Theater, Meat Loaf, Halloween fun and more this weekend

True West 

Thurs-Sat 10/24-26 | Whitewater Music Hall, Wausau 

I really like that the Wausau Community Theater has been thinking outside the box on how and where to conduct some of its shows. One of the newest venues for the group is Whitewater Music Hall, which has helped keep costs down and provides a unique experience. This time WCT is putting on True West, Sam Shepard’s blistering, hilarious tale of two sparring brothers who are always trying to one-up each other. 7 pm all three nights. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. wausaucommunitytheater.org

Celebrating Meat Loaf 

Friday 10/25 | Grand Theater, Wausau 

Meat Loaf is one of those classic rock bands whose songs sometimes have somewhat confusing lyrics. Just what IS IT that Meat Loaf wouldn’t do for love? I never knew and a recent perusal of the lyrics didn’t really shed much light on the topic. I can’t guarantee that this tribute performance to Meatloaf will solve that mystery, but you’ll be delighted with all the hits of the late, great Meat Loaf This show features alumni from Meat Loaf’s band along with American Idol winner Caleb Johnson, so it really ought to be something. 7:30 pm. $35-$67. grandtheater.org. 

David Anthony: Magic and Illusion

Friday 10/25 | Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua 

David Anthony is based in Cleveland, but he’s performed all over the world. His show, Magic and Illusion, combines jaw-dropping magical feats with hilarious hypnosis demonstrations that leave audiences gasping for air. Tip: If you like being called to the stage, sit up front. If you’re like me and horrified by the idea, I’d sit toward the back. Either way it ought to be an epic night of fun. 7 pm. See website for ticket prices. campanilecenter.org

Sons of Mystro 

Tuesday 10/29 | Grand Theater, Wausau 

Malcom and Umoja, the brother duo behind this group, are often hailed as “innovators of sound” and “masters of musical fusion.” The siblings, who incorporate reggae and modern pop through the lens of their violins, are one group you will have a hard time classifying. Backed with a crazy good drummer and DJ this show promises to be a powerhouse and unlike anything you’ve previously seen at the Grand Theater. 7:30 pm. $10-$50. grandtheater.org 

The Official Halloween Bar Crawl 

Saturday 10/26 | Hiawatha Bar, Wausau 

Who says trick or treating is just for kids? The adult version is the bar crawl, where you prowl the streets in costume and the treats are of the adult beverage variety (or maybe it’s a Forward Beverage or two for you non-alcohol drinkers or designated drivers). The Official Wausau Halloween Bar Crawl features hundreds of fellow bar crawlers. 2-3 drinks/shots per person included, drink and some food specials, a national costume contest, a custom keychain lanyard, professional photographers and more. Group tickets are $20, single tickets are $25 and $30 the day of the event. Starts at the Hiawatha. www.crawlwith.us/wausau/halloween

Killing Rapunzel and Halloween Bash

Saturday 10/26 | 4 Fathers Pub, Wausau 

Halloween is meant to be dark and mysterious, so what better way to get spooky than with a heavy band like Killing Rapunzel? 4 Fathers Pub is banking on that with their Halloween Bash on Saturday. These guys are the real deal, with the look and the sound for some fast-paced, hard-core metal. But that will be providing the sound to what proves to be a Halloween party with a costume contest with winners announced at midnight. Should be a spooky good time. 7 pm. 4 Fathers Pub on Facebook.