A&E priority list for March 28-April 3

From the semi-sacred to the profane, here are some critically selected picks for the week.

Easter at the Zoo 

March 31

Indianapolis Zoo

This new event highlights new zoo attractions, including Nyah the elephant, Orin the dolphin and Pakak the walrus. There are also two egg hunts—one for elephants and one for humans, the latter with prizes to those who can find 10 of the 19 large-print hidden eggs. Me? I’d center my visit around the 12:15 Walrus Chat, one of many opportunities throughout the day to question the keepers. Find details—and a discount coupon—here.

“American Idiot”

April 2-7

Clowes Hall

First came the album, then the Broadway musical. That seemingly backward trajectory isn’t anything new. The Who’s “Tommy” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” both followed the same course. What was different was that Green Day vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong, who also co-wrote the show, would occasionally play one of the lead roles. Don’t expect that to happen when the show comes to Clowes Hall. Still, here’s hoping the show sends the message that Indy can handle rock musicals (the recent tours of  “Hair” and “Spring Awakening” skipped right by us). Details here.

“Singin’ in the Rain”

March 29

Palladium

Want a glorious feeling? What to feel happy again? Want the stars in your eyes and to signal that you are ready for love? The film to satisfy those desires is the classic 1952 musical that’s even more glorious on the big screen. It’s the final film for the Center for the Performing Arts’ 2012-2013 Great American Songbook Movie Series, with titles yet to be announced for the next go-round. Details here.

Also this week

March 30 is Circus Day at the Indiana Historical Society, featuring live animal shows, balloon sculptures, magicians, jugglers and more. Details here.

Author and film historian Christel Schmidt hosts a screening of the movie “Sparrows” (1926) at the Indianapolis Museum of Art March 29 in conjunction with a signing of her new book “Mary Pickford: Queen of the Movies.” Details here. 

At “Michael Graves: A Grand Tour” March 28, the famed architect lectures and attends a reception in his honor at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Details here. http://www.imamuseum.org/michaelgraves

Brenda Williams plays the Jazz Kitchen March 30. Details here.