Comedy
Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte July 11: OTC Improv. 650 E. Stonewall St. otcimprov.com.
Amos’ Southend June 17: Jeff Ross. 1423 S. Tryon St. 704-377-6874. amossouthend.com.
Belk Theater May 28: Jay Leno. 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
Comfort Suites University June 6: Showkase Comedy “Classic Man” Summer Fundraiser Part 1. 7735 University City Blvd. showkasecomedy.com
The Comedy Zone Charlotte at N.C. Music Factory May 28-30: Iliza Shlesinger; May 31: Fight Night Comedy Competition; June 1: T.J. Miller; June 2: 180 Seconds Open Mic Night; June 3: Sid Davis; June 4-6: Bobby Lee; June 7: The Freestyle Funny Comedy Show; June 9: Fight Night Comedy Competition; June 11-13: Sarah Colonna; June 14: Funny On The Fly; June 16: 180 Seconds Open Mic Night; June 17: Almost Famous Comedy Show; June 23: Fight Night Comedy Competition; June 24-27: The Rich Guzzi Comedy Hypnosis Show; June 30: Wild West Open Mic Night; July 1-4: DS Sanders; July 7: 180 Seconds Open Mic Night; July 9-11: Dominique; July 14: Fight Night Comedy Competition; July 16-18: Moshe Kasher; July 19: Funny On The Fly; July 21: Night of 500 Laughts: Laughs-Per-Minute-Challenge; July 23-25: Don “DC” Curry; July 28: Johnny Millwater: 20 Years of Obscurity; July 30-Aug. 1: Steve Byrne; Aug. 4: Fight Night Comedy Competition Championship; Aug. 13-16: Huggy Lowdown; Aug. 20-22: John Heffron; Aug. 23: Funny On The Fly Finale; Aug. 27-29: Lachlan Patterson w/ Joe Machi; Sept. 3-6: David Alan Grier; Sept. 10-12: Brent Morin; Sept. 15: Tom Segura; 900 N.C. Music Factory Blvd., Suite B3. 980-321-4702. cltcomedyzone.com.
Knight Theater July 11: Paula Poundstone; July 28: Anjelah Johnson-Reyes as Bon Qui Qui. 430 S. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
Ovens Auditorium June 19: Weird Al Yankovic; Aug. 23: Miranda Sings. 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-3600. ovensauditorium.com.
UpStage May 29-30: Robot Johnson. June 5: Improv Charlotte. 3306 N. Davidson St., Suite C 704-430-4821. upstagenoda.com.
Film
Back Alley Film Series Screening A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence. June 10, 7:30 p.m. Carolina Cinemas, 9630 Monroe Road. 704-847-2024. carolinacinemas.com.
It’s Elementary: Sherlock Holmes On The Screen Series June 13: Screening The Hound of Baskervilles; June 20: Screening The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes; July 11: Screening Sherlock Jr.; July 18: Screening A Study In Pink. All screenings at 2 p.m. ImaginOn’s Wells Fargo Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St. 704-416-4600. imaginon.org.
Latino Film Series: CineMás Screening Mateo. July 8, 6 p.m. Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org.
Modernism + Film Screening Contempt. June 16, 6 p.m. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. 704-353-9200. bechtler.org.
Movies on the Lawn June 19: Screening Big Hero; July 14: Screening Holiday Inn; Aug. 14: Screening Epic. Films begin at 5 p.m. Sharon Presbyterian Church, 5201 Sharon Road.
Theater/performing arts
Annie The warm-hearted musical is set to the book and scores by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. Featuring songs like “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” “Tomorrow” and more. July 14-15, 7:30 p.m.; July 16, 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; July 17, 8 p.m.; July 18, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; July 19, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
Bloom III Bloom is a performance arts showcase, brought to you by Satarah and featuring everything from aerial arts to fire performances to dance and an array of art. $15. Aug. 1, 7 p.m. Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St. 704-765-2467. chopshopnoda.com.
Bohemian Grove Described as “a Saturday morning cartoon, a tone poem on mortality and eternal life and a rambling farm party all wrapped up into one incredibly unique event.” Must make a reservation. For tickets and more details, email xoxoperformance@gmail.com. $50. May 28-30, 6:30 p.m. xoxoperformance.org.
