A&E priorities include Broadway legend, improvised theater, more

Stuck for ideas for what to do this week? Here's a starter list.

Chita Rivera

The Kennedy Center Honors honoree and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, whose Broadway career spans from 1953’s “Can-Can” through 2012’s “Drood,” plays a benefit for Actors Theatre of Indiana. Best known for her roles in the original companies of “West Side Story” and “Bye Bye Birdie” (and for being replaced in the movie versions by Rita Moreno and thedecidedly non-Hispanic Janet Leigh), Chita Rivera also appeared in the original Broadway companies of  “Chicago ” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” The 81-year-old star continues to perform, most recently as the lead in a hoped-for-Broadway production of the musical “The Visit.” Sept. 25 Palladium Details

Improvised Shakespeare Company

Some of the funniest, most inventive improvisational comedy artists I’ve seen on stage make up this Chicago-based company. Starting with a suggestion by the audience, they spin hilarious variations on Shakespeare’s plays—often in verse. Sound too highbrow for you? Trust me, a graduate English degree is not required to enjoy this evening of theatrical madness—although there’s a good chance that, after seeing the company once, you’ll want to include it in future trips you make to Chi-town. Sept. 26 Marian University Theatre Details

Zakir Hussain

The New York Times called him “peerless” on the tabla drums. Zakir Hussain has performed with George Harrison, Yo-Yo Ma, Van Morrison and others. But while such collaborators might help get unfamiliar patrons in the door, Hussain doesn’t need them to impress. The winner of the 2012 Downbeat Critics Poll for Best Percussionist, Hussain brings with him more than 50 years of live performing experience. Sept. 28  Tarkington Theatre Details

Also this week

Krzysztof Urbanski gets the season started for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra with guest pianist Shai Wosner, Sept. 25, 27-28 at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

Guest conductor Kelly Corcoran and pianist Sean Chen join the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra Sept. 26 at the Schrott Center.

Roseanne Cash offers concerts Sept. 25 at IU Auditorium and Sept. 26 at Clowes Hall.

The Indianapolis Art Center’s Sept. 26-Nov. 23 exhibition “Not a Cup: Sculptural and Conceptual Ceramics” features the work of five boundary-pushing ceramicists from around the country.

The Indiana Wind Symphony celebrates the 200th birthday of both the “Star Spangled Banner” and Adolph Sax, inventor of the saxophone, with “Bicentennials,” a Sept. 27 concert at the Palladium.

Grammy nominee Christian Sands is in the spotlight for an APA Jazz Fellowship Concert Sept. 27 at The Jazz Kitchen.

More than 130 juried artists exhibit Sept. 27 at the Carmel International Arts Festival in the Arts & Design District.