8 minute read
Play Dates
Thalian Hall
Wilmington One of the oldest theatres in the United States, Talian Hall has been in almost continuous use since its opening in 1858. Te theatre has been under the management of the Talian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. since 1963. Last year there were over 250 shows, events, and films for a total of 495 performances, attracting more than 85,000 people. Read more on Page 27 of this issue. Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Dec. 12-22, various times; $28. Te Teatre Exchange’s adaptation of the timeless story of Christmas redemption transports us from London to a Depression-era “Hooverville.” Actor, historian and Talian Hall Center for Performing Arts executive director, Tony Rivenbark, will once again bring Ebenezer Scrooge to life. Merry Country Christmas, Dec. 19, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; $15-75. Songs of fun, faith and hope are presented by musicians and singers steeped in the traditions of American country music. From the fun of Old Saint Nick to the profoundly moving “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” they cover the gamut in this captivating production. New Year’s Eve Gala, Dec. 31, starting at 7 p.m.; $165 per person. An evening of dinner, drinks, dessert and the Broadway classic, “La Cage Aux Folles.” After the show, ring in 2020 with a live DJ, dancing, karaoke, and when the clock strikes 12, a champagne toast to celebrate! “La Cage Aux Folles,” Dec. 31, Jan. 2-5, Jan. 9-12, Jan. 16-18, showtimes vary; $25-33. Based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, this musical focuses on a gay couple: Georges, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and Albin, his romantic partner and star attraction. Te adventures ensue when Georges’s son, Jean-Michel, brings his fiancée’s ultra-conservative parents to meet them. Malpass Brothers, Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m.; $15-50. Te Malpass Brothers’ music is steeped in the legacy of Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, the Louvin Brothers, Hank Williams, Sr. and others. You can count on classic country, brand new tunes, traditional gospel and some good-natured ribbing between the two. Beanstalk! Te Musical,” Jan. 26, 3 p.m.; $10. A new twist on the classic children’s fairy tale, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” this original musical follows Jack as he learns lessons in friendship and responsibility when an errant Giant destroys the public portions of his town and steals his multi-talented, tap-dancing cow Bossy. Skippy and the Comedy Warriors, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.; $15-50. Marc Price, “Skippy” from the 1980s TV series “Family Ties,” joins real-life heroes, wounded combat veterans John Kashnow and Bobby Henline, for a night of comedy.
SE PICK Blueberry Drop
DEC 31
Historic Train Depot,
TUE
Last year, the town of Burgaw and the N.C. Blueberry Festival began a new tradition to ring in the New Year — they dropped a giant lighted blueberry at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31, which is midnight Greenwich Mean Time. Tis year, they’ll do it again, with the second annual Blueberry Drop planned for New Year’s Eve at the Historic Train Depot in downtown Burgaw. Last year, an estimated 1,000 people turned out to watch the blueberry drop, and organizers expect an even bigger event this year. Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. More at www.ncblueberryfestival.com/blueberry-drop/.
don’t drop the ball this new year’s eve
A Gatsby New Year Starting at 9 p.m., Terrace Room, 104 S. Center St., Goldsboro Celebrate the new Roaring Twenties with an open bar, including free beer and wine, signature cocktails, hand-rolled cigars, free caricature artist, live music and much more! Tickets at www.gatsbygoldsboro.com. Mount Olive Pickle Drop Te New Year’s Eve Pickle descends the flagpole at the stroke of 7 p.m., which also happens to be midnight Greenwich Mean Time. Great family fun with live music and free refreshments. Because of a major construction project going on at the Corner of Cucumber & Vine – where the drop is usually held – the Pickle Drop will be held at the University of Mount Olive’s Kornegay Arena. Island of Lights Tis free family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors available for purchase. Tere will also be a Beach Ball Drop at midnight, followed by a fireworks display. More info at www.pleasureislandoflights.com/. New Year’s Eve Block Party & Bear Drop Te town of New Bern is hosting a block party at the corner of Craven and Pollock downtown. Te party will include a Kids Zone, food trucks, contests, live entertainment and a Bear Drop at midnight. More at www.newbernnc.gov/departments/special_events/. Pride of Kinston’s NYE Masquerade Starts at 8 p.m., Masks are encouraged and some will be available on-site at this party to benefit downtown Kinston revitalization. Business dress or black tie required. Live music by Trainwreck. Tickets are $40 in advance or $50 at the door. Tickets available at www.eventbrite.com.
