SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features dozens of ways for people to enjoy the weekend via theater, music, art, culinary happenings 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, Feb. 12
‘White Rabbit Red Rabbit’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $35
Big Dawg Theatre Company is bringing an unconventional experience to Thalian’s Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater. “White Rabbit Red Rabbit,” an experiment blending comedy, tragedy and social commentary, is from Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour.
Its eight-day run in Wilmington will welcome varied performers for each show, who have no idea what the script will reveal as they take an envelope and open it in front of the audience to unveil the ride ahead. There is no director or rehearsal in this one-act play either, though it was produced with assistance from Lee Lowrimore and Dorothy Rankin.
The actors slated to take on the show must have never seen it in order to be cast — and they also can’t speak about it. In essence, its lure is in its secrecy. Performers for Big Dawg’s show include Morganna Bridgers, Randy Davis Kaleb Edley, Chad Hsu, Anthony Lawson, Cathy Street, Heather Setzler, Jamey Stone, Erin Sullivan-Wertz (alternate) and Steve Vernon.
The show covers themes of power, censorship and obedience and its audience will be integral to the experience, often participating and questioning authority.
The show runs Feb. 12 through 22, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
Girl’s Night Out: Galentine’s — Bonita Latin Fusion and Cocktails is hosting a karaoke party for a special Galentine’s edition of Girl’s Night Out. It starts at 5 p.m. at the marina restaurant (5 Brunswick St.), facing the Cape Fear River in the North Waterfront District downtown. DJ Starrz is hosting and reservations are open for a table at the restaurant to order craft cocktails and nosh.
Friday, Feb. 13
‘The Scottsboro Boys’
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $32-$37
During Black History Month, Techmoja Dance and Theatre Company is highlighting a musical that takes on an American landmark of injustice that led to nine African-American boys facing false allegations and conviction in 1931 Scottsboro, Alabama.
The kids were accused of raping two white women on a train near the town and were found guilty, to serve varied long terms or face the death sentence. There wasn’t hard evidence to convict and the cases eventually led to Supreme Court rulings that allowed African-Americans to serve on juries, as well as have a right to adequate legal representation.
Legendary composers John Kander and Fred Ebb set this forlorn chapter in American history to music, with it launching off-Broadway in 2010. It received the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical, Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical, and Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lyrics.
The story is told through the satirical framework of a minstrel show — primarily popular from the 1830s to the early 20th century, which had white performers using blackface makeup to portray African-Americans in exaggerated mannerisms. The music tackles systemic racism and a corrupt justice system, but does so by confronting violence with absurdity.
Kevin Lee-y Green, founder of Techmoja, has directed and choreographed the show. He expressed during its promotion: “What happens when false information spreads unchecked — and who pays the price? At a moment when misinformation moves faster than truth, this story feels urgent, relevant, and impossible to ignore.”
The show also honors the humanity and resilience of stolen youth. Tickets are $32 to $37 here.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
Wilmington Goth Night — Friday the 13th is being celebrated at Barzarre (1612 Castle St.) as “Halloween in February.” A night of darkwave revelry will be underway during Wilmington Goth Night, with European synth pop, cold wave, and dark medieval folk tunes, contemporary dark metal and post-punk played as folks are welcomed to the dancefloor. There also will be visual effects and music videos on the big screen. Costumes are welcome or come as you are to dance the night away with DJ Straftanz leading the party from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. It’s free to attend and an all-ages show.
Bugaboo: Wine and Edible Insect Pairing — Yep, for those who have a love for the exotic this Valentine’s Day, Fermental has your one-of-a-kind pairing: wine and … bugs? Bugaboo is an event the Cargo District bottle shop has been hosting for years as an unconventional Hallmark holiday experience. It features an assortment of hand-selected wines and a pairing of edible insects. Though seemingly unusual in North America, insects and larvae are eaten in many countries worldwide and have been since prehistoric times. “In fact, 80% of the world’s nations eat insects regularly with over 1,500 species raised and farmed specifically as food product,” the bottle shop details in its event posting. All of the insects come from Thailand, farmed and prepared specifically for human consumption; though people with known shellfish allergies are advised to against the insects tasting. The event is free from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Bo Johnson — Dead Crow Comedy Room is welcoming Seattle comedian Bo Johnson, whose observational humor touches on everything from family to youthful misadventures, to his life as a standup on the road. He quips in his comedy special, “Two Sailboats,” released last year on YouTube: “Let’s just start the show with a little bit of honesty: I really need this to go good. I’m hoping this will change my life. … It’s very cool we sold out the show tonight but this past summer I went to Charlotte, North Carolina, to do a show and after the gig I crunched the numbers and with the hotel, the flight, and the other comedians, I made exactly $5. And I don’t know if you know this, but you don’t have to go to Charlotte to make $5. You could just ask a friend.” Johnson was featured on season two of Comedy Central’s “Kevin Hart Presents: Hart of the City” and has appeared in numerous comedy festivals. He performs Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with tickets costing $30 to $42 here.
