Arts Calendar
Little Shop of Horrors: Off-Broadway hit about a monstrous, R&B-singing plant that craves fresh blood. This tuneful and hilarious musical is an affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies. Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, with music by Alan Menken. Directed and choreographed by Ron Chisholm. A down-and-out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon "Audrey II" grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. One of the longest-running off-Broadway shows of all time, thanks to a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. They redefined the animated musical film with Disney's "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin." Tuneful and hilarious, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies never fails to entertain. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. May 14; 8 p.m. May 15; 8 p.m. May 16; 8 p.m. May 17; 2:30 p.m. May 18. $10-$24. carolinatix.org. Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road, Charlotte. 704-376-3777. www.theatrecharlotte.org.
15th annual Spring Concert: The choirs present musical styles from classical and sacred music to art songs and gospel music. Two performances. 7:30 p.m. May 9; 7:30 p.m. May 10. Adults $10; children $6, reserved blocks $75. 704-332-7746. www.TheChoirSchool.org. The Choir School at St. Peter's, 115 W. Seventh St., Charlotte. 704-332-7746. www.TheChoirSchool.org
Charlotte premiere of documentary "Angels in the Dust": The event includes an evening with the director, a Save the Children representative and recent photographs from South Africa. Sponsored by Mothering Across Continents and Myers Park United Methodist Church. 7:30 p.m. May 9. $25. www.motheringacrosscontinents.org. Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte. 704-376-8584. www.mpumc.org.
New Works by Eric Hurtgen: Eric Hurtgen -- graffiti artist, graphic artist, writer, teacher -- combines all of his talents into show of storytelling and imagination. Acrylic on Canvas. Reception: 7-9 p.m. 11 a.m. May 14; 11 a.m. May 15; 11 a.m. May 16; 12 p.m. May 17; 11 a.m. May 20; 11 a.m. May 21; 11 a.m. May 22; 11 a.m. May 23; 12 p.m. May 24; 11 a.m. May 27; 11 a.m. May 28; 11 a.m. May 29; 11 a.m. May 30; 12 p.m. May 31. Free. Green Rice Gallery, 451 E. 36th St., Charlotte. 704-344-0300. www.green-rice.com
Off the Wall: Graffiti Art: Opening reception: 6-9 p.m. June 6. For the first time, CALeidoscope Gallery will present an exhibit of large-scale graffiti paintings. All artists age 18 and up are invited to submit entries. Visitors to the gallery during May will also have an opportunity to contribute their own drawings to a designated panel. The completed panel will be on display during the June 6 Gallery Crawl. 12 p.m. May 11; 11 a.m. May 12; 11 a.m. May 13; 11 a.m. May 14; 11 a.m. May 16; 11 a.m. May 17; 12 p.m. May 18; 11 a.m. May 19; 11 a.m. May 20; 11 a.m. May 21; 11 a.m. May 23; 11 a.m. May 24; 12 p.m. May 25; 11 a.m. May 26. Free. Charlotte Art League Caleidoscope Gallery, 1517 Camden Road, Charlotte. 704-376-2787. www.charlotteartleague.org
Grey Seal Puppets presents "Salsa Cinderella": Part of the Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department's Stories Under the Stars series. 7 p.m. May 17. Free. 704-920-4343. Kannapolis branch library, 850 Mountain St., Kannapolis. 704-920-1180. www.cabarruscounty.us/library
Classical organ music concert: Pieces from Bach, Franck and Halley are performed by Maureen Howell on a new organ as part of a re-dedication of the sanctuary in Elizabeth. A commissioned piece by Dan Locklair, "St. John's Suite: Four Chorale Preludes for Organ" will be performed. 7:30 p.m. May 18. Free. www.stjohnsbaptistchurch.org. St. John's Baptist Church, 300 Hawthorne Lane.
