Thursday, Jan. 17 If you can't poke fun at America, who can you poke fun at? That's the kind of mindset behind the Reduced Shakespeare Company's take on the Complete History of America (abridged). "From Washington to Watergate, yea verily from the Bering Straits to Baghdad, from New World to New World Order," nothing is sacred. If you witnessed the devastation wreaked by these three cultural guerillas upon All the Great Books in 2005 at Spirit Square, you're pre-sold on RSC's encore desecration. Four-day run through Jan. 20. 8 p.m. $29.50-$34.50. Booth Playhouse, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
Friday, Jan. 18 How do you celebrate 100 years of service to mankind? Bring in man singer Eric Roberson and have a party. Sounds "pretty" enough for the first Black Greek sorority. But, you never can tell. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Rho Psi Omega Chapter and The Sol Kitchen present The Centennial featuring Eric Roberson & Friends. NOTE: If you want to stand out at the party, wear something besides pink or green. Tickets available at Da Shoppe, Baseline Cutz, and www.charlottevibe.com. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $30 ADV. Grand Central, 1000 Central Ave. 704-287-7653. www.thesolkitchen.com. (Cheris Hodges)
Saturday, Jan. 19 Ready for a trip down memory lane? Whaddya mean you can't recall when gas was less than a dollar a gallon? No recollection of TV's distant past (before regular cable even) when there were only enough channels to count on one hand? Ever had to put in work to call your BFF? If none of this is ringing a bell, you might consider consulting Rockwell's America. This new exhibit celebrates the art of one of our finest artists. All 322 Norman Rockwell covers from the Saturday Evening Post will be featured along with plenty of interactive areas that drag you into the past. This exhibit runs through April 30. Free with regular admission. Discovery Place, 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261. www.discoveryplace.org.
Sunday, Jan. 20 OK, so you wake up one morning and POOF! ... there are no black people. At first you think, naw that can't be right. Black people are everywhere. Hell, the African Diaspora covers a great deal of the world from the Americas clear across the Middle East and into Europe and Asia. Can you imagine a day where you saw no one of African descent? That's the plot behind On Q Productions' A Day of Absence. This presentation follows the events in a small Southern town where folks have gone missing. The twist: all the characters are Caucasian, but played by African-Americans. Funny to be sure. Seating is limited. Free. Levine Museum of the New South, 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887 ext. 501. www.museumofthenewsouth.org.