Arts & entertainment news Sept. 17-23
Published 12:00 am Thursday, September 17, 2015
- 'Calendar Girls' opens tonight
‘Calendar Girls’ by Tim Firth opens tonight
“Calendar Girls” by Tim Firth, a Center for Faith and the Arts’ St. Thomas Players production, directed by Claudia Galup and presented by Lee Street theatre, opens tonight to a sold-out crowd.
Based on the true story of eleven British women and the 2003 movie staring Helen Mirren, “Calendar Girls” follows a group of middle-aged women from the Knapeley Women’s Institute through their fundraising scheme to support the local cancer center — by producing a nude calendar starring themselves. Along the way, friendships are tested as egos are challenged, and secrets — among other things — are bared.
“You might think you’re coming to see a show about the making of a calendar,” says Linda Jones who plays Jessie, a retired schoolteacher and Miss January, “but by the time you get to that part, you will have become part of a group of friends you won’t forget.”
The women in the play are inspired to raise the funds after the loss of one of their husbands to cancer. For many of the cast members, this theme hits close to home.
“My mom died of bladder cancer two years ago and I remember feeling so alone,” says cast member Danielle Rhodes. “Just knowing that there are others that feel the same way is eye opening. You don’t feel so alone when you can relate your situation to others. That’s what’s so beautiful about this play. My mom would have loved it and laughed a lot!”
Jennifer Hubbard portrays Ruth, a reluctant Miss November. “During the process of putting this show on the stage, we’ve all kept in mind the people we know who have suffered from leukemia or lymphoma,” Hubbard says. “Ran Turner has been my guiding sunflower on this one.”
The cast has also produced their own calendar, which will be for sale at all performances. Each calendar is $15 and all proceeds will go to Novant Health Foundation at Rowan Medical Center toward the purchase of its first 3D mammography scanner.
“I can guarantee that this has not happened, nor will it ever again happen, with any other play in which I’ve played a role,” says Hubbard of the calender.
The play opens tonight. Performances are Sept. 17-19 and 24-26 at 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 20 at 2:30 p.m. This play contains “revealing” situations, adult themes, and some language.
All performances at the Lee Street Theatre and Performing Arts Center at the Tom and Martha Smith Event Center, 329 N. Lee St. Check ticket availability at www.leestreet.org or at 704-310-5507.
Tickets available for Sacred Spaces Trolley Tour
Sacred Spaces Trolley Tours, presented in partnership with the Salisbury Visitors Bureau, is an annual offering by Center for Faith & the Arts that allows individuals a unique way to experience Rowan County’s worship centers all on the trolley. This year’s tour will be held on Sunday. Oct. 4 from 2 until 5 p.m.
The tour begins at Center for Faith & the Arts, 207 W. Harrison St. Call 704-647-0999 for details or visit www.faithart.org
A Tupperware party gone awry
CONCORD — Old Courthouse Theatre presents the Living Room Reading Series production of “Sealed for Freshness, A Tupperware Party Gone Awry.”
This regional premiere, directed and produced by Jonathan M. Ewart, is rated PG 13.
The staged reading is Sunday, Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. on the main stage. There is no admission charge.
Set in 1968 during the heyday of Tupperware parties, hostess Bonnie invites a group of neighbors over for a party. The guest list: perky, rich Jean, Jean’s cranky and very pregnant sister Sinclair, ditzy-blonde Tracy Ann, and new neighbor Diane, who’s made quite a career selling Tupperware, but at the expense of her marriage. The mix of personalities and the number of martinis consumed lead to a great deal of absurd high jinks plus revelations of an equal number of secrets and insecurities.
A staged reading is a production where the actors are reading the script on stage without sets and costumes.
OCT is located at 49 Spring St. NW, 704-788-2405, www.oldcourthousetheatre.org
Pregnancy support center’s annual walk for life
The Pregnancy Support Center’s Annual Walk for Life will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 at the J.F. Hurley YMCA. Walker registration, refreshments, music, games, activities and the (non-competitive) 2 mile walk
For more information, visit www.RowanFriendsForLife.org or call 704-633-7695.
PPT announces ‘Cabaret!’ dance master class
Come and learn the style, technique and inspiration behind one of the most popular musicals of all time. Choreographer Tod Kubo will lead an intensive master class that will include the dance styles featured in Piedmont Players Theatre’s upcoming spring musical “Cabaret!”
The class, for ages 16 and older, is Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St. The cost is $20. Only 20 spots are available. Call 704-633-5471 or email md@piedmontplayers.com to sign up.
Recommended attire: women — all black fitted dance clothing and character shoes; men — all fitted black dance clothing and jazz shoes.
