A new year means new possibilities, and Wilmington's art scene is certainly refreshing in 2024.
Shane Fernando just signed on as the new director of Thalian Hall, Zach Pluer was recently named director of CFCC's Wilson Center, longtime local theater company Opera House has a new director in Ray Kennedy, and 2024 will be the first full year for the Wilmington film studio. Cinéespace.
We'll be following these stories and more this year, but for now, let's check out what's happening this weekend.
Weekend weather forecast
It will be cool this weekend, with lows in the upper 20s Friday night. Warming up a bit Saturday with a near certainty of rain before clearing up for what could be a decent Sunday, partly sunny with a high around 60.
Go | View | Do
A new year means a whole new series of concerts, plays, art exhibits, and other events to attend in Wilmington.
The offering for this weekend is quite strong, with the musical “The Producers” on the main stage at Thalian Hall all weekend (check here for our review), a big hip-hop night at Bourgie Nights on Saturday and the ever-popular floating lantern ceremony at the Cameron Art Museum on Sunday.
Theater review:“The Producers” delivers remarkable performances and dazzling production numbers at Thalian Hall
Local Events:10 Things to Do in the Wilmington Area for the First Weekend of 2024
Port City's gourmet dish
It's always a busy time in the Wilmington restaurant scene. Namely, food writer Allison Ballard has a list of 14 zone openings and closingsincluding the return of a popular Castle Street spot and the loss of a popular build-your-own pizzeria on Oleander Drive.
Additionally, AlBal has a list of local restaurants if you want to start the new year on a healthy note.
Getting to know Opera House Theater Co.
Wilmington's Opera House Theater Co., founded in 1985, just opened its first musical of the year at Thalian Hall. OHTC also begins the new year with a new executive director, although he has been with the company since shortly after its founding. We sat down with Ray Kennedy to find out what his leadership will mean for the company..
Ray Kennedy:For new director of Wilmington theater company, it's all about community
News you can use
StarNews journalist Molly Wilhelm shares a story about new gun laws in North Carolina.
Additionally, the Brunswick County Reporter Jamey Cross looks at the origin of the name of the community of Navassae, and environmental journalist Gareth McGrath takes stock of a bill limiting boat speeds that could help endangered right whales.
Let's be social
For more news from Port City Life, including updates on food and entertainment stories, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MyPortCityLife.
Tell your friends
Want your friends and family to know? Send them this newsletter. They can register here.