‘Murder on the Orient Express’ — Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, the Agatha Christie classic features glamour, suspense and humor in this quick-paced show produced by Thalian Association Community Theater. The show takes place when a snowdrift stops the Orient Express, which is at capacity for the first time of the year. However, by morning an American tycoon is dead, stabbed eight times, and the door to his cabin is locked from the inside. The passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – and prevent a second strike. Chase Harrison will perform as Poirot, with Josh Hodge as Monsieur Bouc, Megan Golden as Mary Debenham, Nathan Forbes as Hector MacQueen, and Maria-Luisa Winslow as Helen Hubbard. Tickets are $28 to $42 here and the show is at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St.
Caterina Jarboro Memorial Recital: Díana Thompson-Brewer — Annually, a classical performance is hosted at UNCW in honor of Caterina Jarboro, an opera singer born in Wilmington in 1898 and who was the first African American to tour with a national white opera group in the mid 20th century. The show highlights stalwarts in the vocal field and this year will bring Diana Thompson-Brewer to the stage. Thompson-Brewer made her operatic debut in the role of Adele in Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus and has gone on to perform in varied soprano roles. She has performed with L’Orchestre de Chambre de Genève, Opera Carolina, North Carolina Opera, Opera on the James, Greensboro Opera, Mobile Opera, Augusta Opera, and other regional companies and at festivals. She will be performing at Beckwith Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m on UNCW’s campus and tickets are $23 here.
Between the Sheets: PJ Dance Party — Retro DJ Duo The Beehive Blondes are back at it for V-Day this weekend hosting a dance party at Tempo 33, on the corner of Front and Dock streets in downtown Wilmington, at 33 S. Front St. on the third floor (elevator in the back). Come dressed in your fave, silky jammies or keep in pink and red to dance the night away to love-themed tunes — sexy songs from the ‘60s to modern day. There will be a best dressed and best dancer contest, with the event taking place from 9:30 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $30 at the door or $45 VIP, and there will be light bites as supplies last.
Saturday, Feb. 14
My Bloody Valentine Goth Prom
The Eagle’s Dare, 420 N. Third St. • Tickets: $15-$20
In more goth celebrations this Love Day, The Eagle’s Dare welcomes those all-adorned in black and red dark glam to its “My Bloody Valentine Goth Prom” from 8 p.m. to midnight.
There will be live music from Wilmington’s favorite goth act Dead Cool, headed by Johnny and Angela Yeagher. Idol Talk is performing, too, in support — with DJs Vampoison and Valfor spinning darkwave and spooky dance hits.
There also will be a photo booth hearse with Raven, crowing of a goth king and queen and raffle and door prizes.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
UNCW Homecoming — There are plenty of events taking place this week in honor of UNCW’s homecoming celebrations. The main event, TEALgate, takes place on the Hoggard lawn at 4 p.m. The men’s basketball game against Hofstra will be televised and there will be a variety of food options and sweet treats, beer and wine, and opportunities to reconnect with fellow Seahawks before tip‑off. Register now to reserve your spot and be part of the tradition! Also taking place earlier Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., will be a 5K and 1-mile run through the heart of UNCW’s campus — or racers can join virtually wherever they are! And if neither of those events tickle your fancy, then head to UNCW’s Kenan Auditorium for the annual National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show. It’s high energy, with tickets costing $15, and also is being hosted by locals Bigg B and the Mid-Day Miss from Coast 97.3. More information for all events and registration or tickets can be found here.
Valentine’s Sushi Class — A hands-on, interactive workshop where participants learn to make sushi rolls is on deck at HiWire Brewing this Valentine’s Day. GringoNinja Private Chef Service hosts these classes frequently to provide a creative, fun way to enjoy restaurant-style sushi. No experience is needed. A variety of rolls will be made and instructed step-by-step — then it’s indulgence, with tasting your creations. All tools and supplies are provided and tickets are $60 here.
