Author Cormac McCarthy is an expert at penning thought-provoking themes to paper. Though, he's better known for his novels — No Country For Old Men, All the Pretty Horses, The Road, Blood Meridian, among others — McCarthy has also dabbled in play writing. This resulted in The Sunset Ltd., which 3M Productions is bringing to the stage Duke Energy Theatre. The play revolves around two characters — the suicidal "White" and the redeemed ex-convict "Black" — who debate the meaning of life and the existence of God. $22.50. Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m.; Aug. 6-7, 8 p.m.; Aug. 8, 3 p.m. Duke Energy Theatre, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org.