SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday is a weekly roundup of events in art, music, theater, comedy, pop-up markets and more.
All events featured were scheduled as of Thursday; however, it’s wise to check in ahead of attending any one. Inclement weather, changes in schedules and unforeseen circumstances may shift for organizers at the last minute.
Thursday, April 11
Ten-Minute Miscellany
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $16-$26
Annually, an organization of local playwrights come together to showcase their original scripts onstage, showcasing comedy and drama, acted in and directed by locals.
This weekend at Thalian Hall “Ten-Minute Miscellany” will take place in the Ruth and Bucky Stein Studio Theater. Presented by Port City Playwrights, nine plays, 10 minutes each, will be debuted. They follow a multitude of themes, such as making peace with familial ties, a mother dealing with a son’s tough prognosis, the stagnant relationship of a couple faced with the statue of David and more.
Plays are directed by Kendra Goehring, Giulanna Marchese, Cat Thomas, and Michael Schottle. The cast consists of Nancy Alaver Aragon, Patrick Basquell, J. T. Capps, Randy Davis, Madisyn Fleming, Bert Gliatta, Jennifer Jarvis, Brandy Lowry, Joshua Lowry, Mara Martin, Eben French Mastin, Alain Norman, Marleigh Pearson, Cierra Peterkin, Kathy Cagney Rossi, Shawn Sproatt, Maria-Luisa Winslow, and Joel Zuiker.
The show runs April 11 and 12 only at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 to $26.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
This Comedy Campaign — Three comedians are coming together to host a show that centers on political humor during the 2024 election year. The setting will be like a rally, dripping with red, white and blue decor, a podium and even secret service agents. Jenn Snyder, Wills Maxwell Jr. and Cliff Cash will each take the stage, in character as a candidate, complete with a political speech. A town hall-style setting will follow, when all three come together onstage with a microphone and take questions from the audience. They’ll riff on real issues. Tickets are $20 and the show is a fundraiser, with proceeds going to progressive candidates in the 2024 races. Doors at 6 p.m. and show at 6:30 p.m. Takes place at Dead Crow Comedy Room, 511 N. Third St.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ — A tale of love will be brought to life by Thalian Association Community Theatre’s“Beauty and the Beast.” Adapted from Disney’s 1991 animated feature film, the musical — with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice — has been staged in 37 countries around the world. The story follows an entitled and selfish prince who’s been transformed into a beast as punishment for his unkindness. The spell will be overturned if he has someone fall in love with him, but the clock’s ticking else he becomes doomed forever more. Enter Belle — whose father is imprisoned by the beast in an enchanted castle. She convinces the beast to allow her to trade places with her inventor father. What follows is a friendship-turned-blossoming love, with popular songs like “Be Our Guest,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Gaston.” The show stars Sydney Smith Martin as Belle and Kaleb Edley as the Beast, with the cast also including Logan Mack, Jon Wallin, Kathy Enlow and others. It closes April 14; showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Shawn Colvin and KT Turnstall — Wilson Center will welcome three-time Grammy winner Shawn Colvin who released her debut “Steady On” in 1989, and has since released 13 albums, wrote a critically acclaimed memoir, conducted national and international tours and had her songs featured in various films. Her 1996 song “Sunny Came Home” won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1998 Grammys. Joining her will be KT Tunstall, a Scottish musician whose 2004 multi-platinum debut “Eye to the Telescope” spawned the global hits “Suddenly I See” and “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.” The latter was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 2007 Grammys. Tickets start at $36.
‘Ashes to Ashes’ — Taking place at the UNCW SRO Theatre (Cultural Arts Building, 5270 Randall Drive), Nobel Prize-winning playwright Harold Pinter’s one-act play tackles the conflict of a woman recalling traumatic memories from the 20th Century. She explains having been in love with a man who was instrumental in genocide, recounting concentration camps and refugees.The show will be performed by students from UNCW’s Honors with two performances at 7.30pm on Thursday April 11 and Friday April 12. Reservations must be made here.
Friday, April 12
Star Party
Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road • Free
Locals are welcome to a party that focuses on stargazing the night sky at Carolina Beach State Park, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Star Party is being hosted by the state park, Cape Fear Museum and Cape Fear Astronomical Society. Participants are welcome to bring a flashlight, binoculars and telescopes for a guided night-sky tour of the stars and planets.
The Sun and Moon is the theme this year, featuring star-themed stories at Stellar Story Corner, hands-on activity stations to learn about the sun and moon, and tips offered by experts. There will be an “out-of-this-world” picture with a giant glowing moon, plus giveaways and swag will be handed out.
