03.20.2024

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Today’s Weather

🎭 The show’s about to start

Prepare for a star-studded Broadway season at Blumenthal Arts

Blumenthal Arts audience files in and looks on at the empty "Hamilton" stage before showtime.

Find your seats as “Hamilton” and a number of other Broadway shows make their way to the Queen City for the 2024-2025 season. | Photo by CLTtoday

Since 1992, Blumenthal Arts has been welcoming theater lovers from across the Carolinas through its doors. The Uptown destination released its schedule for the 2024-2025 season and it’s going to be anything but corny.

The PNC Broadway Lights Series lineup includes:

“Some Like it Hot” – Nov. 26–Dec. 1, 2024
Based on the 1959 film of the same name, “Some Like It Hot” is based in Prohibition-era Chicago where two musicians witness a mob hit and are forced to escape the Windy City.

“A Beautiful Noise” – Feb. 25–March 2, 2025
Sweet Caroline. This musical is based on the life of Neil Diamond. Yes, Caroline is actually in the show.

“Parade” – March 25-30, 2025
This musical is a dramatization of the 1913 trial and imprisonment of a Jewish American in Georgia.

“Kimberly Akimbo” – April 15-27, 2025
Get ready to laugh (and cry) during this show about growing up, growing old, and navigating a possible felony charge.

“Shucked” – May 27-June 1, 2025
You probably saw that performance during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This musical is making Uptown corny, for the right reasons.

Ashley D. Kelley and Grey Henson are singing in the middle of a corn field in "Shucked." — Ashley D. Kelley and Grey Henson in the Original Broadway Cast of SHUCKED by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
|
Photo via Blumenthal Arts

“Life of Pi” – July 29-Aug. 3, 2025
A boy and a tiger meet on stage through state-of-the-art puppetry and storytelling that has captured the heart of millions since the book’s release in 2001.

There’s still a final show yet to be announced. We’re shivering with anticipation.

But wait, there's more.

Asked

What shows are you most excited for?

____________________________________________________

A. “Shucked”
B. “Hamilton”
C. “Wicked”
D. “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”
E. Other

Let us know

Events

Wednesday, March 20

Rise and Shine Yoga | Wednesday, March 20 | 7-8 a.m. | Founders Dairy Barn at Dairy Barn Entrance, 288 Dairy Barn Ln., Fort Mill | $14 | Start your week on the right note with an open-air yoga session — some experience is recommended.
South End CLT x Allbirds Book Drive | Wednesday, March 20 | Allbirds, 100 W. Worthington Ave., Charlotte | Free | Build South End’s literary collection by donating gently-used books.
“Catching the Moon” at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte | Wednesday, March 20 | Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, 300 E. 7th St., Charlotte | $17.10-$24 | Watch Toni Stone fall in love with baseball and become the first woman to play for an all-male professional team.

Thursday, March 21

2024 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament All-Session | Thursday, March 21 | 10 a.m. | Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St., Charlotte | $471-$1,465 | Get ready to watch four teams, including UNC, face off in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament in the heart of Uptown.
Charlotte Fair | Thursday, March 21 | 4-10 p.m. | Charlotte Motor Speedway, 6558 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord | $7-$12 | Grab your favorite fair food and ride the Ferris wheel during the Charlotte Fair’s opening night.
Drunk Journaling with Good Postage | Thursday, March 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Canteen, 1824 Statesville Ave., Ste. #100, Charlotte | Gather your favorite pens, pencils, and pals for this journaling workshop.

Friday, March 22

Art After Dark: “Southern Digital” | Friday, March 22 | 6-10 p.m. | Harvey B. Gantt Center, 551 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | Free | Experience a collection of music and digital content compiled to reflect the future of Southern Black culture.
Aaron Lewis | Friday, March 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium, 2700 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte | $49.50-$89.50 | Moving from rock to country, the former lead vocalist of Staind will perform brand new music.
Charlotte Symphony: Wagner and Strauss | Friday, March 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | $18-$108 | Lose yourself in the movement of Strauss’ “Death and Transformation,” a musical piece leaving you wondering what comes next.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Family

Sea what’s happening at the South Carolina Aquarium this Spring Break

Head to the historic downtown Charleston waterfront and dive into a day of fun. | Photo by South Carolina Aquarium

Whether you’re bringing the kids or embracing your inner child, there’s plenty to do during Spring Break at the South Carolina Aquarium (March 16-April 8).