Caught in the Act Performed by The Possibility Project members, the production tells behind-the-scenes stories from a Big Top Circus. $10-$20. May 29-30, 8 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
Charlotte Squawks: The 11th Glower Described as “Saturday Night Live meets Broadway meets the Queen City.” This 11th edition of Squawks, started by the likes of Mike Collins and Brian Kahn, features local performers and a script that picks fun at pop-culture, sports, life and politics, both local and national. June 5-6, 8 p.m.; June 10-11, 7:30 p.m.; June 12-13, 8 p.m.; June 16-18, 7:30 p.m.; June 19-20, 8 p.m.; June 23-25, 7:30 p.m.; June 26-27, 8 p.m.; June 28, 3 p.m. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
Circle Mirror Transformation Innate Productions presents this play by Annie Baker about a group of Vermont residents who get together weekly for an acting class at the local community center. June 25-28, 7:30 p.m. UpStage, 3306 N. Davidson St., Suite C. 704-430-4821. upstagenoda.com.
Closer Appalachian Creative Theatre presents this dark, yet humorous play about love and desire. June 12-14, 7 p.m.; June 19-21, 7 p.m. UpStage, 3306 N. Davidson St., Suite C. 704-430-4821. upstagenoda.com.
Cougar: The Musical A rock and roll musical about three older women’s sexual escapades dating younger men. June 4, 7:30 p.m.; June 5-6, 8 p.m.; June 10-11, 7:30 p.m.; June 12-13, 8 p.m.; June 17-18, 7:30 p.m.; June 19-20, 8 p.m.; June 21, 2:30 p.m.; June 24-25, 7:30 p.m.; June 26-27, 8 p.m. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. actorstheatrecharlotte.org.
Devils In The Pulpit This play tells the story of a Baptist church that changes with the arrival of a new pastor who brings his own set of problems and opens the doors to a congregation of secrets. $25-$40. July 18, 2 and 8 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
Dirty Dancing Broadway presents this musical based on the movie and featuring a must needed blend of music, romance, and dancing. June 16, 8 p.m.; June 17-18, 7:30 p.m.; June 19, 8 p.m.; June 20, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; June 21, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
Dixie’s Tupperware Party The one-person, highly interactive show stars Dixie Longate, as a fast-talking Tupperware Lady, who has left her children in an Alabama trailer park to journey across America to sell from a Tupperware catalogue. $20 and up. June 30, 7:30 p.m.; July 1-2, 7:30 p.m.; July 3, 8 p.m.; July 4, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; July 5, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; July 7-9, 7:30 p.m.; July 10, 8 p.m.; July 11, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; July 12, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; July 14-16, 7:30 p.m.; July 17, 8 p.m.; July 18, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; July 19, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
Hairspray Theatre Charlotte presents this classic musical about stardom and diversity. $10-$15. July 17, 7:30 p.m.; July 18, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; July 19, 2:30 p.m. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road. 704-376-3777. theatrecharlotte.org.
Inc. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents this show about a call center representative that can’t sleep. Desperate to cure her insomnia, Ada must confront her regrets, both in the past and the present. Sept. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 4-5, 8 p.m.; Sept. 9-10, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 11-12, 8 p.m.; Sept. 13, 2:30 p.m.; Sept. 16-17, 7:30 p.m. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. actorstheatrecharlotte.org.
Jesus Christ Superstar Theatre Charlotte presents this rock opera about the final days of Jesus’ life. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. $27. May 28, 7:30 p.m.; May 29-30, 8 p.m.; May 31, 2:30 p.m. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road. 704-376-3777. theatrecharlotte.org.
La Cage Aux Folles A middle-aged gay couple agrees to hide their relationship when their son returns home with his fiancee’s conservative parents. A tale of one family’s struggle to please one another while staying true to themselves. Sept. 11-12, 8 p.m.; Sept. 13, 2:30 p.m.; Sept. 16-17, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 18-19, 8 p.m.; Sept. 20, 2:30 p.m.; Sept. 22-24, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 25-26, 8 p.m.; Sept. 27, 2:30 p.m. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road. 704-376-3777. theatrecharlotte.org.
The Loss World Monologues Directed by Glenda Kale and adapted from the book of the same title by Mary London Szpara. The play follows a story of love, loss and life changing experiences. Presented by Londonvox Productions Inc. June 5-6, 7:30 p.m. UNC-Charlotte Cone Center (McKnight Hall), 9201 University City Blvd. uncc.edu.
Mamma Mia Broadway hit musical that combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with a tale of love, laughter and friendship. June 30, 7:30 p.m.; July 1-2, 7:30 p.m.; July 3, 8 p.m.; July 4, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; July 5, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
Motown The Musical This Broadway musical tells the the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from boxer to music mogul (jump starting the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and more). Aug. 25-27, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 28, 8 p.m.; Aug. 29, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Aug. 30, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sept. 1-3, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 4, 8 p.m.; Sept. 5, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sept. 6, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
NextStep A repertory concert from the youth ensemble that features new works by Caroline Calouche, Constance Stamatiou, Amanda Grant and Sarah Johns. $8-$10. May 31, 7 p.m. Patricia McBride & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance, 701 N. Tryon St. carolinecalouche.org.
