Raleigh
South Pacific
Memorial AuditoriumLove blossoms among the coconuts. No, I’m not talking about Gilligan’s Island, but the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical set practically downwind of Mary Ann and the Skipper. Cock-eyed optimist Nellie Forbush meets plantation owner Emile de Beque in the 1940s, and it’s love at first sight. All goes swimmingly until she discovers his mixed-race children from his former wife, a Polynesian islander. Will she wash that man out of her hair, or learn to overcome her deeply ingrained prejudices? (Hint: The song “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” signals the turning point for major and supporting characters.) Elsewhere on the island, Luther Billis and his sailor cronies provide laughs with their spirited high jinks. The show runs today through Nov. 8, with evening performances at 8 and matinees at 2. For more information, visit www.broadwayseriessouth.com. Sarah Ewald
Chapel Hill
King Khan & The BBQ Show
Local 506For King Khan, garage rock’s greasy-soul revivalism is not just about the music; it’s about a way of life. Or maybe a day in a life. Check out the story told by his Supreme Genius record: “Took My Lady to Dinner,” “Shivers Down My Spine,” “Burnin’ Inside,” “Land of the Freak,” “Crackin’ Up,” “Live Fast Die Strong” with “No Regrets.” Granted, Supreme Genius was made with the eight-piece Shrines, and the 506 show finds Khan in duo mode with former Spaceshits mate Mark Sultan (aka BBQ). Just means that the King will have to live that much faster. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and the burnin’ starts at 9:30 p.m. Links and such at www.local506.com. Rick Cornell
Durham
Ciompi Quartet Lunchtime Classics
Rare Book Room, Duke CampusThe fourth movement of Opus 59, No. 3, or Beethoven’s ninth string quartet, is a perfect five minutes of music. It’s in constant motion, fleet lines from each instrumentalist dashing beneath and around the others, often circling back to catch up, as if trapped in a highly evolved game of tag. The action makes for tension, but Beethoven’s sudden dynamic shifts alleviate the pressure so that a short violin solo sounds, somehow, like a giggle. Duke’s long-standing classical conduit, The Ciompi Quartet, plays the piece today and offers a bit of context during this free noon concert. Bring your lunch. For more, see www.dukeperformances.duke.edu. Grayson Currin
