EVENTS

From baseball to Boyz II Men, 18 things to do in Wilmington for Memorial Day weekend

John Staton
Wilmington StarNews

Memorial Day weekend is not only the unofficial start of summer, it's also all about the beach.

But with the weather this weekend looking more than a little iffy, you might want to make some alternate plans. That's where we come in. Check below for a robust list of entertainment options that includes music, theater, dance, comedy, art and even a little baseball.

We also have a big list highlighting the outdoor concerts in the area if you want to see what's coming down the pike later this spring and summer. See link below.

And, if you're looking for Brunswick County events, we do a separate list for that. See link below.

Local outdoor concerts:Your guide to 2023's can't-miss outdoor concerts in the Wilmington area

More Brunswick events:From free concerts to an adult spelling bee, check out these 7 Brunswick events

ALL WEEKEND

'The Wedding Singer'

Christopher Jones stars in "The Wedding Singer" through May 28 at Thalian Hall.

At Thalian Hall: Wonderfully staged, with a winning performance in the leading role by Christopher Jones, Thalian Association Community Theatre's production of pop musical comedy "The Wedding Singer" is a fizzy confection of a show.

Based on the Adam Sander movie from the '90s, there are no surprises in the story of a jilted wedding singer who eventually finds love.

In fact, jaunty opening number "It's Your Wedding Day" sets us up for the predictable ending. But the direction by Cathy Street is so well-attuned to the show's engaging characters and super-fun songs — Linda Markas' band is rock-solid, though they could be a bit louder — that the journey is always enjoyable (the raft of '80s references, hairstyles and fashion doesn't hurt) despite knowing exactly where we're going to end up.

As Robbie, the songwriter who gave up his rock star dreams for the numbing sameness of performing at wedding after wedding, Jones' performance is understated but effective, hitting notes of hilarity in the emo-tastic "Somebody Kill Me" but delivering solid vocals and an Everyman-style stage presence throughout.

Christopher Jones stars in "The Wedding Singer" through May 28 at Thalian Hall.

Susie Lukens matches Jones with her Everywoman-worthy performance as Robbie's extremely engaged love interest, Julia, while Matthew Thomas-Reid is a face-punchable villain as Julia's junk-bond-trading fiance.

As Robbie's dunderheaded bandmate Sammy, Chad Hsu's performance casts totally worthy shades of "Wayne's World," while Logan Hayes' turn as Robbie's Boy George-like bandmate is never less than on time. Sara Sommers steals scenes as Robbie's randy grandmother, with a delightful Beth Swindell providing comic relief as Julia's enthusiastically amorous friend, Holly.

Again, no deep messages here we haven't heard before. Rather, "The Wedding Singer" is like theatrical comfort food for a modern-day audience, with the added bonus of totally '80s costumes by Stephanie Aman and Dori Nason and energetic choreography by Tim Mills.

If you're thinking of bringing kids, know that there are a few drug references, some heavy drinking and one prominent f-bomb, but mature teens and even some pre-teens should be able to handle it. 7:30 p.m. May 26-27, 2 p.m. May 28. 910-632-2285.

Orange Street ArtsFest

People look at art at the 23rd annual Orange Street ArtsFest in historic downtown Wilmington in 2018

Hannah Block Historic USO/ Community Arts Center: The 27th annual street fair and arts festival features the work of dozens of artists both in and outside the Arts Center at Second and Orange streets. A downtown tradition for Memorial Day weekend, the Orange Street ArtsFest is also the biggest annual fundraiser for Thalian Association Community Theatre. A wide range of mediums and work juried by Wilmington artist Benjamin Billingsley will be represented, with a special show and sale inside the Arts Center will featuring work by Laney High School students. A range of food and beverages will be available for purchase. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 27 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m May 28. Free. 910-251-1788.

Wilmington Sharks

Josh Harlow pitches for the Wilmington Sharks in 2021.

At Buck Hardee Field: Wilmington's baseball team in the Coastal Plain League, a wooden-bat league for active college baseball players, opens its 2023 season Thursday night with a two-game stand. The Sharks have been in Wilmington since 1997 and will have home games through August. 7 p.m. May 25 vs. Morehead City Marlins, 7 p.m. May 26 vs. Holly Springs Salamanders. Tickets at WilmingtonSharks.com.

Wilmington baseball:A look at the history of minor-league baseball in Wilmington

'High Voter Turnout'

From left, Braxton Lathan Williams, Zach Hanner and Elizabeth Michaels star in "High Voter Turnout" at Thalian Hall.

At Thalian Hall (ballroom): Wilmington author and humor columnist Celia Rivenbark's new play, written with Kevin Parker, takes a political turn when a small North Carolina county gets in a big tizzy over whether to legalize marijuana. Lots of laughs on the subjects of the burgeoning pot economy and the provincial nature of small-town politics. 7:30 p.m. May 26-27 and June 3-4, 2 p.m. May 28 and June 4. 910-632-2285.

More: Wilmington theater'High' art: Celia Rivenbark stage comedy riffs on the pot economy and small-town politics

Bo Johnson

At Dead Crow Comedy Room: Seattle comic has been all over the reels with his low-key but very funny takes on everything from Murphy beds and his massage therapist parents to his own clean-cut appearance. Johnson has performed at Montreal's prestigious Just for Laughs comedy festival, and this will be his first time performing in Wilmington. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. May 26-27, $18 and $28.

Super Jazz Weekend

The Jim Ferris Trio plays Fermental May 26.

