A summertime 'Porgy and Bess' screening. A Tuscan sun worshipper. And a jumping swing social, too.
Maura's Three for the Week in Charleston, 8/12 - 8/18
You know you want to get out of the house. After last week’s wet-weather hunker-down, I’m still stir crazy, even if it’s just nursing an urge to head to a movie theater. You certainly won’t be at a loss for ways to venture out in the Charleston area, with options including a Metropolitan Opera repeat screening of Porgy and Bess, a swing social (including lessons) and a celebrated author who’ll give you the literary lowdown at Charleston Library Society.
Get to the Met’s acclaimed ‘Porgy and Bess’ (at the movies)
Regal Palmetto Grande, 1319 Theatre Dr., Mt. Pleasant, and Regal Azalea Square, 215 Azalea Square Blvd., Summerville, Wed., Aug. 14; showings at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
A performance of a buzzed-about Met production of Porgy and Bess was originally transmitted around the country on Feb. 1, 2020. This week, it returns to the Charleston area for a summertime sojourn perfect for pondering jumping fish and high cotton. Screenings of George Gershwin’s famed Charleston-set folk opera, which is based on the novel by local DuBose Heyward, are set for both Mt. Pleasant and Summerville Regal movie theaters. The production features soprano Angel Blue and bass-baritone Eric Owens. David Robertson conducts. (Note: Fathom Events such as this one are not valid with Regal Unlimited subscriptions.)
For information and tickets, click here
Soak up the latest by the ‘Under the Tuscan Sun' scribe
Charleston Library Society, 164 King St., downtown Charleston, Thurs. Aug. 15, 6 - 7 p.m
Many literature lovers will fondly recall Under the Tuscan Sun, the 1996 bestselling memoir by Frances Mayes detailing her rehab of an abandoned villa in the Tuscany region of Italy. Now, the author is coming to Charleston to discuss her new novel, A Great Marriage. Mayes will joined by Patti Callahan Henry, also a New York Times bestselling author, for a discussion hosted by Buxton Books and Charleston Library Society. Tickets, which include a signed copy of A Great Marriage, are $40 and are selling fast.
For tickets and information, click here.
Swing back into summer at a social dance
Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 43 Wentworth St., downtown Charleston, Fri., Aug. 16, with lessons from 7 - 8 p.m. and a social dance from 8 - 10 p.m.
Holy City Swing's Friday night dancing lessons and social swing feature beginner lessons tailored to those who have never danced swing or never danced at all—along with a social swing dance ball open to all ticket holders to show off their moves. Show up with a partner for a dynamic date night, or show up solo. Once you master the basics, join in on the Beginner II sessions to learn the Lindy Hop, the 6-count, and even the 8-count swing. Intermediate lessons are also available with pre-registration. Tickets $10 per person.
For tickets and information, click here.
Bonus: Lighten up at a new comedy club in North Charleston
Wit’s End, 3320 Rivers Ave, North Charleston, Sun., Aug. 18; doors at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m.
Located along a recently revitalized swath of North Charleston, Wit’s End is arguably the new hub of Charleston comedy. Founded by former funnyman Josh Bates, the club has already hosted names big and small from across the Lowcountry and nation. It is now set to host the best of the best in Charleston for a one-night comedy show. Grab a VIP ticket, which ensures tabletop seating, or arrive early to take advantage of first come, first served general seating. The show is for patrons ages 21 and up. General admission tickets are $10; VIP tickets are $18.
For information, click here.