Wilmington theater starting to rev up in 2019
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Opera House Theatre Co. presents one more weekend of ABBA's optimistic jukebox musical about a young woman, her mother and the three men who might be the young woman's father. Directed and impressively choreographed by Ray Kennedy, Opera House's production captures the musical’s effervescent spirit. Featuring winning, well-sung performances by Kendra Goehring-Garrett and Sydney Smith Martin as mother and daughter, respectively. Details: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17-19, 2 p.m. Jan. 19. $32. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org.
Brunswick Little Theatre presents this sweet, surreal play by John Cariani comprised of a series of loosely connected stories about love. It's set in the fictional town of the title, which takes its name from being "almost" in Canada (among other reasons). In one story, a woman carries around the pieces of her broken heart in a bag. Details: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17-19 and 24-26, 3 p.m. Jan. 20 and 27 at Brunswick Little Theatre, 8068 River Road SE, Southport. $20, $12 for students. 910-447-2586 or BrunswickLittleTheatre.com
'Senior Moments 2: Betta Daze'
Ella Reischer directs area writer Don Fried's follow-up to the comedy "Senior Moments," which played as dinner theater at TheatreNOW in January of 2018. "SM2" stars Michelle Reiff, Lupin Byers and Norman Aronovic in a story about a tech-challenged senior citizen who gets a virtual assistant. Hijinks ensue. Details: 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show, Fridays and Saturdays Jan. 18-Feb. 16, with a special Valentine's Day show Feb. 14. $44-$47, includes dinner and show but not beverages or tip. $20-$26 show only. 910-399-3669 or TheatreWilmington.com.
Thalian Association Community Theatre's youth program presents this musical about the lovable mouse. Details: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18-19 and 25-26, 3 p.m. Jan. 20 and 27. $15. 910-251-1788 or Thalian.org
Wilmington Theater Awards nominations party
Join StarNews Media on Tuesday as we announce the nominees for the 8th annual StarNews Wilmington Theater Awards. The awards show, hosted by Steve Vernon and Randy Davis, will be held March 20 at Thalian Hall and feature awards presentations as well as performances from the nominated plays and musicals. Tickets go on sale Jan. 23; call 910-632-2285. Details: 6:30 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. announcements Jan. 22 at Tails Piano Bar, 115 S. Front St., Wilmington. Free. 910-343-2343.
It's the public performance of Pied Piper Theatre's annual production for hundreds of area schoolchildren. The fun-loving, lighthearted musical by Steve Cooper concerns the title cow, a Broadway star on a special space mission. Conflict arises when a rival bovine, Saucy, tries to bring Bossy down. Details: 3 p.m. Jan. 27 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. $10. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Department of Theatre presents a workshop production of Jacqueline Lawton's play "The Inferior Sex." Set in 1972, the comedic drama takes a behind-the-scenes look at the employees of a struggling women's magazine. Details: 7 p.m. Jan. 29-30 at the SRO Theatre in the Cultural Arts Building, UNCW campus. Free. UNCW.edu/Theatre
Broadway tour of the musical based on the Oscar-winning film about writer and "Peter Pan" creator J.M. Barrie. Details: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4-5 at CFCC Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St., Wilmington. $42-$95, plus taxes and fees. 910-362-7999 of CapeFearStage.com.
Thalian Hall Cube Theatre presents Neil Simon's classic, heartfelt comedy about mismatched roommates. Tony Rivenbark plays the finicky Felix Ungar and Jon Stafford is the slovenly Oscar Madison. Details: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8-9, 14-16, 18 and 21-23, 3 p.m. Feb. 10, 17 and 24 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. $28, plus taxes and fees. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org.
'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'
Thalian Association Community Theatre presents the beloved musical from Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber based on the biblical story of Joseph. It follows our hero's roller-coaster-like ride from being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers to becoming an advisor to the Pharoh and reuniting with his family. Details: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8-9 and 15-16, 3 p.m. Feb. 10 and 17 at Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. $32, plus taxes and fees. 910-632-2285 or ThalianHall.org.
Touring circus arts group presents this Western-themed show filled with music and acrobatics. Details: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at CFCC Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St., Wilmington. $42-$95, plus taxes and fees. 910-362-7999 of CapeFearStage.com.
Contact John Staton at 910-343-2343 or John.Staton@StarNewsOnline.com.