A unique entertainment experience is rolling into town–literally–this Friday.
The horse-drawn wagon that carries the four actors and four musicians behind Rural Academy Theater across the state will be making a stop on its North Carolina tour at the Cameron Art Museum from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
While there, the troupe will perform an original work combining live acting, puppetry, audience-manipulated kinetic scupltures and even bicycle-powered silent cinema.
The family friendly evening will begin with a large-scale toy theater adaptation of an old French folktale presented outdoors, weather permitting, on the group’s traveling stage. Next, commedia dell’arte meets early film noir in a wordless whodunit romp, followed by a film with a live soundtrack from the “Rural Academy Orkestar.”
The Rural Academy Theater formed last year in western North Carolina.
“By not relying on gasoline powered propulsion or being dependent upon electricity and the typical expensive gadgetry associated with professional theater, we will be traveling and performing at a much more human pace, one that will allow for a more thorough integration into the communities and lives we visit,” theater co-founder Gabriel Harrell said.
Tickets to the event are $10 ($5 for children 12 and under) and can be purchased here, by phone at 395-5999 or in person.
Whether it’s a stripped-down, back-to-roots experience or a raging rock show you crave, we’ve got the rundown in this week’s spotlight arts and entertainment, featured every Thursday.
Most of the events can be found on The Scene, where it is always free to post and peruse the latest happenings.
Music
Local musicians can take the stage during Open Mic night at 8 tonight (Thursday) with Dennis Brinson at Local’s Tavern. There is no cover charge. A P.A. system and equipment is provided.
Sibling “electric western” duo The Mobros perform live with PaperWork at The Calico Room tonight. The cover charge is $3. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show gets underway at 9:30.
N.C. folk, bluegrass and rock band Acoustic Syndicate performs with versatile five-piece Charleston outfit Sol Driven Train at Ziggy’s By The Sea Friday. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10.
Arliss Nancy brings its fusion of rock ‘n roll, punk and alt-country to The Calico Room Friday, with A Bottle Volcanic and PJ Bond. The cover charge is $5. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10.
The Calico Room presents singer and songwriter Charles Ellworth with Shadow Puppets Saturday. The cover charge is $3. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show gets underway at 10.
Celebrate a classical composer during Fermental’s Bachtoberfest 2013, held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday. This free event features an outdoor performance by the Tallis Chamber Orchestra of Wilmington while sipping beer and wine, including a large selection of fall-themed adult beverages.
The Wilmington Symphony Junior Strings, under the direction of Jane Tierney, and the Saint Mary School Choir, under the direction of Lynn O’Connell, perform a free concert at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary in downtown Wilmington.
Area musicians are invited to join the stage at Locals Tavern for its Open Jam and Hot Dog Extravaganza Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. The event is hosted by Randy O & The Mango Band. A P.A. system, lights, drums, keys and backline are provided.
Legendary funk bassist, singer and songwriter Bootsy Collins takes the stage at Ziggy’s Sunday. Collins, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, rose to prominence playing with James Brown and Parliament Funkadelic. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the show. VIP and Gold Room reservations are available. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9.
Theater
Super Saturday Fun Time Kids Variety Show continues this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at TheatreNOW. The ongoing series features Captain Plunkett, Dock the Dog and the Dock Street Kids as they unravel mysteries tied to Wilmington’s history and local attractions in Scooby Doo-style. A new “episode” happens each week. Tickets are $8.
The Willis Richardson Players presents its Fantastic Fall Showcase at 3 p.m. Saturday in Thalian Hall’s Studio Theatre. General admission is $12. More information is available here.
Film
As part of the “Food Day” celebration, Nourish NC and Feast Down East present a free screening of the documentary, “A Place at the Table,” from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight in UNCW’s McNeil Hall Auditorium. The film takes an in-depth look at the lives of three people who wage a daily struggle against hunger, and includes interviews with experts about ensuring all Americans are well-fed. A discussion follows the screening.
Art
Some Fourth Friday fun happens from 6 to 9 p.m. this Friday at Crescent Moon art gallery. Gino Didio, who will be painting during the event, is the featured artist. Didio’s oil paintings capture the the people, culture and landscapes of his native land of Naples, Italy. Guitarist, singer and songwriter Fortch returns for his second stint as Fourth Friday featured musician. And the featured pairing this month comes from Fortunate Glass and Cousins Italian Deli. Sommelier Celeste Glass will highlight a red and white wine to complement samplings provided by the deli.
The Art Factory presents Art in the Dark, featuring 3D paintings by Alexandra Morse, Friday from 7 to 11 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. Those decked out in their Halloween best – or dressed up as sea creatures – will be eligible for a chance to win Megalodon teeth and art. There will also be prizes for most original, best sea creature and scariest costumes. Pianist James Jarvis performs at 7, followed by One Paper Crane at 8. Beer and wine is available for $3 and complimentary Hors d’oeuvres are served.
Dance
Choreographer and N.C. native Chase Brock brings his New York-based modern dance company, The Chase Brock Experience, to Thalian Hall at 8 p.m. Friday for a performance. Tickets are $18 to $35. More information is available here.
The Cape Fear Contra Dancers hold its monthly Saturday night dance at 7:30 p.m. at Fifth Avenue Methodist Church in downtown Wilmington. The cost is $10 at the door ($5 for students). A live band performs, and a brief teaching session will be held at the start of the event.
Tony-nominated choreographer Karole Armitage ends her week-long residency at UNC-Wilmington with a performance of her newest work, “Fables on Global Warming,” from 8 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Kenan Auditorium. The performance is followed by a dessert reception with the artists. Tickets are $20.
Award-winning choreographers and instructors Wanda and Jim York leade line dancing and pattern partner dancing classes from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach. No partner or prior experience is needed. Admission fee is $5 at the door.
Hilary Snow is a reporter at Port City Daily. Reach her at (910) 772-6341 or [email protected].
