SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Li’l Friday features plenty of ways 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, Nov. 13
Electric Avenue: The ‘80s MTV Experience
Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets: $37 to $68
It’s the ultimate ‘80s tribute act headed to Thalian Hall at 7:30 p.m. Expect to hear sounds of synth-pop, new wave and hair metal anthems.
The six-piece is made up of Kevin Spencer, Chris Pou, Tom Young, Eric Frampton, and Will Groth, who perform a catalogue of songs like Duran Duran’s “A View to Kill,” David Bowie’s “Ashes to Ashes,” Prince’s “1999,” Madonna’s “Borderline,” Talking Heads’ “Burning Down the House” and more.
Tickets to the show start at $37.
OTHER THURSDAY EVENTS
‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ — And Seen Theatrical Productions is putting on a youth performance of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at North Front Theater (21 N. Front St.) this weekend. The group hosts four-week immersive theater experiences that culminate in productions. “The Hunchback” is a powerful musical based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, with music from the Disney film by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. Set in 15th-century Paris, it tells the story of Quasimodo, the kindhearted bell-ringer of Notre Dame, who longs to be accepted by the world outside the cathedral walls. Through themes of love, justice, and compassion, the musical explores what it means to be truly human. The production is a full length, gothic musical, not recommended for young children. It will show Nov. 13-16 and 20-23. General admission is $10 here.
Friday, Nov. 14
‘Orion’s Choice’
Thalian Hall Ruth and Bucky Stein Theater, 310 Chestnut St. • Tickets:
Harrington Repertory is hosting the play “Orion’s Choice” for one final weekend at Thalian Hall. The show runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The play is set in the South and tells the story of a mother and her estranged son as she deals with Alzheimer’s. According to the show notes: “Tasked with an impossible decision, mother and son, surrounded by a colorful cast of characters, underscore the challenges that many families face in real life.”
The play — written by Rose-Mary Harrington, an award-winning British-born playwright and author who lives in Wilmington — blends comedy and humor for a close look at family dynamics. Tickets are $34.
OTHER FRIDAY EVENTS
‘Elf Jr. the Musical’ — Thalian Association Community Theatre for Youth will take audience members along the adventurous journey of Buddy the Elf as he leaves the North Pole to find his biological father in New York City. Along the way, he convinces his curmudgeon dad — who’s on Santa’s naughty list — and other family and friends to believe in the magic of Christmas. Based on the 2003 holiday film — with book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar, and lyrics by Chad Beguelin — “Elf Jr. the Musical” spreads holiday cheer by “singing loud for all to hear.” The production features youth performances and takes place at the Community Arts Center (120 S. Second St.) on Nov. 14-16 and 21-23. Tickets are $17 here.
Jamie Wolf — A New York-based comedian named funniest standup at the New York Comedy Festival in 2024, Jamie Wolf will be performing at Dead Crow Comedy Room this weekend. He reflects on observations and personal experiences during his performances. In a recent show, he quipped: “I just stopped going to therapy — yeah, that’s never a good thing. No one ever stops going because it’s a good thing: ‘Yeah, I beat it — I’m happy now. I’m getting along great with my father again.’” A regular at New York City’s Comedy Cellar, Wolf will perform four shows in Wilmington on Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; tickets are $22 to $34.
Saturday, Nov. 15
‘Mrs. Doubtfire’
CFCC Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St. • Tickets: $66
The Robin Williams and Sally Fields film from the early ‘90s remains a classic — so much so it was turned into a musical (both of which were based on the 1987 novel by Anne Fine).
“Mrs. Doubtfire: A New Musical Comedy” is touring through the Wilson Center this weekend, bringing to life everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny. The story remains familiar: an out-of-work actor will do anything for his kids and hopefully save his family along the way.
Music and lyrics are by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick, with book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. The show is set in San Francisco and updated somewhat with both technological and pop culture references not relevant upon 1993’s film release.
The musical made its debut in 2019 and was on Broadway in 2021 and 2022 before becoming a national tour. It won a Drama Desk in 2022, though was nominated for Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony.
Tickets to the Wilson Center show start at $66 here.
OTHER SATURDAY EVENTS
On the Border: Eagles Tribute — Based in Charlotte, On the Border takes on the five-part harmonies and alt-country rock of California’s famed The Eagles. The tribute band will perform at Bowstring Brewyard, performing popular songs like “Take It Easy,” “Hotel California,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Desperado,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and more. Tickets are $24.
Hi-Wire Family Fall Fest — The cooler temps and turning leaves welcome the annual Family Fall Festival at Hi-Wire from noon to 4 p.m. There will be more than 10 carnival-like games from area nonprofits, plus an inflatable slide and yard games, arts and crafts from HPFangs and the Craft Box LLC, live animal ambassadors from the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, live music from Revolver Music Productions’ Kids’ Band at 1 p.m. and more. Game tickets are $1 each (or 25 tickets for $20), with all proceeds benefiting participating nonprofits. Hi-Wire is located at 1020 Princess Place Drive.
