MAY
PURLIE Ongoing-June 1: Musical that tells the story of preacher Purlie Victorious Johnson who returns to the South to trick a local plantation owner into giving him the land he needs to build his church. Playhouse on the Square, 51 South Cooper, Memphis, Tenn. 901-726-4656. www.playhouseonthesquare.org.
My Family our Stories May 1-July 6: Work by ESL students on display. This show features the work of 75 Mecklenburg county teenagers who have just immigrated to the United States. Middleton McMillan Gallery, Light Factory, Spirit Square, Suite 211, 345 North College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.
Recent Work oil paintings by Ray Kleinlein May 1-Jun 9th: Christa Faut Gallery, 19818 North Cove Rd., #3 Jetton Village, Cornelius. 704-892-5312. www.christafautgallery.com.
Romeo and Juliet May 15-17: North Carolina Dance Theatre teams with Shakespeare to bring the classic story of star-crossed lovers to life. $27-$69. 7:30 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.ncdance.org.
Angels In Our Midst May 16: This charity Art Show will benefit Urban Ministry and features original oil paintings by Ann Neilson. Sophia's Gallery 1528 East Blvd., 704-332-3443.
Pink at the Plaza – Art & Craft Show May 17: Join us for this fun-filled day of outdoor crafts and arts to benefit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Providence and S. Sharon Amity Rd., Plaza Shopping Center, 2921 Providence Road. www.pinkattheplaza.com.
Carolina Folk Art Festival May 17-18: Many folk artists from all over the South will gather to display and sell their work. Free. 10 a.m. Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm, Huntersville. 704-895-8744. www.birkdalevillage.net.
The Little Mermaid May 17-18: Dive into the underwater world as Mark Diamond's ballet chronicles a young mermaid through her adventures of discovering a new world. This program is a part of the Matinee Magic Series. $27-$69. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.ncdance.org.
Create Carolina May 19-June 7: A Southern Fried Arts and Film Festival. This three-week experience is open to anyone that has graduated high school. Take part in a course that will develop skills in playwriting, acting and film. Winthrop University, 115 Johnson Hall, Rock Hill, S.C. 803-323-2287. www.createcarolina.com.
North Carolina Dance Theatre Repertory Ensemble May 23: Come see the next generation of professional dancers perform. Patricia McBride, associate artistic director of N.C. Dance Theatre, is restaging George Balanchine's Stars & Stripes, 1st Regiment and Valse Fantaisie. $5-$15. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon Street. 704-372-1000. www.ncdance.org.
Twelve Angry Men May 27-June 1: Twelve jurors from twelve walks of life and only two ways to rule: guilty or not guilty. Starring Richard Thomas and directed by Scott Ellis. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
Summer Artists-in-Residence May 27-Aug. 25: The McColl Center for Visual Arts will host several internationally known artists throughout the summer months: Claudia Borgna, Bill Gaskins and Hongsock Lee. McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 North Tryon St. 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org.
Paul Cuadros May 31: Investigative journalist Paul Cuadros will be signing his new book A Home on the Field. 10 a.m. Union County Public Library.
Open Studio Saturday May 31: Mingle and mix with artists as they leave their doors open while they work. 11 a.m.-4p.m. McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 North Tryon St. 704 332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org.
Spoleto Festival May 23-June 8: This classic Southern arts festival was created in 1977, and this year is better than ever. With internationally acclaimed ballet companies, world premiere operas, and 140 performances, this festival is not to be missed. Visit one of America's most delightful cities, Charleston, S.C. and catch a show during this 17-day festival. For more information visit www.spoletousa.org.
JUNE
EXCAVATING EGYPT: GREAT DISCOVERIES FROM THE PETRIE MUSEUM OF EGYPTIAN ARCHAEOLOGY Now-June 8: This major exhibition offers a fascinating view of ancient objects and artwork from the earliest periods of Egyptian history to the late Roman period. It will feature more than 200 of Petrie's most significant finds. The Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia, S.C. 803-799-2810. www.columbiamuseum.org.
