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, Aug. 22
Shining City
21 N. Front St. • Tickets: $17-$28
With actors Tony-Elias Choufani, Brendan Carter, Maya Noor and Reilly Callaghan leading the cast, “Shining City” opens at North Front Theater on Thursday.
Written by Connor McPherson, the play is set in Dublin and centers on a man ridden with guilt, who has been in contact with the ghost of his dead wife. He seeks therapy to overcome his own demons, but the sessions with his therapist, previously a priest, turn into a story of survival.
Choufani and Brandi Simmons also direct the production, which has been hailed as haunting and gripping by The New York Times and The Telegraph. It tackles themes of connecting with others while still on earth.
Sihr Theatre, founded by Choufani in 2023, is producing the show; the organization is dedicated to bring to life original works that often go under the radar in the theater world and highlight lifting up Middle-Eastern and BIPOC voices and stories.
“Shining City” takes place Aug. 22 through Sept. 1, with shows at 7:30 p.m. except on Sundays, 2 p.m. Tickets are $17 to 28.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Wilmington Big Band — A 16-piece jazz orchestra is setting up at Eagle’s Dare and swing dancers are welcome to join the fun from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There will be a free dance lesson at 6:30 p.m. and a $10 cash cover. The Eagle’s Dare is at 420 N. Third St.
Back to School Bash Community Dinner — The Northside Food Co-op hosts dinners for community members to get to know one another at DREAMS the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. This week’s theme is Back to School and potluckers are encouraged to bring something to share, but if you can’t no worries — still come and bring the kids! It takes place at 901 Fanning St. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more about the Northside Food Co-op in this week’s PCD piece about their upcoming fundraiser.
Boardwalk Blast — Carolina Beach hosts fireworks every summer from Memorial to Labor day and music from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. along the boardwalk. Jen & Tonic will perform everything from Adele to AC/DC on the gazebo stage starting at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9 p.m. It’s free and everyone is welcome.
Friday, Aug. 23
Charley Crockett
Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, 1941 Amphitheater Dr. • Tickets: $46 and up
He’s been hailed as an old soul in the country sphere, blending Americana, blues, folk, and country. Charley Crockett — self-proclaimed as a descendent of Davy — performs for two days at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater.
The Texas singer-songwriter is a prolific artist, having released 12 albums in less than a decade. “Lil G.L.’s Blue Bonanza,” released in 2018, tracked number 11 on Billboard’s blues albums chart and 2022’s “The Man from Waco” breaking onto the Billboard 200. The album garnered him nominations for artist of the year and album of the year, as well as song of the year for “I’m Just a Clown.”
The same year he also release the single “Killers of the Flower Moon,” inspired by Scorese’s film and dropped the album “$10 Cowboy” in April this year.
He performs both Aug. 23 and 24 at Greenfield — the shows are sold out but resale tickets are available here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Fiddler on the Roof — The 59-year musical by Joseph Stein — with music by Jerry Bock, and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick — was the first in Broadway history to surpass 3,000 show runs on Broadway. “Fiddler on the Roof” has secured nine Tony Awards, spawned five revivals and was made into a popular 1971 film. It’s being produced by Opera House Theatre Company Aug. 15 through the 25. The story is one of family and faith, taking place at the turn of the 20th century, when Tevye, a milkman, attempts to hold onto to his Jewish cultural traditions as modern-day influences threaten those mores. His three daughters wish to marry for love over matchmaking, as normally done in their Jewish family, yet their choices don’t pass muster for their father. The show, consisting of popular songs like “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “Do You Love Me?”, will be directed by Suellen Yates, with music by Brian Whitted, and stars Jamey Stone, Holli Saperstein, Joseph Basquil, Emilia Torello, Jon Berry and others. The show runs Wednesday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets are $34 and up.
Saturday, Aug. 24
Sarah Sherman
Dead Crow Comedy Room, 521 N. Third St. • Tickets: $25-$35
You may recognize her from “Saturday Night Live” where she has played Velma from “Scooby-Doo” and the widow of a Flaco Owl, as well as a field correspondent on Weekend Update.
Now Sarah Sherman is coming to Wilmington.
Her standup embraces the physical and … well, the gross. She told Kansas City’s The Pitch recently: “People really do scream and squirm in their seats, run out to the parking lot, and puke.”
