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The late, great Roger Ebert began his review of this crowd-pleasing 2003 comedy, “If I were to tell you Elf stars Will Ferrell as a 6-foot-tall human named Buddy who thinks he is an elf and Ed Asner as Santa Claus, would you feel an urgent desire to see this film? Neither did I.” Fortunately, Elf overcomes Ebert’s qualms and proves to be that rare holiday film with both a heart and a wicked sense of humor. Director John Favreau gains points with inspired casting, like Bob Newhart as Buddy’s elf dad, contrasted with James Caan as Buddy’s human father. Elf is the final film playing at Camp North End’s Skyline Drive-in. More: $30 per car, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.; Camp North End, 400 Camp Road; camp.nc/events
Mercury Carter, he released a homemade six-song EP Mercury in 2016 on Soundcloud. The EP introduced listeners to Carter’s astounding vocals, boasting an extraordinary 3.5 octave range that rival those of Prince and Freddie Mercury. Now 25, Carter has proven himself to be one of the greatest voices of his generation. He couples his vocal talent with nuanced tone and dynamics, melodic arrangements, unique phrasing and mature lyrics. Utilizing his knowledge and passion for the genres that inspire him, most notable the golden age of soul, he has created a sound that will stand the test of time. More: $10 suggested donation; Dec. 17, 7 p.m.; online; neighborhoodtheatre.com
OnQ Productions was launched in 2006 with a mission to educate and produce classic, contemporary, and original performance works that reflect the Black Experience. The cast of OnQ creatives reframe tradition in a contemporary way with classics such as,“Ave Maria,” “Little Drummer Boy,”and“What Do the Lonely Do.”OnQ founder Quentin Talley celebrates Christmas through the lens of Black families who gravitate to holiday music by James Brown, the Temptations or the Jackson 5 over Bing Crosby, Elvis or the Beach Boys. More: $38-40; Dec. 17, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Dec. 18, 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Middle C Jazz, 300 S. Brevard St.; middlecjazz.com
The Charlotte Symphony presents a family-friendly adaptation of The Nutcracker, streamed directly to your home, just in time for the holidays. For The Story of the Nutcracker, the Charlotte Symphony, led by resident conductor Christopher James Lees, pairs Tchaikovsky’s glorious music with the traditional story of a little girl named Clara whose adventures with a nutcracker-turned-prince take her to the Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy presides over a celebration of treats from around the world: chocolate from Spain, coffee from Arabia, tea from China and candy canes from Russia. More: $15; Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.; online; charlottesymphony.org
‘ELF’
MERCURY CARTER
ONQ PRESENTS A SOULFUL NOEL
‘ELF”
THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER
THE STORY OF THE NUTCRACKER
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12/19
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Pg. 14 DEC 16 - DEC 29, 2020 - QCNERVE.COM
CHRISTMAS AT MECK EXPERIENCE
Mecklenburg Community Church presents its first-ever Christmas at Meck Experience Dec. 18-23 This immersive walkthrough event journeys through the entire story of Christmas, brought to life with dramatizations about holiday traditions. The journey takes patrons to Santa’s Workshop where you just might catch a glimpse of the jolly ol’ man himself. The trip wraps up with an equally immersive outdoor experience at Bethlehem Village where visitors can set foot right onto streets of the famous town at the core of Christian beliefs and meet local townspeople of the day. The journey offers spectacular lighting, free treats and other holiday surprises. Although the event is free, visitors are urged to get their free tickets online for the safe, socially-distanced and family-friendly experience. More: Free; Dec. 18-23, 5 p.m.; Mecklenburg Community Church, 8335 Browne Road; mecklenburg.org/christmasatmeck/
MERCURY CARTER
12/17
ONQ PRESENTS A SOULFUL NOEL
12/18
