Brian’s picks (inside Thursday GO section)

Dancers Studio Inc. costume designer Susannah Lipinski has said before that she hardly wants her equal-parts whimsical and beautiful creations to be a distraction. For the troupe’s presentation of the free, 45-minute show “The Jungle Book” at 6 p.m. April 1 at Old National Bank’s First Friday For Families, her fanciful interpretations for animals ranging from a snake to peacocks draw smiles and the good kind of laughter. And the young dancers stand all too eager to highlight the classic story of a boy raised by wolves. Information: artsincolumbus.org.

Spring often is cast as a fitting symbol of new life. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra will highlight an element of that when it presents Richard Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration” at its next concert at 3:30 p.m. April 10 at Judson Erne Auditorium, 1400 25th St. in Columbus. The piece highlights a man’s deathbed experience of reviewing his time on earth as he awaits a heavenly transfiguration. Admission: $10 adults, $5 senior citizens and children 12 and older. Free admission for children younger than 12 when accompanied by an adult. Information: csoindiana.org.