Diavolo, ‘The Illusionist,’ more make A&E priority list

For many, it will be a long weekend. But it's not short on stuff to do. Here's my starter list:

"Diavolo: Architecture in Motion"

Most dancers prefer to perform on flat surfaces. Not Diavolo, a crew that uses skateboard ramps, a shifting, gallion-like structure to keep things moving. Exploring in unique ways how we inhabit space, the company built a name for itself at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has become a staple in its L.A. home base (a critic there wrote "To say Diavolo is exciting is redundant"). I'll be hosting a post-show Q&A on Friday. Details here.

Jan. 16-17.  Tarkington Theatre

"The Illusionists"

On the one hand, having a magic show as part of the Broadway in Indianapolis series may seem a bit of a stretch. On the other hand, this seven-magician show did play Broadway (The New York Times reviewer found "the Manipulator" Yu Ho-Jin to be the best of the bunch). And with video projections, a live band, costumed dancers, and more, its production values should be higher than your average bus-and-truck tour. Details here.

Jan. 20-25. Old National Centre

MLK Day Downtown

Free admission (with donation of non-perishable food) is offered at the Rhythm Discovery Center, the Indiana History Center, the Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions, the Eiteljorg Museum and the Indiana State Museum (with a free screening of "Lemurs" at the IMAX). Venture a bit further north for the same deal at the Children's Museum.

Jan. 19 Various locations

Harlem Globetrotters

There's one solid rule in sports betting: Never put your money against the Harlem Globetrotters. It's been 50 years since the Washington Generals won a victory against the team and now, even though the Generals are coached by a player who was a part of that historic game, I'm still convinced the Globetrotters will pull this one off. Still, it should be a spirited game assuming Ant Atkinson, Big Easy Lofton, Thunder Law and TNT Maddox stay healthy. Note: Is it just me or do you think the refs tend to be a little lax at Globetrotters games? Just something to be aware of. Details here.

Jan. 19 Bankers Life Fieldhouse

“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”

OK, so you love “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Why not expand your cinematic horizons with another James Stewart/Frank Capra classic? This 1939 film was one of the first to question the integrity of our elected representatives in Washington, and its far more entertaining than watching C-Span. Details here.

Jan. 17 Indiana History Center