Your Weekly Recommendations (Aug. 12-16)
Tuesday
I Love Lucy gave America a glimpse inside the quirky and always funny Desilu home. I Love Lucy on Stage will provide a look behind the making of the show as audiences are transported to the Desilu Playhouse stage just as two of the 1950s comedy’s most famous episodes are about to be taped. Begin at $20, Tue-Thu, 7:30 p.m.; Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat, 1:30, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun, 1:30 and 7 p.m. Knight Theater, 430 S. Tryon St. 704-379-1257, carolinatix.org. (This show continues through Aug. 18, but tickets are going fast)
If you liked Jimmy Eat World 20 years ago you should still like them today. Pioneers of the 1990s emo scene, this Arizona quartet wrote smart, upbeat, and somewhat optimistic music that shined against the backdrop of the usual din of the genre. The band must be comfortable in this range because two decades later the sound remains the same. $25, 8 p.m. Fillmore Charlotte, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. 704-916-8970, fillmorecharlotte.com.
Wednesday
Ask just about anyone from Generation X and they’ll still have reverence for the 1994 film The Lion King. Ask anyone from Generation Y and they’ll feel the same way about its 1998 Broadway musical adaptation. The story of the lion cub that must leave the pride in order to find his roar is a timeless tale full of music that still catchy nearly 20 years later. $25-$105, 7:30 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org. (This show continues through Sept. 1)
This production geared toward children up to age three looks at the world through what can be found in our pockets. The show builds bridges between thoughts, sounds, and words all by looking into what’s inside those denim compartments. $10, Wed-Sat, 10 a.m.-noon. Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th St. 704-973-2828, ctcharlotte.org. (Opening Night. This show continues through Aug. 24)
Thursday
This 26-year-old singer is the living embodiment of pop excess, P. Diddy mornings and all. She sings about hard partying, says insane things in interviews, and has made millions for it. Her tours are as loud and over the top as she is and will sell out fast. $29.50-$59.50, 7 p.m. Time Warner Cable Uptown Arena, 1000 NC Music Factory Blvd. 704-916-8970, livenation.com.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liaisons)
The Queen City Theatre Company is taking on this modern exploration of sexuality, morals and manipulations. It's filled with a web of deceit, lies, and sexual manipulation created by the bored members of the upper class. The film adaptation of the same name featured Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer. $22-$24, 7 p.m. Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St. 704-372-1000, carolinatix.org. (The production continues through Aug. 24)
Friday
It’s the most iconic acting role of all time for a reason. The dark and twisted life and ultimate death – spoiler alert – of Scottish Lord MacBeth is so rich and compelling that it borders on gluttonous for any good actor. Charlotte Shakespeare, which boasts the city’s best actors, is preparing for a feast. Free, but donations are suggested, Thu, 7:30 p.m.; Fri, 8 p.m.; Sat, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun, 3 p.m. Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-625-1288, charlotteshakespeare.com. (Opening Night. This is a wildly popular show, so tickets will go fast. This show continues through Aug. 25)
She’s Joni Mitchell from below the Mason Dixon Line. This North Carolina bred singer seemingly appeared from a dream when her debut album Bramble Rose was released in 2002. Her country and Americana lyrics were sad and poignant but with a glimmer of optimism. Since her first album she’s continued to release records that dredge the darker side of her sensibilities with a lightness that is unmatched. $17, 9:30 p.m. Visulite Theatre, 1615 Elizabeth Ave. 704-358-9200, visulite.com.
Modernism + Film: Niki De Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely: The Bonnie and Clyde of Art
This film follows the collaboration of the Saint Phalle and Tinguely and their personal partnerships. $10 for non-members, $8 for members, $5 for students with valid school I.D. 7 p.m. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. 704-353-9200, bechtler.org.
