An Old World tradition returns to the Port City this weekend.
The European Cirque Italia, which made its debut here last year, will once again raise its blue and white circus tent on the grounds of the Wilmington International Airport beginning Friday.
This animal-free production will feature performers from around the world and a unique 35,000 gallon water stage. Audience members might just “ooh” and “aah” when the lid to the stage lifts up to 35 feet in the air while a curtain of rain and fountains dance with each performance move.
Acts range from the zany and awe-inspiring to the downright unbelievable. Coco the Clown, from Argentina, will ride the world’s smallest bicycle in between sets by contortionists bending and moving atop an eight-foot coat rack. A “real-life” mermaid will make an appearance, as will an upside-down Italian singer. A dizzying laser light show will round out the magical evening.
Tickets range from $20-$50 for adults and $10-$45 for children.
There’s more whimsy to be found around town this weekend, as listed below in our weekly arts and entertainment roundup. You’ll find these items in more detail–plus many others–on The Scene, where it is always free to post and peruse the latest happenings.
Music
Local favorite L Shape Lot plays a free show at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Burnt Mill Creek. Catch the Food Truck will roll in around 7.
Soulful singer Rebekah Todd and her band, The Odyssey, perform at The Pub at Sweet n Savory Friday. The show gets underway at 8 p.m. and admission is free.
Pop-noir musical group The Old Ceremony plays Bourgie Nights Friday. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9:30. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 the day of the show.
Wilmington Symphony Orchestra kicks off its fall season with a concert featuring Bach’s post-Baroque “Symphony in D” and Brahms’ “Symphony No. 1,” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at UNC-Wilmington’s Kenan Auditorium. Tickets are $25-$27 ($6 for students).
Theater/Comedy
Thalian Association presents the Wilmington premiere of the musical version of “The Addams Family” at 7:30 p.m. tonight. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $25.
C’est La Guerre presents “Bukowsical!,” a high-energy musical comedy about writer Charles Bukowski, at 8 p.m. tonight through Sunday in The Beam Room at Front Street Brewery. This irreverent and raunchy play won the Outstanding Musical award at the New York Fringe Festival, and features live music by Buk’s Band. Mature audiences only. Tickets are $15.
Sarah Tiana, known for her breakout performance as Carmen on “Reno 911” performs stand-up this weekend at Dead Crow Comedy Room. Shows are set for 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $14-$18.
Film
Detour Deli and Café hosts Film Noir Thursdays from 8 to 10 p.m. each week. Tonight’s film is “In A Lonely Place,” starring Humphrey Bogart. Admission is free.
Cinematique presents the war drama, “Phoenix,” at 7 p.m. Friday at Thalian Hall. Tickets are $8.
Art
Spectrum Gallery stages a pop-up exhibit as part of the Arts Council of Wilmington’s Fourth Friday Gallery Walk. The show, set for 6 p.m. at 105 Grace St., will include a sneak peek of Anne Cunningham’s works for her upcoming show, “Experi-Metal.” Live music and refreshments will be served. Admission is free.
The Juggling Gypsy hosts the Fourth Friday exhibit, “Primal,” at 6 p.m. Friday. Featured artists include Samoht Leahcim, Michael Lee Thomas, Tori Kelly and more. Musician Austin Glover will perform. Admission is free.
Hilary Snow is a reporter at Port City Daily. Reach her at hilary.s@portcitydaily.com.
