Arts Agenda 

Classical Music

C'est Magnifique! Guest artist Jeff Ferdon, bass viol. Co-sponsored by Alliance Francaise of Charlotte. www.carolinapromusica.org. Fri., Oct. 24, 8:15 p.m. $15 regular admission, $7.50 for students/seniors. St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 1510 E. 7th St. 704-334-3468.

Frankenstein, The Rock Opera Conceived by two Davidson students, Mary Shelley's gothic masterpiece comes alive with ballads and rock music. Contains mature themes. Oct. 22-25 at 8pm and Oct. 26 at 7pm. Tickets are $15. Duke Performance Hall, Davidson College, Davidson. 704-894-2135.

Jazz Ensemble Concert www.uncc.edu/music. Thu., Oct. 23, 8 p.m. No cover charge. Rowe Recital Hall, UNCC.

Nabucco Giuseppe Verdi's opera of power, revenge and salvation. Presented by Opera Carolina. Sung in Italian w/ projected English titles. www.operacarolina.org. Oct. 23, 7:30pm. Oct. 25, 8pm. Oct. 26, 2pm. $10-$79. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

UNCC Symphonic Wind Ensemble With featured trumpet soloist Michael Miller. Fri., Oct. 24, 8 p.m. Free. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-687-2472.

Comedy

Bayou Kitchen Extreme Improv. Live improvised comedy created from your suggestions. Visit www.extremeimprov.com for more information. Call for reservations. Fridays: Long Form Fridays, scenes and monologues from a single audience suggestion, $5; Saturdays: improv comedy with audience suggestions, Rated R, $10. 8pm both nights. 1958 E 7th St. 1-866-467-7681.

Central Ave Playhouse Psychotic Pooch. Live Sketch Comedy and improv. Material is NC-17, seating is limited. Call for reservations. Fri., Sat., 11 p.m. $10. 1118 Clement Ave. 704-502-8423.

The Comedy Zone Upcoming Performances. Oct. 17-18: Craig Shoemaker. Oct. 17, 8pm & 10:15pm; Oct. 18 7pm, 9pm, 11pm. www.comedyzone.net. $17.50. Mathis Madness. With Mark Mathis, from TV's Fox Edge. Sundays. 516 N. College St., Visit www.thecomedyzone.net. 704-348-4242.

Dance

A Devil's Dance Moving Poets open their 7th season with the tale of a wager between God and the Devil over a man's soul. This production is intended for mature audiences. www.movingpoets.org. Oct. 23-26 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1. Times Thu-Sat at 8pm, Sunday at 7pm. $12 to $20. Hart-Witzen Gallery, 136 E. 36 St. 704-527-6683.

Museums

Charlotte Museum of History Civil War Lantern Tour. Take a walk back in time and relive the turbulent Civil War years. Sat., Oct. 18, 7-10 p.m. The Faces of Our State. Through June 2004. Soldier's Stories: War in the First Person. Continues through Sept. 30, 2004. Where Eagles Soar. This collaborative exhibit with the Carolina Raptor Center compares and contrasts eagles in their natural habitats with their symbolic and historical importance. Exhibit runs Oct. 4 through Apr. 4. 3500 Shamrock Dr. 704-568-1774.

Discovery Place Omnimax. Now showing: Top Speed, Journey Into Amazing Caves and Coral Reef Adventure. Speed. Exhibit and experience delivering a high-speed plunge into the world of high-performance, limit-stretching and barrier-smashing motion. Through Feb. 2004. 301 N. Tryon St. 704-372-6261.

Levine Museum of the New South Cotton Fields to Sky Scrapers. Tue.-Sun. Elmwood/Pinewood Cemetery Walking Tour. The Cemetery is located two blocks west of 6th and Graham Streets. Look for tour signs. Tours last approximately one hour and involve walking on uneven ground. There are no toilet facilities. Sat., Oct. 18, 11 a.m. Free. A Portion of the People: 300 Years of Southern Jewish Life. Exhibit runs Sept. 14 through Nov. 30. 200 E. 7th St. 704-333-1887.

