Friday, Sep. 11, 2009

Center Stage: What’s Hot in the Midlands

FRIDAY, SEPT. 11

“The Producers” is a story about producing a Broadway flop. One thing goes wrong: the production becomes a hit. Workshop Theatre, which is putting on the play through Sept. 26, would certainly like the same result here.

Showtimes: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Wednesday through Sept. 19 and Sept. 22-26; and 2 p.m. Sept. 20.

Workshop is at 1136 Bull St. $14 to $20; (803) 799-6551

Trustus Theatre, celebrating its 25th year, will start the season with a stage classic: “The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told. ”

The show, which debuted at Trustus in 2002, will feature original cast members Paul Kaufmann, Robin Gottlieb and Jason Stokes. The story, based loosely on the Old Testament, is familiar. But instead of Adam and Eve, the play presents Adam and Steve. The show runs through Oct. 3. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday.

Trustus is at 520 Lady St. $15 to $22.50; (803) 254-9732

“Skate and Create, ” an exhibition of skateboards as art, will be at Gallery 80808 through Tuesday. The opening reception is from 6 to 10 p.m. The Greater Columbia Society for the Preservation of Soul will spin soul records.

Along with the skateboards, there will be prints and photography. “Skate and Create” is a benefit for Pour It Now, a nonprofit raising funds and awareness for community skatepark needs.

David Toole, the owner of Blue Tile, a skate shop in Five Points, said there will be more than 50 pieces of art in the show.

The gallery is at 808 Lady St. (803) 252-6134

SATURDAY

The 31st annual “Jubilee: Festival of Heritage” will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mann-Simons Cottage, 1403 Richland St.

The free festival, which includes artists, craftsmen, crafstmen, music and tours of African-American heritage sites, celebrates the life of Celia Mann. Mann, a former slave, acquired the cottage before the Civil War, and her descendants lived in the home for more than 100 years.

For more information, call (803) 252-1770, ext. 33 or visit www.historiccolumbia.org.

Chuck Brodsky, a fingerpicker and strummer, will play a house concert in Gilbert at 7:30 p.m. There’s a 40-person limit, so reservations are encouraged by Richard Sylvester, who is hosting the show. $15; (803) 892-3511 or briogrande@gmail.com

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Elmo’s Green Thumb, a Sesame Street Live show, opens at the Colonial Life Arena. The show runs through Sunday (7 p.m. Friday, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday). $14, $18 and $22. A limited number of $28 Gold Circle seats are also available. All seats Friday (excluding Gold Circle) are $14; (866) 472-8499.

The Big Apple Night Club will ripple with swing dancing for three nights during “The Big Apple Comes Home. ”

Seattle bandleader Solomon Douglas will lead the Solomon Douglas Quintet Friday, as the band plays hits by Count Basie and Duke Ellington. On Saturday, the 10-piece Solomon Douglas Swingtet will perform.

Local swing dancers Richard Durlach and Breedlove will lead folks on the dance floor. Do you remember the ring shout? If not, it’s a sight to see.

Showtimes and tickets are 7 p.m. Friday, $20; 8 p.m. Saturday, $30; and 7 p.m. Sunday, $15. A weekend pass is $50. There are also dance classes offered. The Big Apple is at 1000 Hampton St. (803) 782-5984 or (803) 518-6147

— Otis R. Taylor Jr.

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