Guests can experience:

Dive shows in North America’s deepest tank
A special scavenger hunt with fun prizes
Interactive talks with expert educators
Up-close animal encounters
And more

Take time to unplug for a day of fun filled with exciting exhibits, plus unparalleled views of the Charleston Harbor.

Snag tickets + start planning

News Notes

Announced

Real Madrid and Chelsea FC will face off in Charlotte as part of the Soccer Champions Tour. The international friendly match will pack Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday, August 6. Pre-sale tickets begin Monday, March 25 with general sale on Tuesday, March 26. (WCNC)

Development

Charlotte-based Duke Energy Corp. plans to build a new natural gas plant in Catawba County. A filing with the NC Utilities Commission shows the company wants to build two turbines at the Marshall Steam Station on Lake Norman. The goal is to retire the coal-powered operations there. (Charlotte Business Journal)

Edu

Time is ticking to complete the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools calendar survey. Parents have the chance to weigh in with their preferred calendar option and format for the 2025-2026 school year. The last day to make your voice heard is Friday, March 22.

Eat

Prepare for Taco Thursday. Noche Bruta, a Mexican restaurant, is opening inside HEX Coffee at Camp North End. The new dinner spot was created by Hector Gonzalez-Mora, the chef behind El Toro Bruto at Resident Culture in South End. (Charlotte Observer)

Coming Soon

The Charlotte Fair kicks off Thursday, March 21, and runs through Monday, April 1 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. You can expect rides that lift you off your seat, mouth-watering food, and a petting zoo during your visit. Pro tip: Check online for discount days.

Weather

It’s been a record-breaking 781 days since Charlotte last saw snow. Climatologists say warmer temperatures play a big role in the decline. The change also means the chance for early seasonal thunderstorms. (WSOC)

Feel Good

A round of applause for Kailagh. The 8-year-old girl was honored for saving her mom during a medical emergency. An officer with the city of Kannapolis said she was very calm and knew all the important information needed for authorities to help her mother. (WBTV)

Sports

Ahead of their tournament opener, hear what needs to happen to make the Heels successful on the biggest court of the season. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the North Carolina Tar Heels with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

History

Ever wanted to explore the rich narratives behind African American history? At the International African American Museum in downtown Charleston, you can deep dive into a wealth of experiences you won’t find in textbooks. March is Member Month, with 10% off memberships with code IAAM24. Learn more about membership.*

Finance

Pro tip: Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate your monthly payments.*

Outdoors

💧 Water you waiting for?

There’s still time to celebrate Creek Week

A cloud-free blue sky shining above the water and rocks at Long Creek surrounded by grass and trees at Long Creek Greenway in Northwest Charlotte.

Long Creek is one of 126 named creeks in Mecklenburg County. Once construction is finished on the greenway, it’s expected to span roughly 4.5 miles. | Photo by CLTtoday

3,000. That’s how many miles of creeks flow through Mecklenburg County. This Creek Week, it’s all about celebrating and appreciating those waterways.

Creek Week runs through Saturday, March 23. The week-long event is packed with volunteer and educational events, bringing awareness to keep our waterways clean.

What type of debris is spotted?
Our creeks and streams tend to gather water bottles, metals, pet waste, and plastic — think: anything dumped or swept up into a storm drain. The litter can pollute drinking water and harm the native wildlife.

How can I get involved?
Sign-ups are required for creek cleanups around the county. The week ends with the biggest event: The Big Spring Clean. Hundreds of people are expected to clean creeks around Charlotte for the one-day event. Find your nearest meet-up.

What if I can’t make it?
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services hosts volunteer events year-round. Keep your eyes peeled for events like stream cleanups, tree planting, garden maintenance, and storm drain marking.

The Buy

The Baby Shower Gift Guide. Give the gift of parenthood practicality or highchair high-fashion for the growing family in your life.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Maria

From the editor

Charlotte, thanks for being such a welcoming city! Living here since 2018, I have experienced nothing but love and laughter and can’t wait to tell your stories. If you’re reading this and see me out and about, please say “hi!”

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