955, following the story of a young woman facing unfair accusations. Tragic and beautiful, the Toledo Opera’s midseason delight is highly anticipated. Tickets start at $30. 7:30pm, Friday, February 13. 2pm, Sunday, February 15. Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St. 419-255-7646, toledoopera.org
Valentines Passion: Chocolate and Candlelight – Get outdoors and ignite your passions on a romantic, self-guided walk along a candle-lit trail with a lantern (provided by the park). End the romantic evening by sampling a variety of decadent chocolate desserts by a fire. Sip gourmet hot cocoa while enjoying soft music. Walks begin every 15 minutes starting at 6:45pm until 8pm. Online registration required. $12/members, $15/nonmembers. Secor Metropark, 10001 W. Central Ave. 419-407-9700, metroparkstoledo.com
Thursday, February 12
The Look of Love: An Evening in Celebration of the Color Red – Music by the Art Tatum Jazz Society, hors d’ouerves, red wine, and a reading of the definitive treatise on the shade from “The Primary Colors” by Alexander Theroux. Wear red to celebrate the emotive color for this first of a series of programs about the primary colors. 6:30-8:30pm. Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000, toledomuseum.org Free
Flashlight Tours: Love and Lust – This adult-themed tour of the museum lets you shine a light on the bodies of art and attraction. 9pm. $5/members, $10/non-members, purchased in advance. Toledo Museum of Art Little Theater, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000, toledomuseum.org
Friday, February 13
Sweetheart Celebration with Farmers Market – Shop for your Valentine at the Lighthouse Landing Hall and inside the mall. Vendors will be selling all kinds of goodies, crafts, and gifts. Food, snacks, beverages for sale on site. 10am-8pm. Lighthouse Landing Art, Antique and Craft Mall, 4441 N Summit St. 419-214-0331, dktreasures.wix.com/lighthouse-landing
Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles: Valentine’s Day Salute – Drink four wines in the Glass Pavilion, mingle and graze snacks. Bring your valentine or socialize strategically to find a special someone for Saturday. 6:30-8:30pm. $20/members, $20/nonmembers. Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St. 419-255-8000, toledomuseum.org
Saturday, February 14
Valentine’s Day with The Manhattan Transfer – Legendary in the field of vocal pop and jazz, this quartet’s rich harmonies earned them dozens of Grammy Awards and collaborations with Tony Bennett, Bette Midler, Phil Collins, James Taylor and many more. This Valentine’s Day let them serenade you with romantic jazz standards and the iconic tunes. 8pm. Starts at $25. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. 419-381-8851, tickets.toledosymphony.com
Bring your Valentine to The Valentine Romantic Movie Fair – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will kick off this Saturday fair at 2pm. The classic romantic-comedy, When Harry Met Sally, will begin at 7:30pm. $5. Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St. 419-242-ARTS (2787), valentinetheatre.com
Collingwood Mural Fundraiser – Yeti Machete, Stacy Carey, Good Personalities, Mike Clark and Tear off/Clean Up will be performing on Valentine’s Day to raise funds for the Collingwood Garden mural project. All proceeds go to the pay mural artists and for supplies. $2. 8pm. Ottawa Tavern, 1817 Adams St. 567-202-6818
Romantic Dinner & Dessert – Doors open at 6pm with a Romantic Dinner and Dessert. Featuring the fabulous Jazz Flute player, Alexander Zonjic, and his full band. 6pm. Dégagé Jazz Cafe, 301 River Rd., Maumee. 419-794-8205 x3,
historiccommercialbuilding.com, zonjic.com
Walleyes vs Wheeling Nailers – If theaters aren’t your thing, you can still share the arena with your sweetheart. Pre-game Light Up Rose Giveaway for your valentine. 7pm. Starts at $15. Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave. 419-725-WALL, toledowalleye.com
