Let it Rip City. See the Middleton lights. Settle in for an S.C. film.
Maura's Three for the Week in Charleston, 2/17/25 - 2/23/25
If you’re like me, you’re itching to get out of the house these days, whatever the forecast holds. This week has plenty on offer indoors and out to reward your effort, from dazzling garden light shows at Middleton Place to absorbing cinematic drama at the Terrace via the film Bull Street. Hop in the car, Charleston, and hop to it. Enjoy.
See the light at Middleton Place
Middleton Place, 4300 Ashley River Rd., through Sat., Feb. 22, 6 - 8:30 p.m., with lights ending at 10 p.m.
I’m extremely keen to head towards the light for the final week of the immersive art experience at Middleton Place. Conceived as a walking journey through glowing pathways and garden rooms awash in vibrant hues and thoughtful designs, Garden Lights wends through hallmark spots like the Camellia Allée and Sundial Garden overlooking the Ashley River. The illuminated and illuminating self-guided tour can be enjoyed at your own pace. Allow around 45 minutes for the whole experience. Tickets are pre-sale only, and quantities are limited.
For tickets and information, click here.
Take in a topical Carolina tale at The Terrace
The Terrace Theater, 1956D Maybank Highway, James Island, Fri., Feb. 21 - Thurs., Feb 27, various times.
Heirs property continues to land in the Lowcountry news, and Bull Street offers a lens on the stakes of that make-or-break piece of paper known as a deed. Directed by Lynn Dow, the film tells the tale of LouEster and her grandmother Mrs. Big-Gal, played by Loretta Devine, as they face eviction from their home in the fictional town of Puckney, S.C. When an entitled Ivy League lawyer questions their ownership of the home and its surrounding land, the strength of handshake transfer is called into question, with a cherished home in the balance. The Terrace will also host a special live Q&A with Dow on Feb, 22.
Tickets are on sale now at the box office and terracetheater.com
Toast 10 years of Rip City with Nameless Numberhead
Silver Hill Studio, 2140 Amaker St., Charleston, Sat., Feb. 22, 8 - 10 p.m.
Charleston is indeed fortunate to be the home of Rip City CHS, an experimental comedy/variety show of original sketches, characters, music, performance art and anything else in between. It is now logging a solid decade of antic, SNL-style entertainment. Curated and produced by Nameless Numberhead, aka Henry Riggs and Maari Suorsa, their anniversary celebration this Saturday promises plenty of hearty laughs, cheeky banter, subversive wit, off-kilter bits and fun surprises, too. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the show.
For more information and tickets, click here.
Bonus: Beat it to Bowens Island for the Sierra Club Oyster Roast
Bowens Island Restaurant, 1870 Bowens Island Road, Sun., Feb. 23, 2 - 5 p.m.
Get shucking at the annual Sierra Club Lunz Group Oyster Roast and Auction, with live music by Lime and the Coconuts. Bid on great auction items including gift certificates, sailing classes, kayak tours, park passes, books, theater tickets, pottery, fine art and more. Bring cash, check, or credit card. The ticket price includes oysters, potluck veggie and meat chili, veggie dogs, and Ye Ole Fashioned ice cream. Beer or wine are available with a donation.
Adult tickets are $40 in advance (until 10 a.m. on Feb 23). At the gate, adult tickets are $45; students with ID are $25; children (6-12) are $5; those under 6 get in free.
For tickets, click here.
One for the Future: ‘Midlife Monologues’ is back and bigger
Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., downtown Charleston, Wed., March 12, 7 p.m.
I reviewed Midlife Monologues last year when its first production debuted in Charleston, and was heartened by the collective effort of so many distinct women voices trained on stories about navigating chapters in life that don’t always get a proper spotlight. Now, the brainchild of producer Kerri Devine and director Sharon Graci graces a bigger stage at Charleston Music Hall, as well as a livestream platform, gathering women from Charleston and well beyond to parse the plight and the pluck of being a woman.
Carolyn Murray, award-winning anchor of WCBD-TV and women’s health advocate, emcees a phenomenal female-powered lineup, among them New York Times-bestselling author and poet Kate Baer; television star Shanola Hampton; Dr. Tonya Maria Matthews, President & CEO of the International African American Museum; memoirist Mary Laura Philpott; actor Margaret Anne Florence; Tomboyland author Melissa Faliveno; humorist Deena Lang; author Tara Stringfellow; singer-songwriter and American Idol winner Abi Carter; actor and singer-songwriter Kelley Jakle; Quiana Parler, two-time Grammy-winning vocalist and member of Ranky Tanky; pop star Hayes Warner; lifestyle writer Stephanie Hunt; and Maria White, award-winning potter, filmmaker and health advocate.
For tickets and information, visit midlife-monologues.com.