More performing arts events 

September

MARY POPPINS Combining original stories by P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, the Tony Award-winning Mary Poppins, produced by Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, includes song favorites such as "Chim Chim Cher-ee," "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Let's Go Fly a Kite," and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidociousis." Sept. 1-19, times vary. $32.50 and up. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

ROPE Queen City Theatre Company takes on this homoerotic thriller by Patrick Hamilton. In the play, Wyndham Brandon persuades his weak-minded friend Charles Granillo to assist him in the murder of a perfectly harmless man named Ronald Raglan. Directed by Glenn T. Griffin. Sept. 1, 8 p.m.; Sept. 2, 8 p.m.; Sept. 3, 8 p.m.; Sept. 4, 8 p.m. $16-$28. Duke Energy Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

THE BUSY WORLD IS HUSHED Presented by The Edge Theatre Company, this production tells the story of a Bible scholar at odds with her faith because of her wayward son. Sept. 9-12. $15-$20. South Pointe Auditorium, 801 Neely Road, Rock Hill. For more info, visit www.theedgetheatre.org.

THE 39 STEPS One of Broadway's longest running comedy thrillers, this play is set in a runaway freight train with four actors playing more than 150 characters. From an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon; from the novel by John Buchan and the film by Alfred Hitchcock; Adapted by Patrick Barlow. Sept. 10-Oct. 2, times vary. $10-$15 during previews on Sept. 10-11; pay what you can night on Sept. 29; $24-$31 for all other shows. Actor's Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. 704-342-2251. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org.

ANNIE This popular musical, based on the book by Thomas Meehan, tells the story of an orphan named Annie. Desperate to find her parents who abandoned her at a NYC orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan, Annie goes on numerous adventures. Sept. 10-26, times vary. $8-$24. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road. 704-376-3777. www.theatrecharlotte.org.

TRAINSPOTTING Harry Gibson's adaptation of the novel by Irvine Welsh. Mark Renton and his "so- called" mates travel to the drug-infested streets of Edinburgh. Presented by Citizens of the Universe. Sept. 15-18, Sept. 22-25. $10. Story Slam, 1401 Central Ave., Suite 103. www.citizensoftheuniverse.org.

STEAMBATH CAST introduces its new season with Bruce Jay Friedman's Steambath. Sept. 16-Oct 16. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST), 1118 Clement Ave., Charlotte. 704-455-8542. www.nccast.com.

AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' The show, based on the music of Fats Waller, relives the era of the Harlem Renaissance with a playful evening of songs. Five performers present their interpretation of what it means to swing. Music provided by Sign of the Times band, with direction by Jermaine Nakia Lee. Sept. 22-Oct. 2, times vary. $22. Duke Energy Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE This comedic play celebrates the mating game and takes on the contemporary conundrum known as "the relationship." Held in Pease Auditorium. Sept. 24, 8 p.m.; Sept. 25, 8 p.m.; Sept. 26, 8 p.m.; Oct. 1, 8 p.m.; Oct. 2, 8 p.m.; Oct. 3, 2:30 p.m. $16. Pease Auditorium, CPCC, 1201 Elizabeth Ave. 704-330-6534.

ENDURING LOVE Tells the story of two young people in love, whose hearts are ripped apart during 1840s famine era in Ireland. Performed through music, song, drama and Irish dancing. Sept. 24, 7 p.m.; Sept. 25, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. $29-$44. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

ALADDIN Children's Theatre of Charlotte presents this Disney classic about the adventures of Aladdin, the Princess Jasmine and a magical genie. Award-winning songs like "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me" will be performed. For ages 6 and up. Held in McColl Family Theatre. Sept. 24-Oct. 24. $24-$18. ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. www.imaginon.org.

THE YELLOW BOAT This play follows the struggles of a man named Benjamin as he battles terminal illness. Diagnosed with both hemophilia and AIDS, the story takes viewers through cycles of pain and happiness and the ultimate strength of the human spirit. Held in Johnson Studio Theatre. Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 8 p.m.; Oct. 3, 2 p.m. $8-$15. Winthrop University, 124 McLaurin Hall, Rock Hill, S.C. 803-323-2493. www2.winthrop.edu/arts.

October

WORLD OF JEWTOPIA Written by Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson, this comedy tells the story of two 30-year-old single men. One of them wants to marry a Jewish girl, so he'll never have to make another decision. The other, who can't get a date, wants to marry a Jewish girl to please his family. When the two make a pact to help each other find the girl of their dreams, the adventures begin. Oct. 1, 8 p.m.; Oct. 2, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Oct. 3, 2 p.m. $29.50 and up. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL This new musical comedy, direct from Broadway, is based on the hit movie and tells the story of three friends who conspire to take control of their company and succeed. Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 8, 8 p.m.; Oct. 9, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Oct. 10, 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. $20 and up. Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.