Film & TV
SEE IT
Catch next year’s Oscar winners and best foreign flicks at the Fairhope Film Festival on Nov. 12 – 15. The four-day event includes filmmaker panels on Saturday and a Red Carpet Party on awards night. Tickets are $15 per film, but you can purchase a four-pack for $40 or an eight-pack for $75. Tickets can be purchased online, but must be picked up during operating hours at the festival box office inside the Fairhope Welcome Center.
Fairhope Film Festival • Various Locations • 929-4626
DO IT
“Come on down” to the Saenger Theatre on Sept. 16 to be a part of “The Price Is Right Live!” If you’ve always wanted to compete on the beloved game show, now is your chance to win big playing Plinko, Cliffhanger or the Showcase Showdown. To be a contestant, register at the box office three hours prior to showtime. (You must have a ticket to register.) Tickets: $30 – $50. Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
Mobile Saenger Theatre • 208-5600
Comedy
SEE IT
Say “yes” to a date with Chicago’s legendary Second City as they perform on Oct. 3 at the Fairhope Civic Center. The show is a part of this year’s Phantasy of the Arts, the annual fundraiser for the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF). The improv comedy troupe, whose alumni include comedians such as Steve Carell and Bill Murray, is sure to bring the funny. Stick around after the laughs for Wind Creek Hospitality’s “Good to Go” food truck and live music. Show starts: 7 p.m. Tickets: $100.
Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation (FEEF) • 990-FEEF
DO IT
Think you’re funny? Put together your best material, and get up on stage for The Blind Mule’s Comedy Open-Mic Night every Wednesday in Downtown Mobile. You’ve got 5 minutes to have the audience in stitches, so make them count.
The Blind Mule • 57 N. Claiborne St. 694-6853
|
Dance
SEE IT
The Mobile Ballet brings the beloved fairy tale “Snow White” to the stage again this year on Nov. 7 and 8 with original choreography and costumes by artistic director Winthrop Corey. Other can’t-miss shows include “The Nutcracker, ” Dec. 12 and 13, and “Swan Lake, ” March 12 and 13. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Sa, 2:30 p.m. Su (and Sa for “The Nutcracker”). Individual shows: $20 – $60. Season tickets: $47 – $162.
Mobile Ballet • 342-2241
DO IT
To spice it up a notch, take a lesson from Argentine Tango by the Bay. Latin dance classes are taught in a variety of locations around the Bay, including unexpected spots such as Fairhope Brewing Company and O’Daly’s Irish Pub. Classes: $12 per class, $60 for two classes or $40 for the month.
Argentine Tango by the Bay • 301-8110
More Ways to Experience the Arts
FILM
Bring your own unique vision to the screen by participating in a Mobile Bay Film Scramble. The rules of each scramble aren’t released until the last minute, forcing moviemakers to write, film and edit on a tight deadline. The films are screened at the Crescent Theater and open to the public. Follow the group on Facebook to find out about their next scramble coming up in October.
DANCE
For more opportunities to strap on your boogie shoes, check out David Miner Ballroom or Starlite Ballroom classes. Both studios offer a wide range of lessons in the waltz, swing, cha cha and other styles, each for around $15 a lesson.
The Stage
Opera & Voice
|
SEE IT
View the Mobile Opera’s “Pagliacci, ” Oct. 23 and 25, or “Gianni Schicchi, April 1 and 3 in a brand new setting, The Temple Downtown. The new venue allows for audience members to experience the art form in a more personal and accessible way. Patrons can either purchase single tickets or one of the Mobile Opera’s more upscale season ticket packages. Choose from The Jackson Room Experience, which includes VIP-style treatment at a cocktail table for four with a bottle of wine, season tickets and other treats; or The Mainstage Experience, which includes season tickets and reserved floor seating. Tickets: The Jackson Room Experience, $900 a table, available until Oct. 2; The Mainstage Experience, $80 a person, available until Oct. 2; and single tickets, dynamic pricing based on availability, on sale beginning Oct. 5. Showtimes: 8 p.m. F, 2:30 p.m. Sa.
Mobile Opera • 257 Dauphin St. 432-6772
DO IT
Is your little one constantly singing throughout the house? Help them develop their talent by enrolling them in vocal lessons at Sunnyside Theatre. The performing arts center’s vocal coaches offer half an hour sessions once a week or hour sessions by request.
Sunnyside Theatre • 63 Midtown Park E. 510-1808
Theater
SEE IT
Watch Chickasaw Civic Theatre’s “Murder on the Nile, ” the stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile, ” on Nov. 6 – 8 and 13 – 15. Get wrapped up in romance, betrayal and murder aboard the “Karnak.” Every passenger is a suspect. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. F/ Sa, 2 p.m. Su. Tickets: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, students and military.
Chickasaw Civic Theatre • 801 Iroquois St. 457-8887
DO IT
Be a part of the drama at Mobile Mystery Dinners’ production of “Who Shot JR?” on Nov. 20. Come dressed as your favorite ’70s or ’80s detective. Unlimited wine, a catered dinner and museum tours. Reservations required. Doors open: 6:30 p.m. Show starts: 7 p.m. Tickets: $59.
Mobile Mystery Dinners (at Mobile Carnival Museum) • 355 Government St. 865-7398
Music
SEE IT
Catch a variety of acts, from the legendary George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic to the buzzworthy St. Paul & the Broken Bones, at BayFest on Oct. 2 – 4. With country, rock and soul musicians, all types of music lovers are sure to be satisfied. Tickets: $35, for a weekend pass, and $30, for individual day passes.
