🎭 Funny Girl
Orpheum Theatre
Performances through Sunday, October 15
Out of the mouths of babes and our writer Michael Donahue: “RUN, DON’T WALK, TO THE ORPHEUM AND SEE FUNNY GIRL.” It’s true — you can find those very words in Michael’s “We Saw You” this week. Now that he’s seen the bittersweet comedy musical, you must too. Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” Funny Girl is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway. Tickets are $29-$135 and can be purchased here.
👻 Blithe Spirit
Theatre Memphis
Friday, October 13-29
In this play that Theatre Memphis is putting on, a crime writer who has been creatively blocked since the death of his first wife is now tensely remarried to an uptight second wife. So he summons a spiritualist who summons his first wife’s ghost. Makes sense. It also makes sense that havoc ensues in this play. Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., through October 29th. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
📽️ Teenage Tupelo in Memphis
Screening at Malco Studio on the Square | Friday, October 13, 7 p.m.
Teen Tupe on Tap at Cooper House Project | Saturday, October 14, 4 p.m.
Impala Rock & Roll Show at Bar DKDC | Saturday, October 14, 8 p.m.
Almost 30 years ago, Mike McCarthy released an obscure little cult film called Teenage Tupelo. Now Fantagraphics Books unleashes a mammoth volume dedicated to one of the last underground sexploitation films of the 20th century: a nudie cutie time capsule of art, essays, and reviews, along with photos of the beautiful starlets who appeared in Teenage Tupelo. See the film remastered on Friday at Malco Studio on the Square, plus a Q&A with McCarthy and a new short film “Super Thrift” by John Marvel, which you can read more about here. Then, on Saturday, sip suds with the Starlets at the Teenage Tupelo Fantagraphics Books signing and custom beer event, co-sponsored by Burke’s Books. Lastly, Impala will perform the film’s score live at Bar DKDC.
🧟 Dance Til You’re Dead: A Friday the 13th Dark Retro Party
Black Lodge
Friday, October 13, 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m.
Break out your most thrilling dance moves for this Halloween dance party, bring dark killer hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Wear a costume if you dare, and if you dare not to be fashionably late, be fashionably early by showing up for the nonstop Friday the 13th movie marathon happening all-day at the Black Lodge, screening parts 1-7 until 9:30 p.m. The dance party is 18+ and is $10 to get in.
👻 Monster Market 2023
Medicine Factory
Friday-Wednesday, October 13-18
Looking to have a graveyard smash of a weekend? Might we interest you in a Monster Market? That’s where you’ll find all the odd art, strange home decor, and funky apparel your little weird heart could ever desire. Opening night on Friday, 5-9 p.m., will have snacks, drinks, tunes, and an AR experience. Hours for the rest of the pop-up’s stint at the Medicine Factory are noon-7 p.m. Take a looky-loo at this Flyer article because that’s what all the weird kids are doing and that’s also where you can learn more about the event.
💋 Rocky Horror Picture Show: feat. Absent Friends!
The Evergreen Theatre
Friday, October 13, 11:30 p.m.
I see you shiver with antici … pation, knowing that the shadow-cast Absent Friends is back to bring you The Rocky Horror Picture Show like it’s supposed to be done — with costumes, props, and callbacks. The evening starts with a live pre-show and surprises including a costume contest and special pre-show entertainment to get the party going. Audience participation is strongly encouraged and so are any costumes. You can throw stuff. Prop bags are available for $5 each. Admission is $10. Doors open at 11:30 p.m.
🐶 Mutt Strut 5k Benefiting Dogs 2nd Chance Rescue
Overton Park
Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m.
Bring your family and your fur babies for 3.1 miles of fun through beautiful Overton Park. All proceeds go directly to the care of the dogs. Every participant gets a T-shirt, goodie snack bag, and Mutt Strut 5k dog tag. Every dog participant gets a bone-shaped dog tag and goodie bag. Register here.
🚘 Edge Motorfest
Edge Motor Museum
Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Vroooom, vrooom your way into the Edge District for Edge Motorfest, where you can check out over 150 cars and enjoy live music, food trucks, door prizes, and more. Admission is free.
🎸 Ska-Tober Fest 2023
Meddlesome Brewing Company
Saturday, October 14, 4-11 p.m.
Dust off your Chucks and chain wallets, and join Meddlesome for more ska than Memphis has ever seen. This year’s lineup is skamazing with The Big News, The Lung Darts, Boss Battle, Runaway Ricochet, The Skalors, The Taj Motel Trio, and HotRails.
🎙️ Betor Fest
Hernando’s Hide-A-Way
Sunday, October 15, 3 p.m.
Last year, our music editor Alex Greene wrote that Betor Fest “may just be the most socially enlightened concert series in town.” After all, he continues, “it’s devoted to a group that’s been quietly helping addicts and others in recovery for years now, A Betor Way.” This year’s fest will have live graffiti painting, vendors, and music by Joybomb, Mick Kolassa, Grave Lurker, Cash Martin, and more. Tickets ($10) can be purchased here, and read that full piece by Alex here.
🍽️ Cooking with Chef Eli Demo: Cornbread Dressing with Cranberry Compote
Cossitt Library
Wednesday, October 18, 6:30-8 p.m.
You can’t miss this incredible demonstration of where Chef Eli shows you how to make hearty cornbread dressing with a delectable cranberry compote.
🎶 Bailey Bigger — Concerts in The Grove
Germantown Performing Arts Center
Thursday, October 19, 6:30-8 p.m.
Bailey Bigger, who’s gained national attention from her earthy songwriting and haunting vocals, takes the stage for GPAC’s Concerts in The Grove, where you’ll enjoy music, food trucks, and corn hole, all in a beautiful, park-like setting. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Outside food and drinks are permitted. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased here. Kids under 18 get in free.
🤣 Shelarious Shenanigans Comedy Showcase
Cameo
Thursday, October 19, 7-9 p.m.
The Shelarious Shenanigans Comedy Showcase was created by locally-owned JR Productions as an opportunity to feature some of the best comedians in the industry who just so happen to be women. There’s no cover, so there’s no excuse not to check these ladies and their stand-up acts out.