Once Upon A Pastie Big Mamma D and her entourage of burlesque performers put a zesty twist to the Disney princesses and vixens that we know from fairytales. The show is a mix of classic vaudeville, variety and burlesque. May 30, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. UpStage, 3306 N. Davidson St., Suite C. 704-430-4821. upstagenoda.com.
Pocket Imagination comes alive as PlayPlay! explores the many surprises we find hidden within our pockets. Children and guardians can experience the story together, with pre- and post-show activities. $12. June 2, 10 a.m.; June 3, 10 a.m. and noon; June 4, 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; June 5, 10 a.m. and noon; June 6, 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. ImaginOn’s Wells Fargo Playhouse, 300 E. 7th St.
Rock of Ages Travel back to the ’80s to enjoy music from hair bands like Journey, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, and more. July 23, 7:30 p.m.; July 24-25, 8 p.m.; July 29-30, 7:30 p.m.; July 31, 8 p.m.; Aug. 1, 8 p.m.; Aug. 2, 2:30 p.m.; Aug. 5-6, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 7-8, 8 p.m.; Aug. 9, 2:30 p.m.; Aug. 12-13, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 14-15, 8 p.m. Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. actorstheatrecharlotte.org.
Rocky Horror Show COTU presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show live on stage.$15-$25. May 28-29, 8 p.m.; May 30, 8 p.m. & 11:45 p.m. 100 Gardens, 200 E. 36th St. citizensoftheuniverse.org
Seven Guitars Playwright August Wilson explores the meaning of humanity through jazz in a play about a Chicago jailbird turned jazz sensation. Presented by On Q Productions. $28. May 28, 7:30 p.m.; May 29-30, 8 p.m.; May 31, 3 p.m.; June 3-4, 7:30 p.m.; June 5-6, 8 p.m. Duke Energy Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org
The Toddler’s Ball Viral YouTuber Todrick Hall brings his wacky cast of characters to sing, laugh and twerk the night away. June 29, 7:30 p.m. McGlohon Theater, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. blumenthalarts.org.
Wizard of Oz A one-hour adaptation of the classic story, based on the film and featuring songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” and more. $10-$15. July 8-10, 10 a.m.; July 11, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; July 12, 2 p.m. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road. 704-376-3777. theatrecharlotte.org.
A Woman of No Importance This play by Oscar Wilde challenges the ideals of morality, piety, and social importance in a progressive battle of the sexes. Presented by PaperHouse Theatre and directed by Kimberly Parati. For more information, visit paperhousetheatre.com. June 5-7, 8 p.m.; June 12-14, 8 p.m. The Frock Shop, 901 Central Ave. frockshoprevival.com.
Visual Arts
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art The Art Books of Henri Matisse. An exhibition of art books by one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Henri Matisse. Includes 80 framed original illustrations with text from some of Matisse’s most significant books, including Jazz, one of the most celebrated artists’ books in the history of modern art. Through Sept. 7. 420 S. Tryon St. 704-353-9200. www.bechtler.org.
Charlotte Fine Art Gallery Coastal Life. Featuring oil paintings by Charlotte artist Amy Schwarz, along with represented artists at CFA. Opening reception on Friday, June 5, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 3-27. Celebrating Carolina Artists. Featuring a variety of works by North and South Carolina artists that are represented by CFAG. Reception on July 18, 5 p.m. to 8 pm. July 1-31. 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 9 A. 704-541-0741. charlottefineart.com
Ciel Gallery: A Fine Art Collective Beach Party. The exhibit celebrates the joys of summer and sun featuring works by metal sculpture artist Amy Hart, mosaic artist Teresa Hollmeyer, mixed media artist Jen Walls and painter Laura McRae Hitchcock. June 5-27. Collaboratus. Ciel gallery artist members will embark on an artistic journey of enabling art to build on art. Each artist will take the challenge to join forces with one or more other artists to create original works of art. Artists will use works from musicians, poets and dancers, as a muse to spark a new artistic creation. July 3-25. Entwined. The exhibit will feature works by two artists, including fiber artist Sydney Sogol and mixed media painter Tina Alberni. Each will be presenting new work that ties together in some way. Aug. 7-29. 128 E. Park Ave., Suite C. 980-202-2435. cielcharlotte.com.
