SUMMER STAGES: BWW's Top Summer Theatre Picks - Charlotte!

School's out and summer's here! The writers of BWW Charlotte have found some picks that will add to your summer entertainment fun!

Quinn Austin, Charlotte Contributing Editor picks

It's not too late to catch CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS. It's running until June 28 at Blumenthal Performing Arts Booth Playhouse. Celebrating its 11th edition, the creative team of Mike Collins and Brian Kahn collaborate with Charlotte's most talented performers to parody pop-culture, sports, life and politics, both local and national. It's amusing to see what will be squawked! (Photo credit: LunahZon) For tickets and more information: http://www.blumenthal.org

The hot sounds of cool jazz, QC SUMMERFEST, UPTOWN, July 25, Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center with legendary jazz saxophonist and two time Grammy® nominee, Najee with pianist, Keiko Matsui. For tickets and more information: http://www.blumenthal.org

Linda Ann Watt, Charlotte Chief Contributing Editor picks

Summer romance, DIRTY DANCING, June 16-21, Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. This show explodes with heart-pounding music including "(I've Had) The Time of My Life," passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Baby and Johnny, two independent young spirits from different worlds, come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives! For tickets and more information: http://www.blumenthal.org

With summer BBQs with Tupperwared potato salad, DIXIE'S TUPPERWARE PARTY, June 30-July 19, Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, stars Dixie Longate, the fast-talking Tupperware Lady, who has packed up her catalogues, and left her children in an Alabama trailer park to journey across America. Dixie throws a good ol' fashioned Tupperware party filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, FREE giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage! For tickets and more information: http://www.blumenthal.org

And a show for the whole family, ANNIE, July 14-19, Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Leapin' Lizards! One of the world's best-loved musicals is back! Featuring the book and score by Tony Award® winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as "It's the Hard Knock Life," and "Tomorrow." For tickets and more information: http://www.blumenthal.org

Perry Tannenbaum, Charlotte Contributing Editor picks

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, July 17-25, CPCC Summer Theatre - This musicalization of the Mel Brooks film follows in the footsteps of Brooks' wildly successful adaptation of The Producers - with bigger footsteps and the sweet mystery of life. For tickets and more information: http://www.tix.cpcc.edu

THE BOOK OF LIZ, August 6-22, Donna Scott Productions - After invading the Charlotte Art League this past winter with a delightful Civil War re-enactment comedy, Shiloh, DSR returns with another wacky confection co-written by Amy and David Sedaris, where Sister Elizabeth Donderstock takes a working vacation from her Amish-style routine at a Pilgrim-themed restaurant. For information: http://www.donnascottproductions.com

INC., September 9-26, Actor's Theatre of Charlotte - Playwright Diana Grisanti won ATC's new play competition for the second consecutive year with this prickly comedy about a customer service rep who is way too helpful to one needy customer - with disastrous results. For tickets and more information: http://www.atcharlotte.org

LUNCH AT THE PICCADILLY, September 17- October 4, Playworks - Clyde Edgerton's novel about the wisdom, discontents, and orneriness of seniors at an old age home gets dressed-up with music and lyrics by Mike Craver to go along with Edgerton's stage adaptation. Charlotte Rep founder Steve Umberger directs and produces. For more information: http://www.lunchatthepiccadilly.com

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