*All events are on Tuesday, Dec. 31.
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DEC
20-22
7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday; FRI-SUN 2 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday
Tis beautiful and unique Broadway-style musical tells the story of Christ’s birth like never before. Te music presented was written from the perspective of different major characters in the story like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Gabriel, and Mary and Joseph, among others. Tickets and more info at www.goldsboroparamount.com/upcoming-events/.
DEC 19-22
THU-SUN
7 p.m. Dec. 19 & 20, 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 1 p.m. Dec. 22 $14.50-71.50 Hit the road with Mickey and his pals for a high-octane ride in “Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures.” Travel with Moana to the sun-soaked Motunui, set off on a safari to the Pride Lands with Simba. Discover a whole new world as you’re swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade. Tickets at www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/disneyon-ice-presents-road-trip-adventures.
FEB 28
FRI
Diana Ross
7:30 p.m., Wilson Center, Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington Tickets: $58-168
SE PICK
Diana Ross is considered one of the most successful recording artists and entertainers of all time. 2019 was a milestone in history with a year-long Diamond Diana Celebration, marking the 75th birthday of the iconic superstar. From her landmark solo career to the early days as lead singer of Te Supremes, Ross helped shape the sound of popular music, changing the landscape and paving the way for contemporary music. Ross’ international achievements were acknowledged by the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C. in 2007, celebrating her lustrous career of excellence in music, film, television and theatre, as well as her cultural influences, humanitarian work and her contributions to American culture. She was also honored with a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, which is the most prestigious civilian award given to a U.S. citizen. Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com/show/?id=12801 for tickets and more information.
warm up this winter with hot events!
Carolina Chocolate Festival Feb. 1-2, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Morehead City General Admission Tickets $2-9 Tis festival features numerous vendors providing chocolate cakes, cookies, ice cream and other chocolaty treats. Tere’s a 5K race, hourly pudding eating contests, chocolate spa treatments and much more. More at www.carolinachocolatefestival. com.
Engelbert Humperdinck March 1, 7:30 p.m.
Wilmington
Tickets $39-108
In a career spanning more than 50 years, Engelbert Humperdinck has generated sales in excess of 140 million records, including 64 gold and 35 platinum albums. Visit wilsoncentertickets.com/ show/?id=4201 for tickets and more info.
Battle of the Badge Axe Throwing Competition Feb. 22, 1-5 p.m.
127 Sound Rd., Holly Ridge Hosted by Holly Ridge Police Department, this is an axe throwing competition between the Holly Ridge, Surf City, North Topsail Beach and Topsail Beach police departments. Te compettition will be a fundraiser for a local charity. For updated details, visit the event page on Facebook.
“We Shall Overcome”
(A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring Damien Sneed)
Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $20-50 Inspired by the words and actions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “We Shall Overcome” is a joyful celebration of music from across African-American music traditions, interwoven with spoken word from Dr. King’s recorded speeches. For more information and tickets: wilsoncentertickets.com/show/?id=9001 Activities to get your heart pumping
Every January 1, thousands of people gather on the beach in Surf City to plunge into the frigid ocean in a symbolic washing away of the previous year and a fresh start to the new one. All funds raised from sponsorships are donated to charity. It’s free to participate, and you can even bring your pets. More information at http://dolphindip.net/. The 17th annual Penguin Plunge benefits the Salvation Army of Carteret County. Minimum donation is $10 ($5 for kids under 12). T-shirts and hoodies are available for a $20 and $35 donation, respectively. More info: http://penguin-plunge.org/. Fabulous 5K/Fit4U Fitness & Health Expo Jan. 25, 8:30 a.m., A fitness and health expo that showcases the many options to become healthier and fit. Event includes giveaways, demonstrations, vendors and the Fabulous 5K, which starts at 8:30 a.m. Registration for the 5K is $5 and is available at www.eventbrite.com. Wrightsville Beach Valentine Run Treat yourself this Valentine’s season to a heart-themed race with spectacular views of Wrightsville Beach. Distances include a 5K or 10K, or make your heart beat a little faster and run both the 5K and 10K in the Double Trouble event. More info: its-go-time.com/wb-valentine-run/.
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