Mint Museum of Art All Aglow. Through February 15, 2004. The Art of Romare Bearden. The museum will put on display its 19 remaining works by Charlotte native. Through Jan. 4. Burlon Craig and His Legacy. Continues through Oct. 19. Fashions of the Crinoline Era: 1840-1865. Through May 2004. Vantage Point 1. Julie Moos: Friends and Enemies, featuring portraits of couples who are either best friends or worst enemies and places them against a non-descript background. Exhibit through Dec. 7. Raphael to Monet. Features 58 masterpieces from one of the nation's most celebrated collections of European art from the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. Exhibit runs Oct. 18 through Jan. 11. 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000.

Mint Museum of Craft & Design American Quilt Classics 1800 - 1980: The Charles and Fleur Bresler Collection. Through Jan. 4, 2004. Sculptural Radiance: The Jewelry & Objects of Linda MacNeil. A fusion of glass and gold, featuring 25 works. Through November 23. Tradition & Change: 19th and 20th Century Craft At The Mint. Ongoing exhibit. Tue.-Sun. 220 N. Tryon St. 704-337-2009.

Museum of York County Eye to Eye: Photography by Kim Wolhuter. Through Dec. 14. Piecing a Quilt of Life: World Connections. Features contemporary art quilts made by 23 women with stories to tell. Exhibit runs through Apr. 25, 2004. 4621 Mount Gallant Rd., Rock Hill. 803-329-2121.

Spoken Word

Afro-American Cultural Center Queen City Soul Slam. An opportunity for local poets to participate in a nationally recognized performance art competition. www.aacc-charlotte.org. Wed., Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Poets pay $3 to participate, public $5. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Main Library A Novello Evening with Jamaica Kincaid. Kincaid tempers the boundary between poetry and prose and is a visiting professor at Harvard. For tickets go to www.performingartsctr.org or call 704-372-1000. Wed., Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. A Novello Evening with Elaine Neil Orr. The NC State professor who has written her memoir, Gods of Noonday, will read from her work and talk about her life at a special Novello event. Sun., Oct. 26, 4 p.m. A Novello Evening with Robert Morgan. The "Gap Creek" author will read from his latest work, answer questions and talk about writing, this region and the Revolutionary War period. Send ticket requests with a check payable to PLCMC to: "A Novello Evening with Robert Morgan," Public Library, 310 N.Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202. Mon., Oct. 27, 6 p.m. Tickets are $15. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-6217.

Mert's Heart and Soul Uptown Saturday Nite. Featuring singers, rappers, and poets. Sign up for the Open Mic Showcase. Details: www.motifentertainment.com. Every second and last Saturday of the month at 10pm-until. $7 cover. 214 N. College St. 704-342-4222.

Neighborhood Theatre A Novello Evening with Marcela Serrano - En Espanol!. The award-winning Chilean-born author will present Novello's first all-Spanish program. Fri., Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. A Novello Evening with Neil Gaiman. During his 20 years as a writer English-born Neil Gaiman has been one of the top writers of modern graphic novels. Sat., Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. $15. A Novello Evening with Frances Mayes. Frances Mayes is the author of three best-selling non-fiction books about Italy. Formerly a professor at San Francisco State, she now devotes herself full time to writing. For tickets go to www.performingartsctr.org or call 704-372-1000. Mon., Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. A Novello Evening with Alice Sebold. As her work, The Lovely Bones, reflects, she is deeply interested in the issues of violence and family, and how individuals find hope in the modern world. This event is sold out. Fri., Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m. An Evening with Joyce Carol Oates. Although she has called herself "a serious writer, as distinct from entertainers or propagandists," Oates has enthralled a wide audience with some of the most controversial and enduring fiction of our time. For tickets go to www.performingartsctr.org or call. Sat., Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. 511 E. 36th St. 704-372-1000.

Southend Performing Arts Center BareBones Poetry Project. SPAC will feature regional authors reading selections of their poetry, short stories and performance poetry. Third Tuesday of every month, 8 p.m. 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Southminster Retirement Community Dannye Romaine Powell. Charlotte Observer journalist and poet will give poetry reading. Thu., Oct. 16, 7:15 p.m. Free. 704-554-0141.

Theater: Openings

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express This is a new national tour of the triumphant musical. A story of hope and love filled with thrills, stunts and roller-skating action. Oct. 21-23 at 8pm; Oct. 24 at 8:15pm; Oct. 25 at 2pm & 8:15pm; Oct. 26. at 2pm & 7:30pm. Tickets $23-$61. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-1000.