Mint Museum of Art Vantage Point VII – Jiha Moon: Turbulent Utopia, through July 6. The Brilliant Period of American Cut Glass, through Aug. 17. Scene in America: A Contemporary Look at the Black Male Image, through Nov. 2. Quiet Spirit, Skillful Hand: The Graphic Work of Clare Leighton, through Sept. 14. Coming Home: Selections from the Schoen Collection through Sept. 14. 2730 Randolph Road. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Abstractions June 1: Stephen Kasun Painting exhibit. Chasen Galleries, 2850 Selwyn Ave. 704-376-0066. www.chasengalleries.com
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR June 3-4: The masterpiece by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber that changed the world of musical theater in 1971. $20-$59. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
Cats June 20-22: The award-winning musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and other poems by T.S. Eliot. Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main St., Memphis, Tenn. 901-525-3000. www.orpheum-memphis.com.
PSYCHEDELIA: ROCK POSTERS FROM 1965-1970 June 4-Aug. 24: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 901-544-6200. www.brooksmuseum.org.
CONSTANTINE MANO: THE GREEK PORTFOLIO June 4- Oct. 26: Featuring the work of South Carolina native Constantine Manos and his impromptu pictorial account of travels through rural Greece and the Greek islands. Mamie and William Andrew Treadway, Jr. Gallery, The Columbia Museum of Art. Columbia, S.C. 803-799-2810. www.columbiamuseum.org.
CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS: PLEADS THE FIFTH June 5-14: Mike Collins, Brian Kahn & Keith Martin collaborate with Charlotte's most talented singers, dancers and actors to parody pop-culture, politics, sports and the Queen City. McGlohon Theatre, 345 North College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
A Midsummer Night's Musical June 6-22: Epic Arts Repertory Theatre presents the premiere of this original work inspired by one of Shakespeare's most memorable plays. $12-$20. Duke Energy Theatre, 345 North College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
JOSEPH-BETH BOOKSELLERS Every Monday: Story time with Julie Foster. 11:15 a.m.; Every Wednesday: Story time and crafts with Julie Foster. 11:15 a.m.; Every Friday: Mr. Nigel's Music and Friends. 11:15 a.m. June 1: Levine Museum of the New South Book Fair. 3 p.m.-6 p.m.; June 4: Hill Harper signs Letters from a Young Sister. 5:30 p.m.; June 7: Brian Echevarria signs Death of a Saint. 1 p.m.; June 8: Levine Children's Hospital Book Fair. 3 p.m.-6 p.m.; June 12 Mary Saums signs Mighty Old Bones. 6 p.m.; June 17: Bronte Bistro's Corks & Courses Dinner Event. 7 p.m. 704-602-9810. June 24: Wayne Caldwell signs Cataloochee. 7 p.m.; June 28: Michelle Buckman signs My Beautiful Disaster. 1 p.m.; June 30: Southern Fiction Book Club meet hosted by Elizabeth Still. 6 p.m.; June 30: Mother/Daughter Book Club meet hosted by Tavia and Claire Highsmith. 7 p.m. 4345 Barclay Downs Drive, SouthPark Mall. 704-602-9800. www.josephbeth.com.
23RD ANNUAL BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL June 7: This annual music festival is held on the Ocean Front Beach Stage near the Boardwalk at Carolina Beach, N.C. $15-$20. 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd., 910-458-8434. www.pleasureislandnc.org.
Arts Council of York County June 14: Thai Pottery Making. $50. 10 a.m. Rock Hill Pottery Center 201 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-328-2787. www.yorkcountyarts.org.
Open Studio Saturdays June 14: Mingle and mix with artists as they leave their doors open while they work. 11 a.m. McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 North Tryon St. 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org.
THE PRINTS OF ANDY WARHOL: FROM A TO B AND BACK AGAIN June 13-Sept. 7: 63 screen prints and 5 paintings by Warhol. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 901-544-6200. www.brooksmuseum.org.
COMEDY ACTING DAYCAMPS June 16-August 8: For boys and girls ages 6-18. Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road. 704-540-7781. www.settingthestagecharlotte.com.
SLAMCHARLOTTE June 20: Poetry Slam hosted by Bluz. $7. 8 p.m. McGlohon Theatre, 345 North College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
THE PRODUCERS June 20-July 20: Musical comedy adapted from Mel Brooks' 1968 film. Playhouse on the Square, 51 South Cooper, Memphis, Tenn. 901-726-4656. www.playhouseonthesquare.org.
