More arts summer events 

MAY

OCEAN Continues through Dec. 31. This exhibition allows for guests to play, learn and experience the seashore without leaving the Piedmont. The Schiele Museum of Natural History, 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. 704-866-6900. www.schielemuseum.org.

THE FAMILY JEWELS: SMALL PAINTINGS FOR HARD TIMES Continues through June 30. Solo exhibition of oil paintings on panel and acrylic paintings on canvas by Herb Jackson. Christa Faut Gallery, 19818 North Cove Rd., Cornelius. 704-892-5312. www.christafautgallery.com.

THE COLOR PURPLE May 20-May 21, 7:30 p.m.; May 22, 8 p.m.; May 23, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; May 24, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. A musical based on the novel by Alice Walker and the Oscar-nominated film by Steven Spielberg. It tells the story of a woman named Celie and her struggles through racism, sexism and separation from her loved ones. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

THE TRIAL May 22-24. Joseph K wakes up one morning to find that he is under arrest. But he doesn't know why or what he did. By Franz Kafka. Performed by the CTC Ensemble Company. Adapted for the stage by Steven Berkoff. Directed by Mark Sutton. Recommended for ages 13 and up. ImaginOn's Wachovia Playhouse, 300 East 7th St. 704-973-2828. www.ctcharlotte.org.

BOB TROTMAN: BUSINESS AS USUAL May 23-Nov. 14. In this exhibition Trotman examines everyday life and the workplace through figurative sculptures. Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org.

LAKE NORMAN COMEDY ZONE May 26: Comedienne Julie Scoggins. $10. 7 p.m. Lake Norman Comedy Zone at Galway Hooker Pub, 17044 Kenton Dr. 704-895-1782. www.galwayhookerpub.com.

METAMORPHOSES May 28-30, 8 p.m.; May 31, 2:30 p.m.; June 4-6, 8 p.m.; June 7, 2:30 p.m.; June 11-13, 8 p.m.; June 14, 2:30 p.m.; June 18-20, 8 p.m.; June 21, 2:30 p.m.; June 25-27, 8 p.m. Take a dip in Carolina Actors Studio Theatre's wet rendition of Mary Zimmerman's Blockbuster show about science and myth, as well as what we might know in the future. CAST renovated the theater and a pool for the production. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre, 1118 Clement Ave. 704-455-8542. www.nccast.com.

DAY OF ABSENCE May 28-30, 8 p.m.; May 31, 3 p.m. On Q Productions presents this production of Day of Absence, written in 1965 by Douglas T. Ward. This satirical play explores racial issues in the South during a segregated era. $12-$15. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 North Myers St. 704-374-1565. www.aacc-charlotte.org.

COLLABORATIVE ARTS' FREE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL. Twelfth Night. Free. May 28-June 14. The Green in Uptown, 435 S. Tryon St. For more information, call 704-625-1288. www.collaborativeartstheatre.com.

JUNE

LAKE NORMAN COMEDY ZONE June 2: Comedian Tony Tone. $10. 7 p.m.; June 9: Comedian Shaun Jones. $20. Lake Norman Comedy Zone at Galway Hooker Pub, 17044 Kenton Dr. 704-895-1782. www.galwayhookerpub.com.

FLORA, FAUNA AND FORM June 3-28: New works by Alena Hennessy with featured potter Julie Wiggins Opening reception: June 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Lark & Key Gallery, 453 E. 36th St., Ste. B. 704-379-1826. www.larkandkey.com.

NC DANCE THEATRE SCHOOL OF DANCE ANNUAL BENEFIT PEFORMANCE June 4, 7:30 p.m. Presenting works choreographed by legendary choreographer George Balanchine and a new work by resident NCDT choreographer Mark Diamond, among others. $15-$50. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL June 5-6, 8 p.m.; June 10-11, 7:30 p.m.; June 12-13, 8 p.m.; June 14, 2:30 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. Sam Raimi's cult classic 1980s films are to die for due to the ultimate combination of gore and humor. Bill Ensley directs this musical, which features lyrics by George Reinblatt and music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt. $15-$29. Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

LERNER AND LOWE'S CAMELOT June 5-13. The love story of Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot captured the heart of a generation. See the magic reborn on the Halton stage. Central Piedmont Community College's Halton Theater. 1206 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

NC DANCE THEATRE SCHOOL OF DANCE SPRING STUDENT PERFORMANCES June 6, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. An evening of dance featuring students from the NC Dance Theatre School of Dance performing in varied repertoire from the classical ballet, modern and jazz genres. $15-$25. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

REALISM FOUND June 6-30. Katherine Blackwell, Cher Cosper, David Thayer French, Joshua Gage, Paul Keysar, Andrew Leventis, Osiris Rain, and P.S. Thibodeaux will display their work. This exhibit features these Charlotte artists as they find new meaning in an old tradition. The Queen's Gallery, 1212 The Plaza. 704-372-2993.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA June 10-July 5. Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera is directed by Harold Prince and follows the tragic love story of a beautiful opera singer and a young masked composer shamed by his physical appearance. Adapted from Gaston Leroux's classic novel. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.