Raleigh
Serenity
Colony TheaterRarely do cancelled TV shows get a proper finale, let alone their own cult-fave major motion picture. Yet Firefly, Fox’s failed space-western series from 2002, which follows the renegade crew of a “Firefly-class” spaceship in the year 2517, saw a second life with Serenity, a continuation of the series that addressed many of the unresolved plot issues. The show’s resurrection was due to creator Joss Whedon and the show’s strong fan base, the Browncoats (named after the rebel army on the TV show). After an unsuccessful campaign to forestall the series’ cancellation, the Browncoats’ support and fundraising led to the release of the series on DVD and the eventual production of Serenity. Now, four years after the film’s initial release and on the heels of revival screenings elsewhere, the Colony Theater hosts its second annual “Browncoat Christmas” with a showing of Serenity at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. Be sure to get there early because the Colony will have plenty of giveaways associated with the film, including DVDs of the first and only season of Firefly. Visit www.therialto.com. Belem Destefani
Durham
Killer Filler
Broad Street CafeHere’s a fun little fact that you can drop at your next alt-country dinner party: Chris “Crispy” Bess, former auxiliary member of Southern Culture on the Skids and current ringmaster of the wordless but charm-chocked Killer Filler, contributed piano and accordion to Uncle Tupelo’s pioneering Still Feel Gone. The key is to have Filler Up, last year’s ingenious release from Bess’ outfit, cued-up to kick in as you deliver this nugget. It’ll jump-start your soiree with sparks of Booker T. and the MGs, Ennio Morricone and The Ventures. Versatile guitarist and North Carolina native Xeno Yunza starts the night at 8 p.m. No cover (though you can bet on some covers). See www.thebroadstreetcafe.com. Rick Cornell
Chapel Hill
Jeff Vandermeer and Friends
Chapel Hill ComicsFantasy fans and aspiring writers are in for a treattwo-time World Fantasy Award winner Jeff Vandermeer will be at Chapel Hill Comics to promote two of his books, the steampunk fantasy Finch and the nonfiction guide to writing, Booklife. He’ll be joined by writer and podcaster Mur Lafferty, along with Natania Barron, creator of the Aldersgate Cycle. A purchase of Finch will get you a free CD soundtrack by the band Murder by Death, and the writers will be available for drinks at the bar across the street afterward. The whole shebang starts at 7 p.m. and lasts until 8:30. Visit www.chapelhillcomics.com. Zack Smith
Raleigh
Always … Patsy Cline
Theatre in the ParkSusannah Hough and Canady Thomas star in this production of Ted Swindley’s play about the friendship between country singer Patsy Cline and fan Louise Seger, which lasted from 1961 until Cline’s death in a plane crash in 1963. The musical play includes many of Cline’s classic songs, including “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” The performances run on Dec. 10, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20. Visit www.theatreinthepark.com. Zack Smith
Raleigh
Much Ado About Nothing
Meymandi Theatre at the Murphey SchoolWilliam Shakespeare’s romantic comedy is a tale of a soon-to-be-wed couple, the bickering friends they conspire to unite and the numerous misunderstandings that ensue. It is likely to be more interesting than the 1993 film, which is the one time you can see Emma Thompson, Keanu Reeves and Denzel Washington in the same cast. The production runs through Dec. 20; show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Regular tickets are $20. Visit www.burningcoal.org. Zack Smith
