How much do we love Charlotte? Let us count the ways! Kidding, counting would be impossible. Charlotte has so much to offer and this spring will be no exception. There are some incredible exhibits, performances, and concerts coming to town and we, for one, can’t wait. Check out our round-up of art-related activities to add to your calendar this season.
For more information on each event, click on the event name.
February
Innovative Works by Charlotte Ballet
February 3 – 25 at the Center for Dance
In this signature Charlotte Ballet event, Innovative Works features three contemporary dances including two world premieres by Jennifer Archibald, the founder of Arch Dance Company in New York City, and 2021 Guggenheim Fellow Helen Simoneau, respectively. Also, making its Charlotte debut is Alejandro Cerrudo’s Silent Ghost. This will be the first time Charlotteans will see his work locally since becoming Charlotte Ballet’s artistic director last spring.
Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds
February 11 – May 21 at The Mint Museum Uptown
Picasso Landscapes is the first-ever museum exhibition to explore famed artist Pablo Picasso’s landscape paintings. With more than 40 works on display spanning Picasso’s entire career, this show, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the artist’s death, is a big get for Charlotte! The Mint is one of only three venues in the United States (and the only one on the East Coast) to host the exhibition. While you are there, don’t miss Bearden/Picasso: Rhythms and Reverberations, a show that runs in companionship with Picasso Landscapes that examines the impact Picasso had on Charlotte-born artist Romare Bearden and his work.
Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles
February 17 – 18 at the Knight Theater
The Charlotte Symphony honors the musical legacy of The Beatles as a part of their Pops Series this year. Hear authentic reproductions of Paul, John, George and Ringo’s most famous hits like you have never heard them before in the concert hailed as “the world’s best Beatles’ show with symphony orchestra” by Broadway World.
March
March 7 – 12 at at the Belk Theater
This Tony-winning musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Come From Away makes its way to Charlotte as part of the Blumenthal Performing Arts’ Equitable Bravo Series.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert
March 17 – 18 at the Belk Theater
The original Star Wars trilogy comes to a dramatic conclusion this spring thanks to the Charlotte Symphony. See the Empire and the Rebel Alliance prepare for a final confrontation on the big screen while John Williams’s legendary score is performed live. Such a unique movie-going and live-music experience!
March 24 – 26 at Ovens Auditorium
America’s favorite blonde is ready to prove who’s in charge (again) as Legally Blonde – The Musical makes its way to Charlotte. Based on the beloved movie, Legally Blonde follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams, and proves that you can be both legally blonde and the smartest person in the room.
March 28 – April 2 at at the Belk Theater
He earned his stripes on Broadway, and now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to Charlotte. Based on Tim Burton’s beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, Beetlejuice is fun for the whole family.
April
April 5 – 9 at the Belk Theater
Discover a whole new world at Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King, this thrilling new production is filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy, and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
April 11 – 16 at the Belk Theater
Direct from Broadway, the critically acclaimed and much-beloved production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony-winning triumph is coming to Charlotte with its Broadway stars to boot. Definitely a reason to be happy ever after!
April 20 – 23 at the Belk Theater
A wealthy young man falls for a “working girl” with a big heart and offers her a better life. But class differences may keep them apart. Sound familiar? That’s the plot of Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge. But first, it was the plot of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata.
Charlotte Ballet Presents Peter Pan
April 21 – 30 at the Knight Theater
Let your imagination soar on a magical journey to Neverland with Peter, Wendy, Tinker Bell, and the rest of your favorite Neverland characters. This never-before-seen version of Peter Pan with new choreography by Christopher Stuart lets audiences uncover the mysteries of Peter’s life before his famous adventures and is sure to leave you feeling like you can fly!
May
May 5 – 6 at the Belk Theater
Fencing, fighting, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles…The Princess Bride has something for everyone. Mark Knopfler’s unforgettable score has been specially arranged for a symphony orchestra. This movie-concert experience is just “as you wish”.
World Ballet Series: Cinderella
May 10 at Ovens Auditorium
Cinderella is an enchanting story for all ages with a wonderful dose of humor, the majesty of classical ballet, and the promise of “happily ever after”. A part of the World Ballet Series, Cinderella is performed live by a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers so it’s sure to be an unforgettable night.
May 12 – 13 at the Knight Theater
Over two dozen Bond films spanning five decades have produced some of the greatest movie music of our time. The Charlotte Symphony presents the best of Bond in this beautifully arranged concert that includes the iconic theme song, the sultry “Nobody Does it Better,” and more spy thriller favorites.
May 30 – June 4 at the Belk Theater
Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production. This celebration of family, optimism, and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.
What spring events do you have on your calendar this year? Let us know in the comments below so we can add them to our list!
