Sheesh. Some people can be so sensitive! Take David Gold, the hero of Off-Tryon Theatre's production of Twilight of the Golds. Here's a young gay man who should be perfectly happy. But when his twin sister Suzanne decides to abort a fetus with the same "affliction" as his, David gets the idea that his liberal Jewish family's acceptance is bogus. OK, so he has a point. Travis Osley stars and wunderkind Bradley Moore directs this Wagner-tinted drama. At 3143 Cullman Ave. through December 13. Call 704-375-2826. (Tannenbaum)
Anyone who likes David Sedaris' essays or his wry stories on NPR should get a bellyache from laughing too hard after viewing Santaland Diaries, the Actor's Theatre production of his acclaimed piece about working as an elf at Macy's during the holidays. Santaland Diaries will be performed in the Theatre Charlotte space as Actor's Theatre awaits the completion of their new home. This show will run today through December 13, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and December 7 at 2:30pm. December 9 at 7:30pm is "Pay What You Can Night" and tonight's opening night performance will be followed by a free wine and cheese reception. Tickets are $17-22, call 704-342-2251 or buy online at www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org. (Shukla)
Here's a reminder that a terrific exhibit is up and ready for your perusal at the Mint Museum of Art. Raphael To Monet, containing 58 masterpieces of European painting and sculpture from the 16th through the 19th centuries -- by artists including Raphael, Brueghel, Van Dyck, Bernini, Manet, Pissarro, Monet, Sisley, Degas and others -- will be on display through January 11. The works of art are from one of America's most celebrated collections of European art at The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. The Mint's hours are Tuesday 10-10; Wednesday-Saturday 10-5; and Sunday 12-5. Call 704-337-2000 for more information. (Grooms)
DECEMBER 4 - THURSDAY
Sevendust, possibly the only hard rock band named after a powdered garden insecticide, plays the Tremont Music Hall tonight at 8pm along with the band Finger 11. Tickets for the riff-filled 16-and-up gig are $20 in advance ($23 day of show), and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling Tremont at 704-343-9494. (Davis)
The wild and impish Stan Peal is back again as the prime malefactor in Epic Arts Repertory's A Mad, Mad Madrigal, premiering at SouthEnd Performing Arts Center. This interactive musical, written by Peal, blends elements of Renaissance Festival and Monty Python. Amid the wassail, we can expect the chivalry of Bobbin Good and the modesty of Maid Marilyn of Rottingham. You'll find a bumper full of fine local talent amid the merrie mischief makers, including Hank West, Joanna Gerdy, Julie Janorschke, Lee Thomas, and James K. Flynn. Through December 20 at 201 Rampart Street. Call 704-332-5300. (Tannenbaum)
DECEMBER 5 - FRIDAY
Catch two familiar names from the electronica world, both acts having made significant marks. First, a rare US club experience from Britain's Photek (aka Rupert Parkes) who made a big splash in the early days of jungle (under a variety of names). TeeBee, the Norwegian Torgeir Byrnes, began his career as a Photek disciple, but has attracted yet more followers with a sound that contrasts eerie orchestration with heavily reverbed melodic tones that twist amid crisp rhythmic architecture. They're appearing with several local DJs and MCs at Mythos tonight. Things get cranking around 11pm, and admission is $10. For more information call 704-375-8765. (Schacht)
It's time for another installment of nightlife maven Tracie Nasta's popular ARToxication series, a semi-regular celebration of the visual and performing arts. This installment, at The Steeple Lounge, features bands The New Blacks, The Needles (Wilmington, NC) and The Dead Kings. DJ Dallas Thunder will spin records, and featured artists Will Goodyear, R. Land (Atlanta) and Shea B. Alexander will exhibit art and photography. In addition, there will be dance and theatre performances by Erin and Marcia and The Off The Wall Players. Admission is a measly seven clams, which, in this economy, seems like a pretty good deal. Provided, that is, that you like art -- if you don't, all the money in the world probably won't save you. For more information, log on to www.thesteeple.com or call 704-333-5545. (Davis)
Yes, Children's Theatre has moved their production of Scrooge! The Holiday Musical to Spirit Square to accommodate the large demand. And yes, this is the third go-round for the musical version of A Christmas Carol. But you'll still have a Dickens of a time latching onto a ticket to this Charlotte favorite, now polished to a fine sheen through countless bah-humbugs of Christmases past. If you've never seen the CT version before, you'll be pleased by how they've freshened this classic, and if you bring an anklebiter, you can be sure he or she will be awed. Tickets are $15 and $10. Show dates are Dec. 5-14. Call 704-333-8983 for times and more information. (Tannenbaum)
DECEMBER 6 - SATURDAY
Because he has one of the most coveted residencies, at Fabric in London, the Bournemouth-born Brit DJ Craig Richards rarely travels, but makes a very rare Charlotte appearance tonight (it's his only one on the East coast). Known for a mix of quirky house, mashed prog and sublime breaks, Richards will be programming and mixing a new Fabric 2-disc compilation, so you can sample some of his new ideas tonight at Tonic, starting at 10pm. For additional information, call 704-347-2582. (Schacht)
A local institution, David Childers has been administering his brand of medicinal sonic religion to believers for a couple of decades (a little less as a solo artist and band leader); you can tell the size of his hardcore following by the venue they've chosen, The Neighborhood Theatre, for the CD release party of DC's new one, Room 23. Don Dixon, who produced the record (currently No. 20 on the Roots Rock airplay list), will be on hand to add his more-than-able musical insights to the proceedings, as will opener Malcolm Holcombe, who's garnered praise from Lucinda Williams, among others. The doors open at 8pm, and tickets are $10, though you might want to bring a little extra for Room 23, as well as any thirst-quenching considerations that arise. For more information, call 704-358-9298. (Schacht)
DECEMBER 9 -TUESDAY
Selwyn Pub and Providence Sundries patrons will migrate uptown tonight for the mother of all Charlotte holiday parties. Second String Santa presents their 15th annual "Miracle on College Street" Party at Founders Hall from 7pm "til midnight. A success every year, this shindig always draws a huge crowd. The festivities include live music by The Maxx, free beer, wine and soft drinks and a cash bar for cocktails. Each person attending is required to bring $10 and an unwrapped gift for a child. Gifts will be collected at the door and distributed to children through Mecklenburg County Social Services. If you don't bring a gift, you will be charged $30 admission. Dress is black-tie optional. For more information, visit www.secondstringsanta.org. (Herman)
The Reel Tuesdays series continues with a screening of Manna From Heaven tonight at The Light Factory at Spirit Square. The independent film stars Shirley Jones (yes, TV's Mrs. Partridge) and Frank Gorshin (yes, TV's The Riddler) in a comic tale about a family that acquires wealth in a mysterious fashion; see the Film Clips section for a review. Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 7:30pm; admission is $5. For details, call 704-492-2519. (Brunson)