"DID YOU KNOW?" – VISUAL ARTS WORKSHOP June 21: Hands-on visual arts activities featuring assemblage, collage, painting, sculpting, drawing, and writing. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. $3-$5. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 North Myers St. 704-374-1565. www.aacc-charlotte.org.
Mint Museum of Craft & Design Masters of Disguise. Through July 20. Possibilities: Rising Stars of Contemporary Craft in North Carolina. June 30-Nov. 30. 220 North Tryon St. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Jerald Melberg Gallery Raul Diaz: New York; through July 12. Manuel Reyna: Argentine Landscapes; through July 12. 625 S. Sharon Amity Road. 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com
CHARLOTTE COMEDY THEATRE Fridays: Pinata, 8 p.m.; Robot Johnson Sketch Show, 10 p.m.; Saturdays: Improv Main Show, 8 p.m.; Improv Headliner, 10 p.m. Reservations recommended 1-866-IMPROV1. www.charlottecomedy.com.
CPCC SUMMER THEATRE June 6-14: Annie Get Your Gun; June 20-28: Smokey Joe's Cafe. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., 704-330-6534. http://arts.cpcc.edu.
CAROLINA COLLECTS June 27-Aug. 17: The artwork in this show mirrors international collections and includes famous paintings, prints, and decorative arts. The Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia, S.C. 803-799-2810. www.columbiamuseum.org.
The Scene June 11-28: A scathing comedy about dating, fame, fulfillment and obsession with pop culture written by Theresa Rebeck. Nominated for the Steinberg Prize as The American Theater Critics Association's Best Play 2006. The Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org.
TONY AWARD PARTY June 15: Join Charlotte Broadway fans to celebrate Broadway's Tony Awards with a free party featuring a screening of the live awards broadcast, refreshments, prizes and a champagne toast. 7:30 p.m. McGlohon Theatre, 345 North College St., 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
AMERICAN ARTISAN FESTIVAL June 13-15: Some 160 craftsmen from 39 states around the country show their areas of expertise. American Craft & Art Gallery, 4231 Harding Pike, Nashville, Tenn., 615-298-4691. www.american-artisan.com.
Footloose – The Musical June 13-27: The energetic musical based on the 1980's hit of the same name. $15-$20. Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell St. 704-846-8343. www.matthewsplayhouse.com.
JULY
JOSEPH-BETH BOOKSELLERS Every Monday: Story time with Julie Foster. 11:15 a.m.; Every Wednesday: Story time and crafts with Julie Foster. 11:15 a.m.; Every Friday: Mr. Nigel's Music and Friends. 11:15 a.m. July 15: Bronte Bistro's Corks & Courses Dinner Event. 7 p.m. 704-602-9810. July 16: Mary Alice Monroe signs Time is a River. 7 p.m.; July 28: Southern Fiction Book Club meets hosted by Elizabeth Still. 6 p.m. Mother/Daughter Book Club meet hosted by Tavia and Claire Highsmith. 7 p.m. 4345 Barclay Downs Drive, SouthPark Mall. 704-602-9800. www.josephbeth.com.
Songcatcher: A Visual Interpretation of Sound July 4-Aug. 31: Various artists offer diverse art – anything that strikes a chord – celebrating diversity of music and its creative influence on their work. Portion of sales will be donated to a local organization that focuses on art and/or music education. Lark & Key Gallery 453-B East 36th Street. 704-379-1826. www.larkandkey.wordpress.com.
Avenue Q: The Broadway Musical July 22-27: Tony Award winner for best musical, best score and best book. For more mature audiences, contains strong language and full of puppet nudity. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St., 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.
CPCC Summer Theatre July 2-12: Aladdin; July 3-12: Dial M for Murder; July 18-26: Crazy For You. Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave., 704-330-6534. http://arts.cpcc.edu.
