Raleigh
Lord of the Dance
Memorial Auditorium, Progress Energy CenterThis Celtic dance homage to Irish folklore comes straight from the fast and furious footwork of ex-Riverdancer Michael Flatley. Spun from the plot of a vintage fairytale, Flatley’s production tells the story of a budding romance struggling to survive in a landscape of feuding enemies: the sinister Dark Lord and the glamorous Lord of the Dance. A classic battle of good vs. evil ensues as the mortal enemies dance it out in a rhythmic duel punctuated by flashy lights and glittery costumes. One-part Vegas glitz, one-part mystical Irish legend, Flatley’s modern pastiche inspires as much scorn as awe: Tonight, expect to see plenty of those inclined to the latter. Performances run through April 26, with evening shows Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and a final evening show at 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets run from $19-$50. For more information see www.broadwayseriessouth.com. Kathy Justice
Raleigh
And Then There Were None
N.C. Museum of ArtIf you watched the terribly lame serial killer show Harper’s Island on CBS this Thursday, reward yourself the following evening by venturing to Blue Ridge Road on the west side of Raleigh to witness the story that inspired it in the company of N.C. mystery maven Margaret Maron. Based on Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians, the 1945 film And Then There Were None features a cast of great character actors playing a group lured to a mysterious island where one by one, they’re killed off. Who’s the killerand who will survive? It’s a classic tale of mystery and murder that brings new meaning to the phrase “whodunit?” The only problem is that after seeing it, you’ll be aware of just how many other books and films have ripped it off. Admission is $5; the screening starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.ncartmuseum.org/events/films.shtml. Zack Smith
Raleigh
SOOTS’ Third Annual Bluesfest
Longview CenterGeorge Higgs and John Dee Holeman play Piedmont blues. Born during the Great Depression and living through the Jim Crow South, Higgs and Holeman are elder statesmen of the form: Higgs, 79, grew up on a farm near Speed, N.C., and his sun-burned voice growls with the years behind him. Harmonica duels for the spotlight with his irregular picking-versus-strumming technique. Born in Orange County, Holeman, 80, made a career as a heavy machine operator, though now he carries on the lineage of Blind Boy Fuller, amplifying his solemn sound through the electric guitar. Thanks to his high, nasal vocals, he’s been awarded both a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage fellowship and a North Carolina Folk Heritage award. SOOTS, based out of Raleigh Charter High School, pairs with the Music Maker Relief Foundation to keep the tradition alive through these two Tar Heel treasures. All proceeds from the $10 tickets go to Music Maker, which works to support elderly roots musicians and is celebrating its 15th year of such. Doors open at 7 p.m. See www.sootsblues.org for details. Andrew Ritchey