Food vendors will be on site, including GypZea Maize Kettle Corn, Chick-fil-A, KONA Ice and Happy Face Funnel Cakes.
There is event parking at the back of the park, with complimentary shuttle service provided by GLOW Academy of Wilmington. Handicap transportation via golf cart is available upon request.
The event is rain or shine, though some activities are weather-dependent.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Pleasure Island Restaurant Week — Taking place at various locations, Pleasure Island Restaurant Week is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and takes place one final weekend. There are a dozen participants offering specials and prix-fixe meals to the dining public, found here.
Kevin McCaffrey — With four shows planned at Dead Crow this weekend — 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday — NYC-based comedian Kevin McCaffrey talks about everyday encounters, such as getting in political arguments with family members. His distant cousin is Mike Pence. “I’m like a hipster about hating Mike Pence,” he said in one of his recent bits. “I’ve known he’s sucked since the ‘90s. Y’all are just catching up. Oh, you don’t like his recent political opinions; I’m into his earlier stuff.” McCaffrey has been writing for shows such as “Cash Cab,” MTV, and VH1, and has appeared on “I Love the 1880s” and “I Love the 2000s,” as well as podcasts like “College Stories with Kevin McCaffrey,” “Sex and the Cidiots,” and “A Million Little Podcast.” He’s done standup on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and was a regular for seven years on “truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest.” His debut comedy album “Nice and Drink” ranked first on both iTunes and Amazon comedy charts; he plans to release a followup this year. Tickets are $18 to $28.
Wilmington Dance Festival — Kenan Auditorium on UNCW’s campus is welcoming the Wilmington Dance Festival featuring a range of styles and movement, from ballet to hip-hop, contemporary to African dance. The festival has been going strong for 22 years and also hosts workshops and masterclasses. Tickets to the Friday performance, which starts at 7:30 p.m., are $25.
The Brook & The Bluff — Rock band The Brook & The Bluff will perform at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Featuring bandmembers Joseph Settine, Alec Bolton, John Canada and Fred Lankford, the band is known for blending indie sounds with yacht rock smoothness. They’ve put out four albums to date, including 2023’s “Bluebeard,” which is what they’re currently touring in support of. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $31.
Proof — Starting this weekend, Brunswick Little Theater is putting on a Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Proof,” by David Auburn. The story follows a young mathematician whose dealing with the death of her genius father who taught at the University of Chicago. Posthumously, his colleague finds a paradigm-shifting proof regarding prime numbers and Catherine, the professor’s daughter, sets out to validate it. Yet, she’s also dealing with grief, her own mental health and potentially newfound love in a colleague. The play takes place April 11 through 28 at Ricky Evans Gallery in Southport (211 N. Howe St.); it’s directed by Ken Greenman.
Shakin’ the Mess Out of Misery — A play by Shay Youngblood and directed by Regina McLeod is taking place at the Garage at DREAMS, 901 Fanning St. “Shakin’ the Mess Out of Misery” is about a girl who reflects on her 12th year of life and the Black women who helped raise her in preparation for womanhood. Tickets are $22.
Saturday, April 13
Dinosaur World Live
Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. • Tickets start at $20
Looking to delve into a prehistoric world with the flesh-eating T-Rex, Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus?
Head to Wilson Center this weekend for Dinosaur World Live. The family-friendly show is interactive, educational and entertaining. Actors take on the movement of larger-than-life, electronic dino puppets.
The show has toured the world, been nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Family Show in 2024 and in the United States performed in 35 cities in 19 states. The show runs close to an hour, with tickets starting at $20.
Two performances are planned for Saturday, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Weenies and Martinis — Dachshund lovers can participate in a meet-and-greet at Eagle’s Dare from noon to 3 p.m. Dogs are welcome, as long as they remain leashed and under control, and their humans can connect with other Dachshund lovers. The bar is located at the corner of Third and Red Cross streets.
Great Chowder Cookoff — Carolina Beach is hosting its Great Chowder Cook-off, an annual event that’s been taking place for eight years. Hosted by the Carolina Beach Inlet Association from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Good Hops Brewing, there will be sampling of dishes, with event judges tasting at noon. It’s a $10 entry for the public to taste all the chowder, submitted by locals. There will be prizes and games, plus a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit CBIA operations, which works to educate the community on keeping the inlet open and safe.
Humble Jumble — Open to the public, Cameron Art Museum is hosting an art sale for residents purchase works from more than 30 local artists. CAM also will sale works for full profit to go back to the museum, which subsists on its own fundraising efforts, grants and memberships. The sale lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3201 S. 17th St. Admission is $5.