Appalachian Summer Festival. July 2: Lunch & Learn at the Turchin Center: The Sounds of Summer. July 7-11: Visual Arts Workshop for Teens & Adults. July 8: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. July 9: Lunch & Learn at the Turchin Center: A Curatorial Perspective. July 11: Summer Exhibition Celebration at the Turchin Center. July 12: Cherish the Ladies. July 14- 18: Visual Arts Workshop for Teens & Adults: Figure Drawing w/ Tim Ford, Glass Beads w/ Grace Hall. July 16: Lunch & Learn at the Turchin Center: Contemporary Art in China. July 17: Belk Distinguished Lecture: Biltmore Estate: Frederick Law Olmsted's Landscape Masterpiece. July 18: Doug Varone & Dancers, Silent Auction Closes. July 19: Visual Arts Workshop for ages 4-6: Exploring China, Family Day. July 21-24: Visual Arts Workshop for Teens & Adults: The Art of Traditional Korean Quilting w/ Hee-Suk Ching. July 23-25: Visual Arts Workshop for Teens & Adults: Papers & Inks: Collage and Writing Workshop w/ Vae Hamilton. July 23: Lunch & Learn at The Turchin Center: The "Humanimals" of Gayle Weitz. July 26: Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk. www.appsummer.org.
Jerald Melberg Gallery July 19-Sept. 6: Robert Kushner: New Works. 625 S. Sharon Amity Rd., 704-365-3000. www.jeraldmelberg.com.
Middleton McMillan Gallery Member's Exhibition: First Juried Annuale July 7- Sept. 14. Opening reception July 12. Middleton McMillan Gallery, Light Factory, Spirit Square, Suite 211, 345 North College St. 704-333-9755. www.lightfactory.org.
Mint Museum of Art The Art of Influence: Haute Culture and Luxury Fashions 1947-2007 July 5-Aug. 2. 2730 Randolph Rd., 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
Arts Council of York County July 26: Spouts, Lids and Handles pottery class 10 a.m. $50. Rock Hill Pottery Center 201 E. Main St., Rock Hill, S.C. 803-328-2787. www.yorkcountyarts.org.
CENTER OF THE EARTH GALLERY July-August: Abstract Group Summer Show. 3204 North Davidson St., 704-375-5756. www.centeroftheearth.com.
CHASEN GALLERIES July: Celebrate! Landscape paintings by N.C. artists Susan Trotter and Blanche McAlister Harris. Chasen Galleries, 2850 Selwyn Ave. 704-376-0066. www.chasengalleries.com.
AUGUST
Colors of the Season August: featuring paintings by Christian Nesvabda and John Horejs. Chasen Galleries, 2850 Selwyn Ave. 704-376-0066. www.chasengalleries.com.
NEW WORLD FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Aug. 13-14: A juried exhibition of fine arts and crafts featuring 80 selected artists from Vermont to Florida exhibiting and selling works. Mateo Waterfront, Outer Banks. 252-473-2838. www.outerbanks.org.
ELVIS PRESLEY TOURS OF THE MEMPHIAN THEATER Aug. 14-18: Tours include a discussion of Elvis Presley's connection with the Memphian Theater, the movies he watched there and stories that have been researched about Elvis' visit there. 1- 2 p.m. $5. 901-725-0776. www.playhouseonthesquare.org.
Ornament as Art: Aug. 16-Jan. 4, 2009: Avant -Garde Jewelry from the Helen Williams Drutt Collection. Explore the impact of contemporary jewelry as a global art form. The Mint Museum of Craft and Design, 220 North Tryon St. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE MEMPHIS WORLD Aug. 23-January 5: Photos from the African-American newspaper, The Memphis World, dating from 1949-1964. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 901-544-6200. www.brooksmuseum.org.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers Every Monday: Story time with Julie Foster. 11:15 a.m.; Every Wednesday: Story time and crafts with Julie Foster. 11:15 a.m.; Every Friday: Mr. Nigel's Music and Friends. 11:15 a.m. Aug. 2: J.A. Jance signs Damage Control. 5 p.m.; Aug. 25: Southern Fiction Book Club. 6 p.m. Mother/Daughter Book Club meet hosted by Tavia and Claire Highsmith. 7 p.m. 4345 Barclay Downs Drive, SouthPark Mall. 4345 Barclay Downs Drive, SouthPark Mall. 704-602-9800. www.josephbeth.com.