Animal Crackers This hallmark of Marx Brothers lunacy was recently revived on stage by Washington's Arena Stage. Oct. 16-18, 22-25 at 7:30pm; Oct. 19 at 2:30pm. Adults $15; students and seniors $12. Piedmont Players Theatre, 213 S. Main St., Salisbury. 704-633-5471.

Arsenic & Old Lace Joseph Kesselring's popular play, presented by Theatre Matthews and directed by June Bayless. www.matthewsplayhouse.com. Performances: Oct. 24-25, 8pm; Oct. 26, 2pm; Oct. 31, 8pm; Nov. 1, 8pm; Nov. 2, 2pm. $10-12. Theatre Matthews, 100 McDowell St, Matthews. 704-846-8343.

The Battle of Shallowford On a quiet October Sunday night in 1938 the regulars are gathered at Burton Mock's general store in Shallowford, NC, to talk about local gossip and "swapping lies" until the radio is turned on and they learn that Martians have invaded. Oct. 16-18, 8 p.m.; Oct. 19, 2:30 p.m.; Oct. 23-25, 8 p.m. Adults $15, seniors $12, children 12 and younger $8. Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring Street, NW, Concord. 704-788-2405.

CenterStage A tapestry of scenes, monologues, and soliloquies by local/regional lesbian and gay actors and playwrights. www.GayCharlotte.com. Fri., Oct. 17, 8 p.m. $7-$20. Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 1401 Central Ave. 704-333-0144.

Good Ol' Girls It's slightly naughty, frank, and an affirmation and celebration of womanhood that has been called "the Steel Magnolias of the stage." Fri., Oct. 24. $15/35. George A. Batte Jr. Fine Arts Center, Wingate University. 704-233-8300.

Hop-Frog Epic Arts Repertory Theatre presents Edgar Allan Poe's chilling tale of violent revenge masterminded by an insane and crippled court jester labeled "Hop-Frog" by his corpulent king. Performed by Stan Peal, directed by Laura Depta. Oct. 29-31, 8 p.m. $5. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Jar the Floor Presented by Charlotte Repertory Theatre. A look at family relationships and growing up and growing old. Recommended for mature audiences. Preview, October 18-22. Opening night October 23. October 24-November 9. Wednesday & Thursday 7:30pm, Friday & Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. $24-$38. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-348-5800.

Love Letters Play presented by Mooresville Community Theatre. Joe V. Knox Auditorium. Oct. 17-18, 23-25 at 8pm. $5. Mooresville Citizens Center, 215 N. Main St. 704-662-1025.

Miss Julie August Strindberg's classic naturalistic drama is a complex examination of the human psyche, and a love triangle between a count's daughter, her cook, and her father's valet. Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 8 p.m. $5 w/Winthrop ID, $10 General Admission. Winthrop University, Rock Hill. 803-323-2287.

Quills This exploration of the dark last days of the Marquis de Sade was a popular film starring Geoffry Rush. Written by Doug Wright and directed by John G. Hartness. Oct. 23-25, Oct. 29 - Nov. 1, Nov. 4-8. 8pm. Pay What You Can on Oct. 29. Off-Tryon Theatre, 3143 Cullman Ave. 704-375-2826.

To Kill a Mockingbird Misunderstanding, prejudice, racial typecasting and the pain of growing up are all examined in Christopher Sergel's adaption of Harper Lee's novel. Oct. 22-25, 8 p.m.; Oct. 26, 2 p.m. $5 students/seniors, $6 for UNCC faculty/ staff, $10 general public. Rowe Recital Hall, UNCC.

Theater: Ongoing

Actors Scene Unseen A series of live Internet broadcast plays featuring area playwrights, actors and directors. www.actorssceneunseen.com. Every other Friday, 8:30 p.m. Johnston Room, Hilton, 222 East Third St.

Bash Play by Neil Labute, performed by the BareBones Theatre Group. Oct. 2-19. Show times are 8pm Thu.-Sat., with a 3pm matinee on 10/19. "Pay What You Can Night," 10/6, 8pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Southend Performing Arts Center, 201 Rampart St. 704-332-5300.