About the instructor: Since 1993, Tod Kubo has directed and choreographed his way across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Kubo has choreographed and directed such PPT hits as “Dreamgirls,” “The Color Purple,” “Spamalot,” “Leap of Faith,” “Chicago” and “Cats!”
About “Cabaret!”: Cliff Bradshaw, an American author working on a novel in Berlin, encounters Sally Bowles at the seedy Kit Kat Klub where she sings. When she is fired by the club’s owner, also her jealous boyfriend, she moves in with Cliff and the two fall in love. As the Nazis begin taking control of the German government, the atmosphere of the Kit Kat Klub and the lives of Cliff and Sally begin to change dramatically.
Winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical; winner of 3 Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical.
RSVP for Crosby Scholars’ BBQ, Bands, & Boots
2 pics Good Eats, Good Music, Great Cause! Join us for the Second Annual BBQ, Bands, & Boots fundraiser to benefit Rowan County Crosby Scholars on Friday, Sept. 25 from 6 to 11 p.m. in the F&M Trolley Barn.
The evening’s entertainment features high-energy bluegrass and beyond-bluegrass music of The Railsplitters from Boulder, Colorado. Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q will serve up slow-smoked BBQ pork and chicken, sides, and dessert. Beer, wine, and Cheerwine will be provided. And back by popular demand – Bourbon on the Bread Truck with specially-selected top shelf bourbons. Additional musical performances by mandolin sensation Jonah Horton & Friends and the Bemus Kids. And we have a few surprises in store.
Admission prices are $45/person and $80/couple. Make your reservations online at www.crosbyscholarsrowan.org or mail your check to Rowan County Crosby Scholars, 225 N. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144.
All proceeds will directly support our Last Dollar Grant program. Last Dollar Grants are need-based scholarships for Rowan County Crosby Scholars seniors who have unmet financial need to attend their college of choice.
Free FallFest concert by Salem Band on Sunday
Featuring the Music of John Williams with appearances by Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers
WINSTON-SALEM — Mark your calendars for the FallFest “John Williams Spectacular” performance by Salem Band on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. All featured music at the concert is by John Williams, with special guests Darth Vader and Stormtroopers from the 501st Carolina Garrison and costumed actors from Twin City Stage.
All Salem Band concerts are performed on historic Salem Square at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Salem Band’s concert is free for everyone!
“Salem Band was formed in 1771 and is one of the oldest bands in America,” Salem Band Music Director Eileen Young said. “The John Williams Spectacular promises to be lively, fun music for the whole family. Kids will especially enjoy seeing and interacting with Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers.”
Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The rain date is Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m.
Brown Bag Lunch Jam
WHAT: Brown Bag Lunch Jam
WHEN: Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays in September
WHERE: Eastern Gateway Park, corner of East Innes and Depot streets
HOW MUCH: No charge
Grab a friend, grab a blanket and grab a spot at Brown Bag Lunch Jam. For consecutive Wednesdays in September (two remaining — Sept. 23 and 30), a free outdoor concert series will be taking place in Downtown Salisbury. These concerts are a great place for the community to socialize and enjoy the lunch hour during those fantastic Salisbury Fall days.
For more information, email vkoon@salisburync.gov or visit www.downtownsalisburync.com/
Coming up: Concord’s Cocktail Crawl
CONCORD — Cocktail Crawl combines the history of NASCAR with legal moonshine. Visit during race week and sample custom cocktails created by downtown Concord restaurants using locally distilled moonshine.
Purchase official Cocktail Crawl Fall 2015 mason jars in advance at www.concorddowntown.com/events then use your mason jar anytime from Oct. 2-11 to enjoy a $3 taste of a specialty cocktail at participating restuarants.
There are only 350 jars available. All who purchase a Cocktail Crawl Fall 2015 mason jar will be able to vote online for their favorite moonshine beverage.
In addition, show your mason jar in participating shops and restaurants throughout the event for specials discounts. For more information, visit /www.concorddowntown.com/events
Free FallFest concert by Salem Band on Sunday
Featuring the Music of John Williams with appearances by Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers
WINSTON-SALEM — Mark your calendars for the FallFest “John Williams Spectacular” performance by Salem Band on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m. All featured music at the concert is by John Williams, with special guests Darth Vader and Stormtroopers from the 501st Carolina Garrison and costumed actors from Twin City Stage.
All Salem Band concerts are performed on historic Salem Square at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. Salem Band’s concert is free for everyone!
“Salem Band was formed in 1771 and is one of the oldest bands in America,” Salem Band Music Director Eileen Young said. “The John Williams Spectacular promises to be lively, fun music for the whole family. Kids will especially enjoy seeing and interacting with Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers.”
Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The rain date is Tuesday, Sept. 29, 7 p.m.
Mean Mug events this weekend
Mean Mug Coffee Co. kicks off The Storied Brew Storytelling Night on Saturday, Sept. 19 and every first and third Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m.
On the first and third Saturdays each month, we will have an open mic for storytellers which will showcase true stories from our storytellers’ lives as well as humorous stories and tall tales.
Each evening will be hosted by a local storyteller and each person who signs up will have an approximate 15 minute block of time to tell their story. It is our hope that through sharing our stories, we may leave each evening not only entertained but with a deeper understanding of each other and what makes us who we are!
We would like to know if you are interested in sharing a story or two on our first evening on the 19th and wish to sign folks up in advance to assure plenty of participation as we kick off this new event. RSVP to MM’s Facebook page or send an email to meanmugcoffeecompany@yahoo.com
Open time slots will also be available on a first come, first served basis this Saturday night as well as during upcoming weeks.
This Sunday’s Summer Concert Series features singer/songwriter Scott Gibson on Sunday, Sept. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Gibson is a familiar musical figure in and around Lexington and Salisbury and frequently joins us for our Java Jam Open Mic on Friday evenings.
OCT’s third annual 10 Minute Play winners announced
CONCORD — Old Courthouse Theatre’s third annual 10-Minute Play Festival, open to North and South Carolina authors, announces its 2015 winners on the theme of It Was a Dark and Stormy Night:
“Campfire” by Greg Stump
“Five!” by Greg Stump
“The House of Your Screams” by Elaine Alexander
“She’s Not Frankenstein’s Bride Anymore” by Elaine Alexander
“Terrorizing Frankenstein” by Andy Rassler
“Trick or Treat” by Andy Rassler
Performances dates are Oct. 29-30 at 8 p.m., Oct 31 at 10 p.m. and Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m.
Visit www.oldcourthousetheatre.org for more information.
West Rowan Bible Teachers benefit concert
MT. ULLA — This outdoor concert is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m.at Back Creek Presbyterian Church, 2145 Back Creek Church Road.
Bing finger food or dessert and a chair and enjoy of evening of music with with The Back Creek Bluegrass Boys, The Jones Sisters and The Bemus Kids.
An offering will be takien to support the WRBTA. For more information, call 704-278-9549.’
Kerr Street UMC hosts Truhitte in dinner theater
CONCORD — Dan Truhitte, who played in the role of Rolf in “The Sound Of Music,” lives in Concord and attends Kerr Street United Methodist Church. In honor of the movie’s 50th anniversary, Truhitte will present a dinner theater benefit show, sharing personal memories of the making of the movie. Proceeds will support the missions and ministry of Kerr Street United Methodist Church. The event is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. Tickets for the dinner and show are $25 per plate.
Kerr Street UMC, is located at 419 Kerr St. NW. For reservations or information, call 704-782-4224 or email at kerrstreetsecretary@carolina.rr.com
Barbara Eden and Clint Howard at Mayberry Days, Sept. 24-27
MOUNT AIRY — Barbara Eden and Clint Howard will make guest appearances at the 26th annual Mayberry Days festival, Sept. 24-27 in Andy Griffith’s hometown.
Both actors are visiting Mount Airy for the first time. Eden played the role of Mayberry’s first manicurist in a well-known episode, while Howard appeared in several episodes as Leon, a cowboy-hat wearing youngster who always had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in his pocket.
Hometown sweetheart Betty Lynn, who played Barney Fife’s girlfriend Thelma Lou, will make several appearances, along with Maggie Peterson (Charlene Darling); Morgan Brittany (Opie’s girlfriend Mary Alice Carter); Ronnie Schell (two different characters); George Lindsey Jr. (son of George “Goober” Lindsey), and several other actors from the show.
Rodney Dillard, one of the Darling Boys, will play a bluegrass concert, and Karen Knotts will perform “Tied Up in Knotts,” a one-person stage show she wrote in tribute to her late father.
Other activities include a golf tournament, Colonel Tim’s Talent Time, trivia contests, a barbecue cook-off, and the Mayberry Days Parade. Fans also enjoy meeting tribute artists like Mayberry Deputy David Browning, and attending the annual meeting of The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club (TAGSRWC).
Mayberry Days is comprised of free and ticketed events spread over four days. For a complete schedule and details, call (336) 786-7998, or go to: www.mayberrydays.com.
About Post Lifestyles
Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalPostLifestyle/ and Twitter @postlifestlyes for more content
More by Post