I Heart ILM — Local artist HP Fangs (a.k.a Greyson Davis, read more about him from PCD here) is getting into the feels with an “I Heart ILM” pop-up gallery featuring around 20 local artists statewide at Savard Brews and Boards (121 S. Front St.). They’re showcasing art work inspired by renowned American pop artist Keith Haring, whose colorful work on subways and beyond was a staple on the New York scene in the 1980s. There also will be interactive stations set up for participants to create their own tags and engage in sticker-making, plus there will be a community doodle wall and a photo booth. RizzyBeats will spin 1980’s and ‘90’s party jams. Best of all: it’s free and takes place at 6 p.m.
Valentine’s Day Not-toberfest — All for the love of Märzen — a traditional bottom-fermented lager — Leland’s newest brewery MoBA is hosting another popular fall event in winter: Not-toberfest. Yes, it’s a take on Oktoberfest in February and will feature a release of “Schnucki” Märzen, with Tanja’s German Street Food food truck on site from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Plus, there will be a chocolate fountain with pretzels and strawberries, a Barbershop Quartet appearance and Bierstacheln: Märzen Hot Poke. The latter is a 400-year tradition of taking a red-hot metal rod and inserting it into cold beer to create a caramelized flavor. The event is free to attend from noon to 10 p.m. at 9600 Ploof Road SE #7 and all items are individually priced.
Valentine’s Day Zumba Class — If you want to keep it moving this V-Day, then Evolution Dance Complex at 4515 Fountain Drive, Units 2-3, has the event just for you. A free Zumba class will take place at 10 a.m., early enough to get your blood pumping as you take on the night. Bring your Valentine, a friend or roll in solo for the love of your health. In addition to being free, the music will be centered on Valentine-esque songs! No dance experience is needed.
For the Love of Birds: Great Backyard Bird Count — Birdwatchers unite! Head to Belville Riverwalk Park at 9:30 a.m. to take park in the Great Backyard Bird County. It’s a community science initiative taking place worldwide from Feb. 13 to the 16 that welcomes people to track their favorite places to watch their favorite birds. Data will be shared in real-time here for bird lovers. At the Belville event there will be a place to create bird crafts and go on bird walks, and it’s free and open to all.
Sutton Foster — Tony Award-winning actress and singer Sutton Foster, who has performed in musicals like “Sweeney Todd,” “Anything Goes,” and “Young Frankenstein” and on TV series such as “Sex and the City,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” and “Flight of the Conchords,” is performing at Wilson Center this weekend. The solo artist has released numerous albums, “An Evening with Sutton Foster: Live at the Cafe Carlyle” and “Take Me to the World” and currently is an instructor of theatre at Ball State University. Tickets to her show are $47 here.
Sunday, Feb. 15
Love is in the Air Valentine’s Cabaret
Tempo 33, 33-3F S Front St. • Tickets: $40
Ray Kennedy, a local playwright who also has directed numerous musicals and shows on the Wilmington theatre scene for years, is producing a Valentine’s Day Cabaret: “Love is in the Air.”
Taking place at downtown’s piano bar, Tempo 33, the show features songs by Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Nat King Cole, and others. They are performed by The Live Oaks Singers and The Live Oaks Jazz Trio.
There are two shows open at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and require a two-drink minimum at Tempo.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
Art Exhibition Fundraiser — Fronting Life is blending creative writing and healing arts experiences in an art exhibition and fundraiser called “Stories + Art that Reflect Our Shared Humanity.” The immersion into words, images, and expressions created by the community provides a peek into another’s lived-inexperience, to help prompt healing and self-discovery. Also, the event will honor Nate Gerry and Shannah Blankenship, who cultivated spaces rooted in safety, curiosity, and compassion, making way for meaningful self-expression that also come with supportive and empowerment. The works, created by both people in the Fronting Life Zine program and outside artist donations, will also be up for bid in a silent auction. Fronting Life Zine, a collective compilation of creative writing and visual art from our community, is also going to be released, showing off varied voices and artistic expressions. Proceeds from the silent auction and zine sales support the continued growth and future programming of Fronting Life, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting people through a community-centered approach of meditation, mindfulness, movement, and creativity for personal growth and self-awareness. All workshops and experiences are donation-based. The event takes place at Belle Vue, 1125 N. Fourth St., from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Drum Tao — It’s drumming and athleticism fused into one experience with Drum Tao, coming to Wilson Center at 3:30 p.m. Vibrant costumes and dramatic synchronized drumming and movement is at the forefront of performance, as drummers practice in Wadaiko Japanese taiko tradition yet infuse modern energy and flair. Also included are instruments like flutes and harps alongside the massive taiko drums. The group continuously sells out shows in 26 countries. Tickets start at $15 and escalate to $90 here.
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