Bridge to Terabithia One of the best-loved children's books, presented by Children's Theatre of Charlotte. Recommended for ages 8 and up. www.cltcharlotte.org. Performances: Oct. 10 at 7:30pm; Oct. 11 at 3pm & 7:30pm; Oct. 12 at 2pm; Oct. 17 at 7:30pm; Oct. 18 at 3pm. $10 general, $15 special reserved. Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000.

Copenhagen The 2000 Tony Award winner for Best Play, written by Michael Frayn. Oct. 16-18, 8 p.m. $10. Haid Theatre, Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Rd., Belmont.

The Rocky Horror Show Richard O'Brien's cult fave for the sweet transvestite in all of us. Directed by Carver Johns. Oct. 15-18, 8pm; Oct. 22-23, 8pm; Oct. 24-25, 8pm & 12am; Oct. 29-30, 8pm; Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 8pm & 12am. $20. Innervoices Theatre Company, 1118 Clement Ave. 704-502-8423.

Visual Arts: Openings

Charlotte Art League Unleashed. An open art exhibit featuring a range of media from local artists. In the CALeidoscope Gallery. Through Oct. 22. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Foust Studio 3. Contemporary art by Charlotte Foust, Linda LaCroix and Dina Lowery. Through October. 5200 Park Rd., Suite 115. 704-525-7989.

Heritage Hall, Livingstone College Johnnie Lee Gray. Rising Above Jim Crow: The Paintings of Johnnie Lee Gray. Oct. 22-Nov. 21. 701 W. Monroe St., Salisbury. 704-216-6155.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Charles Basham, Dale Chihuly. Features stimulating and emotionally charged landscapes as well as organic-looking glass works. Exhibit runs Oct. 25 through Dec. 27. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

The Light Factory Susan Kae Grant: Night Journey. Member's Portfolio - Anne Giordano: Animal Portraits. Reception Oct. 17, 6-9pm. Exhibit runs Oct. 18 through Nov. 29. www.lightfactory.org. Spirit Square, Knight Gallery, 345 N. College St. 704-333-9755.

McColl Center for Visual Art Artist Forum. Meet the artists for this open dialog about their work and the art community. Wed., Oct. 29, 7 p.m. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.

Redsky Gallery Christopher Gryder, Mark Levin, Michael Sugarman. Features ceramic tiles, wood pieces and pave diamond creations. Exhibit runs Oct. 17 through Nov. 18. 4705 Savings Pl., Suite 108. 704-552-5200.

The Art Preserve 3200 NODA Opening. Grand opening to inaugurate the new space with the works of Jan Kinslowe, Linda Vista, Eric Olsen and Jon Swab. Fri., Oct. 17, 6-9 p.m. 3200 A North Davidson. 704-358-8882.

Van Every Gallery, Davidson College Benjamin "Old Folks" Davis. First-ever exhibition of works by self-taught Charlotte artist who produced more than 300 works in a six-year period. Exhibit runs Oct. 16 through Dec. 10. John Hill. Features hyper-sexual, quirky and meticulous drawings of fantastic creatures in clustered scenarios. On exhibit in the Edward M. Smith Gallery. Runs Oct. 16 through Dec. 10. Davidson. 704-894-2519.

Visual Arts: Ongoing

Afro-American Cultural Center Blues In & Out and Bull Durham Festival Retrospective. Through Dec. 8. 401 N. Myers St. 704-374-1565.

Art Institute of Charlotte Gallery Marissa Pawelko. Features examples of her furniture design, product development and special events displays. Reception: Oct. 23, 5:30-7pm. Exhibit runs Oct. 3 through Oct. 31. 2110 Water Ridge Parkway. 704-357-8020.

Bank of America Plaza Maker versus Material. A two-location exhibit. Also on display at the First Citizens Building, 128 S. Tryon St. Continues through Nov. 21. 101 South Tryon Street. 704-373-1464.

Center of the Earth Gallery Ocean. An exhibition of new paintings by Jacob Cooley. Continues through Oct. 31. 3204 N Davidson St. 704-375-5756.

Charlotte Art League Unleashed - An Open Art Extravaganza. League members displaying talents through many styles and all mediums. Through October. 1517 Camden Rd. 704-376-2787.

Christa Faut Gallery Veronica's Veils. Solo exhibition of acrylic paintings by Herb Jackson. Through Nov. 17. 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312.

Clay on Camden Barbara Higgins. Clay artist. Through October. Robert Hasselle. Works in clay. Through Oct. 31. 1510 Camden Rd. 704-790-2326.