She includes movies she makes to screen in between her standup bits, a show that embraces the loud and bold and not for the faint of heart.
Sherman recently co-starred with Adam Sandler in the Netflix film “You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah!” and in 2021 was named Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival’s new face.
Tickets are $25 to $35 here and there are two shows on both Friday and Saturday.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
Charity Cornhole Tournament — The Kiwanis Club of Wilmington is hosting a charity cornhole tournament with cash prizes for first through third places for both social and intermediate divisions. Proceeds raised provide for scholarships and support Boys & Girls Clubs. The tournament will have social and intermediate divisions, with registration at 11 a.m. and the competition kicks off at noon. The competitive division opens registration at 1 p.m. with competition at 2 p.m. There also will be a 50/50 drawing and BBQ lunch provided by Port City Smokers. It takes place at American Legion Post 10, 702 Pine Grove Dr.
Last Chance for White Pants Gala — In other charity news, Lower Cape Fear for LifeCare is hosting its end-of-summer fundraiser, a chance for folks to showcase the best of white before Labor Day. The event will have a rare bourbon raffle as well as a silent auction. Middle of the Island will be delivering the heavy hors d’ouevres, while alcoholic beverages will be served as well and dancing with live music from The Block Party! Tickets are here and all proceeds benefit the organization to help people living with serious or life-limiting illnesses.
DREAMS Come True Concert — OK, so lots of nonprofit benefits are going on Saturday, including one that supports disadvantaged youth the opportunity to take various arts classes at DREAMS Center for Arts Education. The organization presents its DREAMS Come True Benefit Concert in its own venue at 901 Fanning Street. There will be live music by local rock band Striking Copper, reggae and world-music from Of Good Nature, and singer-songwriter duo Courtney Lynn and Quinn. There will be beer and wine for purchase and food from Pepe’s Food Truck as well. Tickets are $40 here.
Hungarian Dinner Party — Looking to learn more about the flavors of the central European country behind the famous dish goulash? A Hungarian Dinner Party is being hosted for $110 a ticket on Saturday at an area Airbnb on Strawfield Drive. It will start with a shot of Pálinka, a traditional fruit Brandy from the medieval days, with courses then followed by wine paired with meals like hearty goulash, savory layered potatoes with smoked sausage and more. RSVP here.
‘Dirty Dancing’ Dance Party — The gals are at it again: hosting a dance party in the vein of the famed ‘80s hit “Dirty Dancing.” Join local DJ’s The Beehive Blondes at Eagle’s Dare from 9:30 p.m. to midnight and dress in your best ‘60s attire as the spin tunes from the movie, including “Stay,” “Be My Baby,” “Hey Baby” and “Love is Strange,” among other top hits from the 1950s through modern-day. There will be a “Nobody Puts Baby in a Corner” dance off, “I Carried a Watermelon” limbo contest, plus prizes for best dressed and best dancer, among other fun plans. Tickets are $20 to $50 here, with VIP options.
Sunday, Aug. 25
Godspell
Kenan Auditorium, 515 Wagoner Dr. • Tickets: $22-$34
Thalian Association Community Theatre will feature Stephen Schwartz’s “Godspell” at Kenan Auditorium mid-August.
The musical tells the story of Jesus Christ, through parables, song and dance, comedy and more. Based on the Gospel of Matthew, the show is portrayed by everyday people, in a modern setting.
It follows a close group of artists, led by Jesus, who learn through his teachings of love and forgiveness, kindness and empathy. The show’s soundtrack was made popular by songs like “Day, Day, Day,” “Prepare Ye,” “Save the People” and “By My Side.” They run the gamut from rock to pop to vaudeville.
“Godspell” was nominated for a Tony in 1977. It was revived in 2011, with some of the song’s arrangements updated. TACT’s show is being directed by its former artistic director Chandler Davis and will be choreographed by Timothy Mills. It will run this weekend through Aug. 25, with tickets costing between $22 and $34 here.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
A Preview: Forward Motion Dance — Forward Motion Dance, the local modern dance troupe best known for pushing movement into poetic rhythms, is bringing a sneak peek of its newest choreography to CAM. The dance performances are paired with live music and film, as the artists interact with the audience through discussion and questions.
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