Best bet: “Curious George Live!”

Hang onto your hats! That mischievous monkey Curious George is swinging through town this weekend, landing in the U.S. Cellular Arena, 370 First Ave. NE.

Admit it - you've read his antics in books and laughed along with him on screens big and small. Well, now's your chance to see him in living color.

Grab a kid or your inner child and catch him in action today through Sunday on his first live musical stage extravaganza.

The funky monkey was created in 1941 by Margret and H.A. Rey and has had many romps through the jungle and beyond. More than 30 million copies of his books have flown off bookshelves in 17 languages.

He has curious names around the world, too. He's known as “Peter Pedal” in Denmark, “Nysgjerrige Nils” in Norway, “Nicke Nyfiken” in Sweden, “Hitomane Kozaru” in Japan, “Choni Ha'Sakran” in Israel and “Jorge el Curioso” in Spanish speaking countries.

For this 90-minute adventure, he's roaming through Rome to help Chef Pisghetti save his restaurant by winning the The Golden Meatball Contest. Sounds yummy, and knowing George, probably a little bit messy!

Music, dance and monkey business are sure to be on the menu, along with lessons in friendship, loyalty and helping hands.

The colorful cast of characters include The Man with the Yellow Hat, Chef Pisghetti, Professor Wiseman and the Doorman and his very proper dachshund, Hundley.

Show times are 7 p.m. today- with an opening night discount - 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday; 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Lots of chances to catch him in action!

Tickets are $11, $15 and $20, with a few $28 Gold Circle seats, too. Tonight, however, all seats are $10 (excluding Gold Circle seats).

Children who have reached their first birthday must have a ticket.

Advance tickets are available through the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena, 1100 Rockford Rd. SW, all Ticketmaster outlets, 1-(800) 745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com

For more information, call (319) 362-1729 or go to www.curiousgeorgelive.com