BayFest Music Festival • Downtown Mobile
DO IT
If you think you have what it takes, apply to play at the Frank Brown International Songwriter Festival. From Nov. 5 – 15, more than 200 songwriters will perform at various venues in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key and Pensacola.
Frank Brown International Songwriter Festival • Various locations
The Fit Nest, Photo by Jennie Tewell
Symphony & Aerial
SEE IT
The music of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra and aerial dynamics of Cirque du Soleil combine in a dazzling treat for the eyes and ears. Experience Christmas classics in a new way with acrobatics synchronized to holiday music as a part of Cirque de Noel on Dec. 12 and 13. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Sa, 2:30 p.m. Su. Tickets: $20 – $75.
Mobile Symphony Orchestra • 432-2010
DO IT
Let the performance artists inspire you to take a spin on the silks. The Fit Nest in Mobile and Thrive in Fairhope offer aerial yoga classes. The vertical exercise is great for strengthening and lengthening the spine.
The Fit Nest • 4406 Old Shell Rd. 455-4161
Thrive • 66 S. Section St. 379-4493
More Ways to Experience the Arts
OPERA
Every first Tuesday of the month, the Mobile Opera hosts “Night of Song, ” which allows patrons to explore the opera even further, making the experience of seeing one of their live performances that much more enjoyable.
THEATER
Also be sure to check out Theatre 98’s “The Clean House” (Oct. 15 – 18, 21 – 25), Playhouse in the Park’s “Edgar Allen Poe” (Oct. 22 – 24, 29 – 31), Joe Jefferson Players’ “Tartuffe” (Jan. 15 – 31), South Baldwin County Community Theater’s “Gypsy” (March 10 – 13, 17 – 20), or Mobile Theatre Guild’s “The Last Five Years” (June 3 – 5, 10 – 12).
Books, Visual + Culinary
Literature
|
SEE IT
Art and lit lovers unite at The Grand Festival of Arts and Books on Oct. 5 and 6. Be sure to pick up copies of works by local authors, such as Watt Key’s “Fourmile” and Sonny Brewer’s “Poet of Tolstoy Park.” Both writers are scheduled to attend. Fabulous works of art will also be on display throughout Downtown. Admission is free.
Grand Festival of Arts and Books • South Section Street, Fairhope. 928-5295
DO IT
Inspired to put pen to paper? The Mobile Writers Guild, made up of professional and aspiring writers, meets every first Thursday at West Regional Library to help authors brush up on brainstorming and writing skills.
Mobile Writers Guild • mobilewritersguild.com
Visual Arts
SEE IT
View six new exhibits opening on Nov. 12 at the Mobile Museum of Art. The installations range from the retrospective “American Art: 1945 to the Present” to the modern “John Cerney: SELFIE.”
Mobile Museum of Art • 4850 Museum Dr. 208-5200
DO IT
Celebrate Ashland Gallery’s 20th anniversary at one of their art class offerings. Taught by a rotating lineup of local artists, classes run from late September through October. Featured artist instructors include Sarah Otts, Stacey Howell and Bill Thompson. Workshops are either one or two days and prices vary.
Ashland Gallery • 2321 Old Shell Rd. 479-3548
Food
SEE IT
Reap the benefits of our thriving local culinary arts scene as an impressive lineup of local chefs try to one-up each other at the Bay Area Food Bank’s Chef Challenge: A Challenge to End Hunger on Sept. 3. Attendees will also be treated to live music, courtesy of Roman Street, free drinks and a silent auction. Tickets: $60. Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Chef Challenge: A Challenge to End Hunger • Alabama Cruise Terminal
DO IT
Perfect your culinary skills at one of Wind Creek Casino’s cooking classes. Menu items vary from week to week and classes last for about four hours, $59 per person.
Wind Creek Casino • 866-946-3360
Wine
SEE IT
Treat yourself to The Wharf Uncorked presented by Wind Creek Atmore on Sept. 24 – 26. The upscale, three-day festival includes a kickoff party with wine samplings, an open bar, food and live music; a cooking demo and live painting event from Chef Robert St. John and artist Wyatt Waters; and a grand tasting featuring food, wine and more from The Wharf’s vendors. Proceeds go toward the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Tickets: $175 for a three-day pass; $60 for The Wharf Uncorked Cooking Demo; $45 for The Wharf Uncorked VIP Kick Off Party; $85 for The Wharf Uncorked Grand Tasting.
The Wharf Uncorked • The Wharf, Orange Beach
DO IT
Cottage Hill Package offers craft beer, wine and liquor tastings most every weekend for free. They also have the ability to fill your crowler with a favorite draft beer from the tap. Prices vary depending on the beer.
Cottage Hill Package • 6376 Cottage Hill Rd. 660-0166
More Ways to Experience the Arts
FOOD
Culture Kitchen at the Mobile Museum of Art combines fun and education in one culinary experience. Coming up on Oct. 29, learn about sustainable living and gardening from Mobile Urban Growers while enjoying a meal made with produce from community gardens at The Urban Growers: Eating with Love. Reservations are required, and it is $15 a person to attend.
WINE
Upscale wine shops, such as Firehouse Wine Bar, Domke Market, Red or White Wine and Gourmet Center and Southern Napa offer tastings on the regular.
text by Mallory Boykin