Madafo Day — The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County in partnership with the Dreams Center for Arts Education will honor the life of the late master storyteller and musician “Madafo” Lloyd Wilson with Madafo Day. The arts festival takes place at DREAMS from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on what would have been Wilson’s 77th birthday. The dedicated percussionist, voice performer and storyteller died last fall and was steadfast in preserving African culture and folklore. He worked tirelessly in the community to mentor youth from the Community Arts Center, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and New Hanover High School. The event is free and will include craft stations, live music with Perry Smith, as well as other performances throughout the day including dance students from DREAMS, storytellers June Bug, Joyce Grear and Maxwell Paige, guitarist Roger Davis and vocalists Nina Repeta (“One Tree Hill”), among others. The City of Wilmington will proclaim April 13 as Madafo Day.
Curated on Castle — The outdoor vintage market takes place the second Saturday every March through November, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s set up at Sixth and Castle streets, and features 20 independent vendors and nearby businesses like Gravity Records and Jess James + Co. It’s free to attend.
The Comically Impaired — A group of comedians who once came together weekly for a sketch show is reuniting for a cause this weekend. The Comically Impaired came together 30 years ago, and to celebrate its anniversary, the troupe is hosting a benefit for Lula’s owner Bryan Jacobs at 8 p.m. at the Ballroom at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. Jacobs runs the dive bar underneath Little Dipper, located off Orange St. — what’s become a haven for locals and especially the theater community. The Comically Impaired will donate all of its proceeds from the show to Jacobs’ rising medical costs, due to a recent stroke, which left Jacobs unable to work. As well as a business owner, Jacobs is an artist and his work will be for sale at the show. The comedy troupe’s performance, consisting of Zach Hanner, Steve Vernon, Randy Davis, Izzy Burger, and other guests, is interactive and improvisational. They take suggestions from the audience to incorporate into short sketches, created in real time. There is no rehearsal or preparation ahead of the show. Tickets are $21.
Willie Stargell 5K Road Race — Taking place at Mayfaire Town Center, the Willie Stargell 5K Road Race raises proceeds for people living with kidney disease through research, patient care, and treatment in honor of Baseball Hall of Famer Willis Stargell. The Pittsburgh Pirates player died of kidney disease in 2001. There is a 1-mile and 5K, as well as a virtual option for those who cannot participate in person. Finisher medals and awards given, plus there will be a complimentary brunch for participants held at Coquina Fish Bar, next to Mayfaire Regal Theater. Registration is open here.
Sunday, April 14
Food Truck Rodeo
615 Ogden Park • Free
Taking place at Ogden Park from noon to 5 p.m., the New Hanover County Parks Conservancy hosts a food truck rodeo featuring more than a dozen trucks. Slated to participate are plenty of locals, like Poor Piggy’s, Bills Brewing Co., Noni Bacca Winery, T’Geaux Boys, Smash-n-Dash, and Tasty Tee’s.
Also adding to the lineup are out-of-towners such as Raleigh’s Oak City Fish and Chips and Buff-o-lina, the latter of which sells items popular from Buffalo, New York, like beef on weck and pizza logs.
Live music will be performed by Boba Funk and the event is free to attend; food and beverages are individually priced.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Rx Art Party and Benefit — From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the newly open Rx Chicken and Oysters, an art party and benefit show for Bryan Jacobs — owner of Lula’s and local artist who recently suffered a stroke — will take place at 421 Castle St. There will be local artists on hand showing and selling their works, including Dust & Sunshine, Hannah Fridholm, Mark Weber, and Kristen Blaylock. A live demonstration will be held by Nick Mijak and Rx will hold a raffle for multiple items to benefit Jacobs. Food and cocktails will be sold during the event as well.
Fancy Pants Croquet Soiree — The Mike Chappell Park, 501 Dow Road S. is welcoming players for a Fancy Pants Croquet Tournament from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants are encouraged to wear their best garb for a fundraiser to benefit the Carolina Beach Mural Project. Croquet will be played, live music by Courtney Lynn & Quinn will be enjoyed and there will be a cocktail tent featuring Deep Eddy Vodka, Good Hops beer and wine, Wheelz Pizza, and moire. Teams of two will be up for prizes and bragging rights and there will be an award for fanciest “pants.” Rules of play will be posted on the field for all players to reference. Spectator tickets are $30 include two cocktails. Participants must be over 21 and funds benefit the CB Mural Project, which promotes public art across the island.
NC Songwriters in a Round — From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Live at Ted’s is hosting a singalong for local songwriters in the round. Located at 2 Castle St., tickets are $10 and the show features Chris McGinnis, Jack Marion, Will Easter, and Jared Michael Cline, who will riff off one another for a one-of-a-kind performance.
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