Stone,: Sculpture by Paul Sires: 11 a.m. May 27; 11 a.m. May 28; 11 a.m. May 29; 11 a.m. May 30; 12 p.m. May 31; 11 a.m. June 3; 11 a.m. June 4; 11 a.m. June 5; 11 a.m. June 6; 12 p.m. June 7; 11 a.m. June 10; 11 a.m. June 11; 11 a.m. June 12; 11 a.m. June 13. Free. Center Of The Earth Gallery, 3204 N. Davidson St., Charlotte. 704-375-5756. www.centeroftheearth.com
The Nightingale: Like a tyrannical 2-year-old, the Emperor of China is never happy unless he gets his way: the best and most of everything. But can a plain, brown nightingale teach the emperor the meaning of beauty with its simple song? Adapted from the fable by Hans Christian Andersen. For ages 6 and up. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. May 9; 1 p.m. May 10; 2 p.m. May 11. Orchestra $18; General Admission $14. 704-973-2800. www.ctcharlotte.org. Wachovia Playhouse, 300 E. Seventh St., Charlotte. 704-973-2780. www.imaginon.org
I Am My Own Wife: Winner of more than a dozen major awards, including the 2004 Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize. 8 p.m. May 9; 8 p.m. May 10. www.americantowns.com/nc/charlotte/events/i-am-my-own-wife. Booth Playhouse, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.carolinatix.org
New Works by Kim Schuessler: Opening reception: 6-9 p.m. May 9. 10 a.m. May 9; 10 a.m. May 21; 10 a.m. May 22; 10 a.m. May 23; 10 a.m. May 24; 10 a.m. May 27; 10 a.m. May 28; 10 a.m. May 29; 10 a.m. May 30; 10 a.m. May 31. Free. Shain Gallery, 2823 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte. 704-334-7744. www.shaingallery.com
2008 Summer Affiliate Artists Exhibition: This term features six local artists, highlighting a variety of media and techniques including painting, ceramics, sculpture, fibers and photography. 11 a.m. May 9; 11 a.m. May 10; 11 a.m. May 12; 11 a.m. May 13; 11 a.m. May 14; 11 a.m. May 15; 11 a.m. May 16; 11 a.m. May 17; 11 a.m. May 19; 11 a.m. May 20; 11 a.m. May 21; 11 a.m. May 22; 11 a.m. May 23; 11 a.m. May 24; 11 a.m. May 26. Free. McColl Center for Visual Art, 721 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-332-5535. www.mccollcenter.org
Cannon School Arts Jam: Annual event to offer eclectic mix of musical performances, hands-on art activities. Headliners include John Alexander Quartet and Cannon's Upper School Jazz Band. Fireworks display around 8:30 p.m. Scrap Exchange is a nonprofit organization that promotes creativity and environmental awareness, to help guests turn clean, reusable industrial discards into one-of-a-kind items such as hats, rockets, puppets, handbags. Matt's Chicago Dog and Ben and Jerry's to sell concessions.. 6 p.m. May 9. Free. www.cannonschool.org. Cannon School, 5801 Poplar Tent Road, Concord. 704-786-8171. www.cannonschool.org
The Arts as a Universal Language: Will feature open mic songs, dances, paintings and writings of diverse cultures and languages. The event will also feature special guests Muhammad Abdullah, author of "Reflections in the Key of Life," Llisa Miller Howell, painter of "Celebrating the Strength, Passion, and Divinity of Women Through Color" series, Rodrigo and Wendy Jimenez, salsa, merengue, and flamenco dancers, Brazi Capoeira dancer Cassio Queiroz, dancers Daniel Arredondo and Taliya Tango, and Japanese vocalist Micky Fukasawa. Beginner, intermediate and advanced artists, musicians, writers and dancers of all cultural backgrounds and arts enthusiasts welcome. 7 p.m. May 9. 704-333-8099. www.ihclt.org. International House, 322 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte.
