Fall Arts Preview

At last, a full season of cultural events BY ANDY SMITH

Theatre

Rent’s 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour: By the Numbers

Jonathan Larson’s rock musical Rent, based on the century-old opera La Bohème, officially opened on Broadway 25 years ago. This year, Rent’s touring production ends with one more national run, which includes a stop at Belk Theater (Nov. 9-14). A few numbers to know as the show makes its final voyage:

525,600:

The amount of minutes in a typical year, as famously noted by the classic tune that opens the show’s second act, “Seasons of Love.” (Twenty-five years of Rent would be 13,140,000 minutes, by the way.)

5,123:

Performances on Broadway for the show’s original 12-year run.

10:

Number of Tony nominations Rent received in 1996. It won four of them.

2005:

The year a film adaptation of Rent debuted. Original cast members that appeared in the film include Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Idina Menzel, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Taye Diggs, and Jesse L. Martin.

OTHER THEATRICAL SHOWS THIS FALL:

The Fantasticks (Sept. 2-19, Theatre Charlotte at The Palmer Building)

Wicked (Sept. 8-Oct. 3, Ovens Auditorium)

I Dream (Sept. 16-19, Belk Theater)

The Rocky Horror Show (Oct. 6-31, Actors' Theatre of Charlotte at The Barn at MoRa)

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

(Nov. 16-21, Belk Theater) Rent toured for its 20th anniversary in 2016.

VISUAL ART

THREE TO SEE: FALL MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS

John Leslie Breck: American Impressionist

at Mint Museum Uptown (Sept. 18-Jan. 2, 2022)

Twentieth Century Women

at Bechtler Museum of Modern Art (through Sept. 26)

Choose Your Weapon: Views from the Front Lines of the War for Black Lives

at Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (through Oct. 3)

CONCERTS

THE MIXTAPE: ONSTAGE THIS FALL

These 10 musicians and groups come to local venues this season. Here are some of their best-known songs for a fall playlist:

1 Marc Anthony, “You Sang to Me” (Sept. 11, Spectrum Center)

2 Jack Harlow, “Way Out” (Sept. 15, The Fillmore) 3 Garth Brooks, “Friends in Low Places” (Sept. 25, Bank of America Stadium)

4 Jackie Venson, “Always Free” (Oct. 5, Evening Muse)

5 Earth, Wind & Fire, “September” (Oct. 8, Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre)

6 Zac Brown Band, “Chicken Fried” (Oct. 16, PNC Music Pavilion) Brandy Clark

7 Gilberto Santa Rosa, “Conteo Regresivo” (Oct. 23, Ovens Auditorium)

8 Ben Folds, “Landed” (Nov. 7, Belk Theater)

9 Martin Sexton, “Glory Bound” (Nov. 10, Visulite Theatre)

10

Brandy Clark, “Stripes” (Nov. 15, Neighborhood Theatre)

Festivals

YIASOU GREEK FESTIVAL

SEPT. 9-12

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Blvd.

This four-day festival, founded in 1978, features Greek cuisine, live dancing and music, rides, and cathedral tours. Each year, volunteers at the church band together for hourslong baking sessions to assemble the baklava, spanakopita, and tiropita for which the event is famous. CHARLOTTE SHOUT! FESTIVAL

SEPT. 17-OCT. 3

Various uptown locations The multi-week e ort— which spans major art installations, live events, and dining—brings back the popular in ated bunny sculptures of Intrude and light-up seesaws of Impulse. This year’s event adds new art installations; Belk Theater appearances from Antoni Porowski, Esther Perel, and Spike Lee; a Lindsey Buckingham concert at Knight Theater; and much more. FESTIVAL IN THE PARK

SEPT. 24-26

Freedom Park, 1908 East Blvd.

This Charlotte xture returns to Freedom Park with live music, hundreds of artists and cra exhibitors, fair rides, and an array of food vendors that range from seafood and barbecue to classic funnel cake. The event began in 1964, and in recent years, organizers have recorded more than 100,000 attendees. TUCK FEST

OCT. 1-3

U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway

Tuck Fest combines outdoor competitions and live music. Those of us who don’t want to swim, bike, climb, or kayak can take in a full slate of performers: Dawes, Hiss Golden Messenger, Ida Mae, Steep Canyon Rangers, and more. CAROLINA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

OCT. 2-NOV. 21

16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville

Fantasy fans can see the Huntersville property once again transformed into a 16th-century utopia. Grab a turkey leg and beer, and head to the jousts, where knights vie for the queen’s favor. Don’t be afraid to come in costume: Carolina Renaissance Festival organizers estimate that 40% of attendees come decked out in medieval garb.