Priority list includes a bloody musical theater masterpiece, Art & Soul kickoff, more

“Sweeney Todd”

You can have the masked guy who lurks beneath the Paris Opera House. When it comes to murderous musical theater characters, I’ll take Sweeney Todd, the revenge-hungry barber. Not only is his story more dramatic and fun, it also features an incomparable score by Stephen Sondheim. Actors Theatre of Indiana tackles this musical theater masterpiece in a rare local production. Studio Theatre Jan. 29-Feb. 14  Details

“Art & Soul Kickoff Celebration”

Additional structural support for the Artsgarden may be required when the full force of the Eastern Star Church choir helps kickoff Art & Soul, the month-long celebration of African-American art and artists. The opening event also introduces the 2016 featured artists—poet Mariah Ivey, visual artist Derrick Carter, saxophonist Jared Thompson, and dancer/choreographer Nick Owents.  Artsgarden  Jan. 30 Details and full schedule

“Opera’s Rising Stars”

Finalists from the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions are showcased with support from the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and Indianapolis Opera. Matthew Kraemer conducts.

SchrottCenterJan. 30-31 Details

Also this week

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Cosmos Music Festival continues with a performance of “The Planets” Jan. 29-30 at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

Joshua Henry, star of Broadway’s “Violet” and the upcoming “Shuffle Along” performs at the Cabaret at the Columbia Club Jan. 30.

Pianist Frederic Chiu performs in an American Pianists Association concert at the Columbia Club Jan. 31.

Icarus Ensemble offers a mardi gras concert Jan. 31 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Indiana Repertory Theatre revisits “To Kill a Mockingbird” Jan. 29-Feb. 28.