Spring Concerts: Choirs sing favorites from their upcoming tour program, combining classical music with folk songs and popular music. 7:30 p.m. May 9; 7:30 p.m. May 10. $10 adults; $5 children under 12; $75 reserved blocks. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W. Seventh St., Charlotte. 704-332-7746. www.st-petersweb.org
Carmina Burana: Oratorio Singers of Charlotte join the symphony for Carl Orff's boisterous and sometimes bawdy cantata "Carmina burana." Calin Lupanu, the symphony's concert Oratorio Singers of Charlotte join the symphony for Carl Orff's boisterous and sometimes bawdy cantata "Carmina burana." Calin Lupanu, the symphony's concert master, opens the program with Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64. Christof Perick conducts. 8 p.m. May 9; 8 p.m. May 10. $16-$76; $10 student rush. www.americantowns.com/nc/charlotte/events/carmina-burana. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org
Charlotte Fine Art Show: Juried art show, demonstrations with live entertainment and kids activities. 10 a.m. May 10. $5. Charlotte Merchandise Mart, 2500 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte. 704-333-7709. www.carolinasmart.com
The Art of Craft: Many N.C. potters like Harriet Ann Thompson, Donna Craven, Daniel Johnston and Bulldog Pottery will showcase their work at the third annual event, which will include a pottery and craft sale and colonial activities and pony rides for kids. Children can also craft dolls from yarn and work with a pottery wheel. This event is part of the May Mec Dec Celebration, a monthlong celebration of history and culture. 10 a.m. May 10. General admission is $5 to $10. Preview breakfast tickets are $75. www.historicrosedale.org. Historic Rosedale, 3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte. 704-335-0325. www.historicrosedale.org
Target Family Fun Saturdays At The Mint Museum of Art: Come by the classroom art studios and enjoy art-making together. Projects are geared for all ages. Groups of 8 or more are encouraged to call ahead. 10:30 a.m. May 10; 10:30 a.m. June 14. Free for kids 15 and under with $6 adult ticket. 704-377-2050. www.mintmuseum.org/program-and-events.html. Mint Museum Of Art, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte. 704-337-2000. www.mintmuseum.org
"Presumed Guilty": Presented by the Gold Standard Chorus. Mugsy almost goes to prison for a crime he did not commit. A musical comedy featuring guest quartets and guest chorus. 2:30 p.m. May 10; 7:30 p.m. May 10. $15; $12 seniors. 704-554-1301. www.goldstandardchorus.org. Pease Auditorium, Central Piedmont Community College, 1200 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. 704-330-6534. www.cpcc.edu
Gold Standard Chorus Annual Barbershop Harmony Show: Two performances of "Presumed Guilty" featuring chorus and quartets of the Gold Stand Chorus and Sweet Adelines International and Sun Valley and Charlotte Catholic High School Choruses. 2:30 p.m. May 10; 7:30 p.m. May 10. $15, seniors $12, group discount available. goldstandardchorus.org. Pease Auditorium, CPCC Campus, Charlotte. 803-412-0101.
Dearest Mommie Dearest ... One Mother of an Event! Fundraising event for Actor's Theatre of Charlotte. Admission price includes screening of the cult classic "Mommie Dearest" as well as heavy hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, cash bar, costume contest, silent and live auctions. 7 p.m. May 10. $75 in advance, $100 at the door. www.actorstheatrecharlotte.com. Belle Acres Golf and Country Club, 3033 South Blvd., Charlotte. 704-525-8999.
"Presumed Guilty": Presented by the Gold Standard Chorus. Mugsy almost goes to prison for a crime he did not commit. A musical comedy featuring guest quartets and guest chorus. 7:30 p.m. May 10. $15; $12 seniors. 704-554-1301. www.goldstandardchorus.org. Pease Auditorium, Central Piedmont Community College, 1200 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. 704-330-6534. www.cpcc.edu
Klassenverhaltnisse (Class Relations): Based on Kafka's 'Der Verschollene' ('Amerika' in English). About a society utterly cruel, capricious and ludicrous as it is shaped by capitalism. 7:30 p.m. May 10. free. The Patchwerk Playhaus @ Century, 1508 Central Ave., Charlotte.
Sheketak: Israeli Percussion: Inspired by "Stomp" and "Blue Man Group," Sheketak: Rhythm in Motion is an explosion of industrial strength and urban frenzy. 7 p.m. May 11. $10-$15. 704-944-6757. www.israelat60charlotte.org. Belk Theatre, 130 North Tryon St., Charlotte. www.blumenthalcenter.org
Program and AGO installation service: Featuring Jane Arant and the Trinity Presbyterian choir. 7:30 p.m. May 13. Free. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Road, Charlotte. 704-366-3554. www.trinitypreschurch.org
Barbara Schreiber: Works on paper: For more than two decades, Barbara Schreiber has created intimate paintings and drawings that appear light-hearted at first glance but often have unsettling undertones. Reception: 4-6 p.m. May 15. 11 a.m. May 14; 11 a.m. May 26; 11 a.m. May 27; 11 a.m. May 28; 11 a.m. May 29; 11 a.m. May 30; 11 a.m. June 2. Free. Elizabeth Ross Gallery, Central Piedmont Community College, 1200 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. 704-330-6668. www.cpcc.edu
Kelly Koeppel at Morrison Arts Initiative: Kelly Koeppel will exhibit large format 8mm film prints and her contemporary canvases. Koeppel has been an artist for more than 15 years and has exhibited nationally. 6 p.m. May 14. Free. Morrison Arts Initiative, 721 Governor Morrison St., Charlotte. 704-405-5126. www.morrison-arts.org