Dish It Came From Saturday Morning. Retro comic and cartoon art by Mike Wirth. Through June 4. 1220 Thomas Ave. 704-344-0343. eatatdish.com.
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture Venturing Out of the Heart of Darkness. This exhibit examines the impact of colonialism on societal attitudes that define black culture in America. Through June 26. Charlotte Collects Elizabeth Catlett: A Centennial Celebration. The exhibit is a centennial commemoration of Elizabeth Catlett’s life and work. Includes examples of her two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, as well as photographs of Catlett throughout her life. July 18-Dec. 31. 551 South Tryon St. 704-547-3700. ganttcenter.org.
Jerald Melberg Gallery Solo Exhibit: Charles Basham. Featuring new paintings and pastels by Charles Basham. Through June 20. 625 South Sharon Amity Road. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.
LaCa Projects Collective. The exhibition celebrates LaCa’s two-year anniversary and showcases a variety of artists, including Ricardo “Chino” Morales (Costa Rica), Otto Apuy (Costa Rica), Jeannine Marchand (Puerto Rico), Cristina Toro (Puerto Rico), Leandro Manzo (Argentina), Alicia de la Campa (Cuba), Juan Carlos Verdial (Cuba), and Santiago Quesnel (Argentina), Vincente Hernandez (Cuba), Juan Dolhare (Argentina) and Roberto Marquez (Mexico). Through June 5. Latin American Masters: The Quest of Printmaking. This exhibit takes the viewer on a journey that explores printmaking by five Latin American artists, including Guillermo Kuitca, Fernando De Szyszlo, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Oswaldo Guayasamin, and Wifredo Lam. Opening reception on Thursday, June 11, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 11-Aug. 21. 1429 Bryant St. 704-837-1688. lacaprojects.com.
Lark & Key Gallery and Boutique Cross Pollination. A mixed media exhibit featuring art by Duy Huynh, Angie Renfro, Vicki Sawyer, Mary Alayne Thomas, Jenny Brown, Kelcey Loomer, Beatriz Mendoza and Liz Saintsing. Through May 30. Dwellings. The exhibit features new works by Janet Eskridge, Duy Huynh, guest artist Sarah Kaufman and potters Amy Sanders and Barbara Chadwick. Opening reception on June 5, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. June 5-July 25. The Language of Flowers. The exhibit features new works by Duy Huynh, Judy Klich, Vicki Sawyer and Mary Alayne Thomas. There will also be pottery by Jennifer Mecca and Julie Wiggins. Opening reception on August 7, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 7-Sept. 26. 128 E. Park Ave., Suite B. 704-334-4616. larkandkey.com.
The Light Factory Annuale. Featuring works by Diana Bloomfield, Micah Cash, Beth Lilly, Michael Joseph, Jeremy Underwood and Carl R. Wilson. Through June 6. The Light Factory Members’ Exhibition. This exhibit will feature works by Light Factory members. Juror’s talk and awards presentation on Friday, June 19, 6:30 p.m. June 19-Aug. 7. The Light Factory Summer Camps Exhibition. Reception for the exhibit on Friday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21-30. 1817 Central Ave. 704-333-9755. lightfactory.org.
Mint Museum Uptown America the Beautiful: Works on Paper from Mint Museum. The exhibit features 150 works on paper by an assortment of American artists, spanning more than 150 years of art history. July 2-Oct. 4. Halston & Warhol: Silver & Suede. A captivating exhibition that unites the work of Roy Halston Frowick and Andy Warhol. It offers a unique perspective on the intersections between their lives and creative practices. Through June 14. Body Embellishment. The exhibit explores innovative artistic expression in the 21st-century international arenas of body extension, augmentation, and modification, focusing on jewelry, tattoos, nail arts, and fashion. Through Sept. 5. Romare Bearden Gallery. A permanent gallery devoted to the work of Romare Bearden (1911-1988), who was born in Charlotte. Bearden is best known for his groundbreaking use of collage and vibrant portrayals of American life, depicting subjects that range from contemporary urban scenes to nostalgic recollections of the rural South. Kristina Rogers: Into the Labyrinth. Rogers combines aspects of art history, religion, and mythology with her own biography and private mementos to create intricately constructed images. 500 S. Tryon St. 704-337-2000. mintmuseum.org.
Providence Gallery Gallery Artists Show. An eclectic exhibit of new paintings by over thirty local and regional artists. Through May 30. 601 Providence Road, Suite A. 704-333-4535. providencegallery.net.
This article appears in May 27 – Jun 2, 2015.
