Waitress
Playhouse on the Square
Friday, August 16-September 15
I can’t wait any longer for Playhouse on the Square to open its production of Waitress. This is one of my personal favorite musicals that I’ve ever seen. The music is top-notch, and the story, oh my, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll get warm and fuzzy. As Playhouse writes, “Jenna, a skilled pie maker and waitress, finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage and a small town. With an unexpected pregnancy, she worries that her dream of owning a pie shop might never materialize. However, a baking contest in a neighboring county and the arrival of the town’s charming new doctor present her with a chance at happiness. Encouraged by her unique group of fellow waitresses and devoted customers, Jenna discovers the one thing she’s been lacking — courage.” Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Black Lodge Final Events 🙁
Black Lodge
Various Times
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Black Lodge is closing. Before you start crying, the Lodge has a few events left on its calendar. Friday at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Night Phonk will deliver a concert of pure uncut street bass music and sounds straight from the Memphis underground ($10). Afterward, the Lodge will host Psytrance, where you can “transport yourself to another dimension of rolling bass lines and dazzling visuals by Feral Perspective” — whatever that means ($10). 901Wrestling will take over the Lodge on Saturday at 7 p.m. (more on that here). Then there’s the Zombie Luau — think zombies in Hawaiian gear — where the Memphis Zombies will be raising money for ghoul school supplies. There’ll be music, hula hoops, leis, karaoke, and a chance to get your zombie makeup done ($15). On Sunday at 3 p.m., the Bluff City Liars return for an afternoon of improv comedy ($10).
Wurlitzer Silent Movie: The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
Orpheum Theatre
Friday, August 16, 7 p.m.
The Phantom is taking over the big screen at the Orpheum Theatre this Elvis Week. In the silent horror classic, The Phantom of the Opera, aspiring young opera singer Christine Daaé discovers that the Phantom, her mysterious admirer, is intent on helping her become a lead performer. For this screening, Orpheum house organist Tony Thomas will breathe new life into this haunting tale as the theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer Organ will transport audiences to the heart of the Phantom’s mysterious world. Donations of $10 are recommended.
Auteur: Music Inspired by the Films of Wes Anderson
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Friday, August 16, 7:30 p.m.
Presenting saxophonist Amanda Gardier performing original compositions inspired by the distinct imagery and characters of one of the most famous auteurs in film, Wes Anderson. Tickets for the show are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Renaissance Faire
Wiseacre Brewing Company
Saturday, August 17, 1-6 p.m.
Hear ye, hear ye, by a royal-in-spirit decree, all subjects of Memphis are invited to the Renaissance Faire this Saturday at Wiseacre Brewing Company. The day will have “live music, a mermaid, face painting, dancers, a queen who will knight fair-goers, and armored knights doing demonstrations,” says event organizer Ashley Riley. “There will also be several vendors selling medieval garb, jewelry, and accessories, as well as plenty of food vendors — including the iconic turkey leg, a staple at any Renaissance fair.” Admission is free, but donations of school supplies are encouraged.
Shop Black Fest
Bass Pro Dr. and Riverside Dr.
Saturday, August 17, 2-7 p.m.
August is National Black Business Month, and this weekend’s Shop Black Fest is the perfect opportunity to connect with and shop from Black-owned small businesses. Fest-goers will also enjoy live music, raffle giveaways, yoga, and a kidzone. Here’s a link to the day’s schedule and a list of all the vendors who will be setting up. General admission is free; RSVP here.
On Paper Community Night
The Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Saturday, August 17, 5-8 p.m.
We might know a thing or two about making a paper, but the Dixon knows arguably a lot more about the art of paper. Their “On Paper!” interactive exhibit, which will be on display through September 29, celebrates paper “as a material, a communication tool, and a creativity and innovation initiator.” To coincide with the exhibit, the Dixon is hosting a community night full of stories, artmaking, performances, and a special highlight of the plants and natural resources used to make paper. The night will include live poetry, gelato from Zio Matto, snacks from La Antojería, a book giveaway, and more. The event is free to attend.
Time Warp Drive-In | Comic Book Sinister: The Pitch Black Pulp of Gothic Comic Heroes
Malco Summer Drive-In
Saturday, August 17, 8 p.m.
Time Warp Drive-In dives into the dark side of comic book heroes, descending into the dark noir world of three unforgettable cult comic legends brought to cinema life: Sin City (2005), Watchmen: Director’s Cut (2008), and The Crow (1994). As always, the cost is $25 per car for as many people as your car, truck, or van can hold. 18+.