Cosmos Cafe Experiments In Vision. Exhibit traces the development of Violeta Moreno's style from quasi-realistic drawings to metaphysical paintings. Through November. 300 N. College St., Suite 101. 704-372-3553.

Das Maultier Art Gallery Store/Gallery. Art and design shop located in NODA with affordable art for novice to the serious collector. In the Colony. 3472 N. Davidson St. 704-333-0277.

ElderArt Gallery In My Time by Carl Blair. Exhibition of recent works celebrating the Appalachian landscape. Exhibit runs through Nov. 1. 1427 S. Blvd. 704-370-6337.

Gallery L, Main Library Flash! The Associated Press Covers the World. Experience the AP's greatest photographs, including many Pulitzer Prize winners, at this exhibit of over 130 images. Exhibit runs Oct. 12 through Nov. 30. 310 N. Tryon St. 704-336-2020.

Hidell Brooks Gallery Arless Day - Defining Collage: Awareness, Beauty & Creativity. The emphasis of the exhibit is detailed interiors which are full of plants, books and paintings. Through Nov. 1. 1910 S. Blvd. Suite 130. 704-334-7302.

Hodges Taylor Gallery Raymond Chorneau. New Monoprints - seductive and allusive images with a highly sophisticated palette. Exhibit runs August through Nov. 1. Mark Flowers, David Hooker. Mixed media narrative paintings and ceramic sculpture. www.hodgestaylor.com. Through Nov. 1. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-334-3799.

Jerald Melberg Gallery Stephen Glaesner. Exhibit of woodwork. Through Oct. 18. 3900 Colony Rd. 704-365-3000.

Joie Lassiter Gallery Horace Farlowe. "New Abstractions," sculpture by North Carolina native. Through October. 525 North Tryon Street, Suite 140. 704-373-1464.

Lesbian & Gay Community Center Kristin St. Martin. Exhibit of photographs. Through Nov. 15. 1401 Central Ave. 704-333-0144.

McColl Center for Visual Art Open House: Fall 2003 Artists-in-Residence. First look at this Themed Exhibition. Through Nov. 23. 721 N. Tryon St. 704-332-5535.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries Virginia Campbell Quillen. Main Street and Beyond - a One-Woman Show. Exhibit runs through Oct. 31. 463 S. Main St., Davidson. 704-895-1213.

NoDa Artist Network New Gallery. Currently showing 15 local artists and featuring the work of 5 Peruvian artists. Working studios and gallery space available. 2424 N. Davidson St. 704-358-4210.

Pura Vida Gallery The Collection. Showcasing a revolving collection of internationally known artists and modern masters. Through October. 401 N. Tryon St. 704-453-5723.

Queen's Gallery & Art Center Robert A. Crum. An exhibition of recent drawings and oil paintings. Through October. 1212 The Plaza. 704-372-2993.

Sanctuary Art Studio & Galleries This Is My Brain. A solo exhibition by Jerry Lee Kirk featuring large scale paintings & collages from 1996-2003 plus new work. Through Nov. 5. (Within the context of this dream) everything is absurd. A group show featuring paintings, mixed-media art and photographs by gallery regulars. Through Nov. 5. 3440 North Davidson St. 704-877-2692.

Shain Gallery The Great Paint Off. Darren Young, Connie Winters, Clark Hawgood and Andrew Braitman will paint landscape scenes of the same subject. Exhibit runs through Nov. 30. 601-B Providence Rd. 704-334-7744.

Spirit Square Into The Light. Exhibit sponsored by WomenFIRST. At Loch Walker/Sky Way Galleries. Through Oct. 31. 345 N. College St. 704-364-8886.

The Art Preserve Jan Kinslowe and Linda Vista. Excavations, new installation by Jan Kinslowe and presenting sculptural artwork by Linda Vista. Exhibit runs Oct. through Dec. 3200 A North Davidson. 704-358-8882.

W.D.O. Two Contemporary Blacksmiths. Rick Smith: The Element of Iron, Marc Maiorana: Derivation. Opening Reception on Nov. 7, 6-8pm. Exhibit runs Oct. 14 through Nov. 29. Hearst Plaza Suite No. 1, 214 North Tryon St. 704-333-9123.