At Fermental: I'm often asked by visitors, "Where can you go to hear jazz in Wilmington?" Well, this weekend I've got an answer for them: Fermental's Super Jazz Weekend. The bottle shop at 17th and Castle streets will be hosting jazz all weekend long, starting Friday evening with the Jim Ferris Trio. The Aaron Van Nynatten Trio plays Saturday, with the Jay Killman Trio on Sunday. Food trucks on site daily, with a wide variety of beverages to choose from. 7 p.m. May 26-28, free.

THURSDAY

'Birds of Paradise'

At CFCC Wilson Center: Choreographer Pioneer Winter brings this intimate, six-performer modern dance piece to town as part of the Wilson Center's MOVE! series. Featuring projections and original music and performed in the round, "Birds of Paradise" is described as "a queer response to the mythical phoenix, the bird reborn from its own ashes." 4:30 p.m. May 25, tickets are $25. 910-362-7999.

Kevin Melvin & the Lumbee Tribe

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED At the Cameron Art Museum: Final show of the season in the museum's Sunset Performance Series features a story, set to music, about North Carolina's Native American Lumbee tribe and its involvement in the Civil War. Set in PNC USCT Park next to "Boundless," Stephen Hayes' sculpture honoring the United States Colored Troops, Lumbee storyteller Kevin Locklear Melvin will use flute and traditional drumming to tell the rarely heard tale. 5-7 p.m. May 25, free.

'The Silent Treatment'

At Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center: Theatre for All (TFA), Wilmington's only theater company for people with disabilities, presents this original show set during the silent movie era. With an opening performance by TFA's Choir, Dance and Academy Co. 6 p.m. doors/refreshments, 7 p.m. show. $25 for adults, $5 for children.

St. Paul & the Broken Bones

At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: It'll be a packed house by Greenfield Lake for this popular Alabama soul/R&B band, which has a big, horn-infused sound and tons of energy. The band's new album, "Angels in Science Fiction," just came out last month. 6 p.m. May 25, resale tickets start at $100.

FRIDAY

Boyz II Men

At Live Oak Bank Pavilion: Legendary pop/R&B vocal group brings their act to Wilmington for the first time. Known for such smash hits as "I'll Make Love to You," "On Bended Knee" and "End of the Road," the group's velvety vocals were part of the soundtrack of the '90s. Now, they're back for you to relive old memories while making new ones. 8 p.m. May 26, tickets start at $30.

Fourth Friday Gallery Night

"Dorothy Gillespie: A Retrospective Exhibit" is at Cape Fear Community College's Wilma W. Daniels Gallery next to the Wilson Center.

Downtown Wilmington: Lots of art to see on this monthly crawl of two dozen or so downtown galleries and art spaces, but one you shouldn't miss is "Dorothy Gillespie: A Retrospective Exhibit" at Cape Fear Community College's Wilma W. Daniels Gallery next to the Wilson Center.

Gillespie, who died in 2012, was from Virginia, but she remains one of Wilmington's most prominent and important artists, with work on permanent display at Thalian Hall (the towering "Colorfalls" installation), the Wilson Center, the New Hanover County Arboretum and UNCW. (A show titled "Dorothy Gillespie: Portraits and Self-Portraits" is on display at UNCW's Cultural Arts Building Gallery through Sept. 1.)

Gillespie's retrospective features her work in a variety of mediums, including painting, paper, sculpture, printmaking and more. 6-9 p.m. March 26, for a full list of galleries participating in Fourth Friday go to ArtsWilmington.org.

Boardwalk Blast

Ed and Eileen Deptula watch fireworks near Carolina Beach Boardwalk Gazebo in 2019, as part of Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast.

At the Carolina Beach Boardwalk: Wilmington band Jack Jack 180 plays Carolina Beach's first Boardwalk Blast celebration of 2023, serving up a mix of pop and rock covers before the big fireworks display over the beach strand. 6:30-9:30 p.m. May 26, fireworks start at 9 p.m. Free.

More:Here are 7 reasons to visit the Carolina Beach Boardwalk this summer

Barrett Davis Trio

At Bourgie Nights: Americana stylist from Western North Carolina has gotten some attention for his 2022 debut album, "The Ballad of Aesop Finn," a smooth, pleasing blend of country, folk and bluegrass anchored by Davis' strong vocals and evocative story-songs. Opening act is Wilmington favorites The Smoky Tunes, a guitar duo with songs that match top-notch fingerpicking with clever lyrics. 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Free Concert Friday

At the Eagle's Dare: Kid Rock is a polarizing figure these days, but whether you love him or loathe him, the Kid Rock tribute act Cowboy will be playing his tunes for free at this weekly downtown Wilmington concert series. Opening act is Wilmington's own Mark Sinnis & 825, a band that plays original tunes in the traditional country/bluegrass vein. 6 p.m. opener, 8 p.m. headliner May 26, free.

SATURDAY

'The Sleeping Beauty'

At CFCC Wilson Center: The Wilmington Ballet Co. and U.S. International Ballet present this classic story with a mix of professional and student dancers performing a classical style of ballet. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 27, tickets start at $23. 910-362-7999.

SUNDAY

Sierra Ferrell

At Greenfield Lake Amphitheater: Hugely popular roots and country singer is a rare talent who plays in a traditional style, albeit one that's souped up with idiosyncratic vocals and songwriting, and accented by saucy outfits dripping with fringe. Officially sold-out, but you might be able to score a resale ticket. 6 p.m. May 28, resale tickets start at $33.

Daniel Jenkins benefit

At Live at Ted's: All day fundraising jam to raise money for the blind Wilmington fiddler Daniel Jenkins to get a BrailleNote, a computer device to assist the visually impaired. On the schedule are Massive Grass, Phil Kelly, The Blarney Brogues, some Irish music players, and Big Al Hall with regulars from the weekly Sunday jam at Satellite. 1-6 p.m. May 28. Tickets are $20, $10 for ages 12 and under.