Celebrating Charlotte’s Vibrant Arts Scene

What’s New on Charlotte’s Art Scene

By Ryan Kouame

Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte

Two upcoming plays at the the Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte are written by Black women and geared toward diverse audiences. “If Pretty Hurts Ugly Must be a Muhfucka,” is a retelling of a West African folktale set in the fictional world of Affreakah-Amirrorkah and “Apologies to Lorraine Hansberry (You Too August Wilson)” is a dark utopian comedy set in an alternate America in an all-Black state during the Civil War. Visit atcharlotte.org to learn more.

Arts & Science Council

Two upcoming Arts & Science Council performances include Princess Fearless, Sept. 24, 10 a.m., in Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews. This is an original work by regional playwright Lakeetha Blakeney. Recommended for grades 2-5. Also, look for Westside Star Search & Karaoke Showdown, Sept. 3 and 10, 5 p.m. at Five Points Plaza, 1601 W. Trade St., Charlotte. This is a talent showcase. Performers must pre-register to perform with a live band and chance to advance to the grand championship. Visit artsandscience.org/ for more information.

Janeta Jackson as Billie Holiday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” at Actor's Theatre of Charlotte

Photo by Fenix Fotography

Photo courtesy of Arts & Science Council

Danielle Walcott, Arts & Science Council 2022 Creative Renewal Fellowhip recipient

R&B singer Eric Roberson will perform at the Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center on Oct. 22 at 8 p.m.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center

The mission of the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is to share, employ, and present the best in performing arts as a catalyst to strengthen education, build community cohesiveness, and advance economic growth in the performing arts sector. The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center houses six theatres including the Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse, Stage Door Theater, Ovens Auditorium, Knight Theater and Festival Stages in Romare Bearden Park. Visit blumentalarts.org for more information.

Charlotte Ballet

The Charlotte Ballet’s season opens Oct. 13 – 15 with the return of an acclaimed work never before seen in Charlotte. Fall Works features Helen Pickett’s “IN Cognito,” created for Charlotte Ballet in 2019. Also, for the first time, Charlotte Ballet will

present “Under the Lights,” choreographed by Charlotte Ballet II Director Christopher Stuart and set to the music of Johnny Cash. The third performance piece will be Crystal Pite’s “A Picture of You Falling.” Visit charlotteballet.org for more information.

End of year performance for Charlotte Ballet’s nationally recognized need-based dance scholarship program, “Reach.”

Trinadadian-Canadian conductor Kwamé Ryan will lead Copland’s Symphony No. 3, Jan. 13 and 14, 2023, at the Belk Theater, 7:30 p.m., as part of the Charlotte Symphony’s Classical Series.

Charlotte Symphony

Charlotte Symphony performances run from September to May and include classical, pop, movie and family series among other community programs like Healing Hands, Bridging Musical Worlds, and Music for All. Some of their upcoming events include the “Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony,” “Elgar Cello Concerto,” “Queens of Soul,” “Beethoven Pastoral,” “The Polar Express,” and “Cirque de Noël” and Copeland’s “Symphony No.3.” Visit charlottesymphony.org to learn more. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte

Some upcoming Children’s Theatre of Charlotte events include “A Sick Day for Amos McGee,” “Annie,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Confessions of a Former Bully.” “Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart,” is a one-man show that highlights the triumphs and struggles of baseball legend Jackie Robinson’s life. The show runs from Nov. 12 to 19, 2022, at the Wells Fargo Playhouse. Visit ctcharlotte.org for more information.

Photo by Bob Sandberg

The Mint Museum Mint Museum online exhibitions include “Expanding the Pantheon,” “Project Ten Ten Ten” and “Classic Black.” The “ark of bulrushes,” exhibit is a new series by Los Angeles-based artist Diedrick Brackens including large-scale weavings and premiering the artist’s first woven sculptures. Admission to the museum is free on Wednesday nights and varies depending on age throughout the week. Some upcoming exhibitions to expect in the fall and winter are “American Made” and “Fashion Reimagined.” Visit mintmuseum.org/ for more information. P

Here Jackie Robinson is playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954. “Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart” runs from Nov. 12–19, 2022.

Photo courtesy of the Mint Museum

Diedrick Brackens’ “ark of bulrushes” is on exhibit at the Mint Museum Randolph through Dec. 11, 2022.

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