Mutiny on the Battleship
The Caine-Mutiny Court-Martial, based on Herman Wouk’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Caine Mutiny, has been adapted by the Thalian Association Community Theatre aboard the fantail of the U.S.S. North Carolina. Directed by Jordan Wolfe, the performance will be followed by the City of Wilmington’s annual fireworks show. Tickets: $25-50. July 4, 7 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Battleship North Carolina, 1 Battleship Road, Wilmington. Info: (910) 251-1788 or battleshipnc.com.
Holy Mackerel
The East Coast Got Em On King Mackerel Classic is a weekend-long celebration of all things angler, and is one of the oldest fishing tournaments in the South. The event draws more than 200 boats from all over North and South Carolina and features live music on both Friday and Saturday nights. The two-day competition has an entry fee of $250 per boat through July 2; $300 thereafter. The winner takes home a prize of $20,000. Registration and rules are available online. July 13-15. Carolina Beach Municipal Docks, Canal Drive, Carolina Beach. Info: (910) 470-1374 or gotemonlineclassic.com.
Stars and Stripes on Parade
The 4th of July has been celebrated in the maritime community of Southport for more than 200 years. (During the Colonial era, ships docked in the harbor and shot salutes with their cannons.) Known as the North Carolina 4th of July Festival since 1972, this year’s events (several days’ worth) include a shag contest; the 35th annual firefighters competition, featuring a ladder climb, tanker tug and bucket brigade; a summer art show; and, of course, the parade, followed by evening fireworks. Admission is free. See website for full schedule of events. Nash and Howe Streets, Southport. For info: (910) 457-5578 or nc4thofjuly.com.
If Music Be the Food of Love…
The Alchemical Theatre, established by creative director Christopher Marino, is a professional acting troupe in Wilmington devoted to the works of William Shakespeare. This summer, the group celebrates its third season with a performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night as part of the Lumina Festival for the Arts. Tickets: $24-48. July 12 -28. SRO Theatre, 615 Hamilton Drive, Wilmington. Info: (910) 962-4045 or alchemicaltheatreco.org.
Lumina Festival
The Lumina Festival, presented by UNCW and Opera Wilmington, returns this summer with a celebration of the arts of the coastal South. Among this month’s offerings: the Alchemical Theatre’s production of Twelfth Night, a concert by celebrated musician and singer Rhiannon Giddens, the UNCW Summer Jazz Workshop, and Opera Wilmington’s production of Die Fledermaus. For single tickets and passes, see website. July 12- 29, various venues in Wilmington. Info: (910) 962-3500 or uncw.edu/arts/lumina.
A Night in the Cemetery
Chartered in 1852, Wilmington’s 100-acre Oakdale Cemetery is an early example of the Victorian rural cemetery movement, which was known for fostering the creation of parklike garden settings. Come join superintendent Eric Kozen and local historians Chris Fonvielle and Robin Triplett for an evening flashlight tour, which will include an overview of the cemetery’s history and its role in the Civil War. Bring your own flashlight. Tickets: $15. July 21, 8 p.m. Oakdale Cemetery, 520 N. Fifteenth Street, Wilmington. Info: (910) 762-5682 or
oakdalecemetery.org.
Jazz at the Beach
Celebrating its ninth summer, the Ocean City Jazz Festival takes its name from the historic Ocean City community on Topsail Island, which was founded as a beach resort for African-Americans in 1949. The festival grew out of a jazz performance to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the community. This year’s lineup includes the Skip Walker Band featuring Kia Walker, Derrick Gardner with the John Brown Quintet, Julian Vaughn and Karen Briggs, among others. Tickets: Various prices. See website. July 7 and 8, 5 p.m. Pavilion Tent at Historic Ocean City, 2649 Island Drive, North Topsail Beach. Info: (910)
459-9263 oceancityjazzfest.com.
The Lost Colony
Take a road trip to the Outer Banks this month to see The Lost Colony, America’s longest-running symphonic drama. Written by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Paul Green and produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association, it tells the story of the mysterious disappearance of the first English colony in North America on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. This summer is the 81st annual staging of the production, which features a cast of more than 130 actors, technicians, designers and volunteers. It’s an experience not to be missed. Various prices; see website for ticketing and discount information. July 1 – 31, 7:45 p.m. Waterside Theatre, 1409 National Parks Drive, Manteo. For info: (252)473-6000 or thelostcolony.org.