BonnaBrew Music and Arts Fest — A mini arts and music fest, Boonnabrew, is scheduled to take place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Waterline Brewing (721 Surry St.). Krispee Biscuits, Amberjack, JAHVA, and Andrew Covil will perform and there will be more than 25 arts vendors on site. A Zen Zone will be set up, there will be face-painting, a kids station, and the taproom will become the House of Yes, an interactive area featuring pop-ups, dance moments, and more. Plus, food trucks will be on site, featuring 2Bros Cuisine, Jonny Cheesehead and Kimchi Taco. It’s free to attend!
Dinksgiving: Charity Pickleball Tournament — A pickleball tournament is taking place at Pickle and Taps, 1207 S. 13th St., from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration is $60 and the event, Dinksgiving, is a charity event to benefit Wellness Without Walls; the nonprofit works to offer mental and wellness support services. There will be food trucks, including Coastal Carolina BBQ Surf & Turf and Wheelz Pizza. Registration is open here.
Retro in the Cargo — Fermental bottle shop is hosting a retro outdoor market, from noon to 5 p.m., hosted by Sun and Shine Vintage. Aside from timeless treasures and nostalgic knickknacks, there will be music from The Illtones at 2 p.m. It’s family-friendly and pet-friendly.
DrumTrout Soup Cookoff — Annually, the craft brewery (3710 S. College Road) hosts a contest to bring out the best “souper” chefs in the community. It returns this weekend, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and participants are welcome to sign up here and bring in their favorite soup, sample and judge the winner. It’s free — sign up is here. DrumTrout provides power strips for the crock pots, as well as paper bowls, cups and spoons. Judging ends at 8 p.m., with a winner announced then.
Hidden Battleship — Always a sold-out event, the U.S.S. North Carolina hosts its program Hidden Battleship on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The behind-the-scenes tour allows visitors to peek into unrestored areas on the Battleship — such as the bow, third deck, and below, and the superstructure, all the way to the very top. There will be climbing ladders, crossing high hatches, and going through tight/confined spaces. It’s limited to ages 16 and older and tickets are $75.
Contra Dance — The Leland Cultural Arts Center is hosting a Contra Dance for dancers of all levels. A 30-minute beginner lesson will start at 7 p.m. followed by open dancing. It’s $18 to participate, available here.
Sunday, Nov. 16
Cliff Cash
Kindred Weddings and Events, 205 Charlotte Ave. • Tickets: $31
For the last 15 years, local comedian Cliff Cash has been touring nationwide and internationally, performing at well-known venues and underground clubs. During that time he has been a finalist for Standup NBC, dropped a comedy album that went to the top of the iTunes charts, and released his own standup special, “The Long Road,” at Thalian Hall (available on Apple, Amazon, Tubi, and Roku).
He will hit a Carolina Beach stage at 5:30 p.m. at Kindred Weddings venue.
Cash’s standup includes insights into his personal life, even in places where it seems unimaginable — such as when his father died or when he went through a painful divorce. His act also consists of impersonations of characters that feel relatable to many Southern folks, heavy drawl included. Cash tackles stereotypes others put on the South and he doesn’t shy away from politics or current events ticking the headlines.
Tickets to his show are $31.
OTHER SUNDAY EVENTS
CAMmade Holiday Market — Taking place both Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, the CAMmade Holiday Market kicks off the holiday season offering handmade crafts, artworks and other fun gift ideas created by area artists. It’s a $5 admission, to include handmade crafts and shop through 20 or more artist booths. There will be different artists featured on both Saturday and Sunday. The fee comes with a “We Belong Here” CAM tote bag, while supplies last, and allows entry to the market on both days, while also entering participants into a raffle for a CAM membership and other goodies. All proceeds benefit CAM and the museum will have a curated selection of works for sale as well.
SENC Herbal Conference — Southeastern North Carolina Herbal Conference brings together herbalists and people curious about herbs and their wellness effects together. The weekend event takes place at 8711 Old River Road in Burgaw both Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There will be an eco-conscious market with local vendors and food trucks, community activities, and a rich selection of herbal workshops with teachers featuring 7Song and Esme Addison. Passes available for single and multiple days here.
Cape Fear Chorale — The Cape Fear Chorale will perform Sunday, 4 p.m., at Kenan Auditorium on UNCW’s campus. The concert will feature Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass” and John Corigliano’s ‘Fern Hill.” Haydn’s piece was composed during a time of war, while Corigliano’s evocative setting is Dylan Thomas’s “Fern Hill”; both explore faith, resilience, and hope, as brought to life with Cape Fear Chorale’s rich harmonies. Tickets are $12 to $18.
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