Theatrical producer's focus on minorities fills a niche, targets a diverse audience.

Vampires and werewolves have vanquished a dark knight. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" took in $72.7 million in its first day to break the single day domestic box office record previously held by "The Dark Knight," which had a $67.2 million opening day last year.

Human endurance has long been the movies' supreme subject. Already, with the release of the wrenching new feature "Precious," we have traveled to hell and back with a 16-year-old incest survivor.

Few characters in film history start as close to failure as the main character - perhaps because she isn't, to anyone but herself.

Lawrence Toppman: 'New Moon' may shine for hardcore fans, but it'll be cheese to all others. Showtimes

Some of this week's parties.

Sara Watkins/Infamous Stringdusters. 8 p.m. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. $14. 704-358-9200.

The author delights in taking the joke on his protagonist dangerously far.

They say you don't know what you've got till it's gone ... which is why I'm strongly urging you to check out two great shows that are packing up this weekend after long runs.

Before the turkey hits, let's review what we can be thankful for, in the past year or so's restaurant scene.

Party Pix 11.19.09
~ Celebrity Roundup 11.22.09
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