Brendan Carter as Dr. Frank-n-Furter and Jordan Wolfe as Brad Majors perform in Opera House Theatre Company’s “The Rocky Horror Show,” being held through next Friday and Saturday night outside on the steps of Thalian Hall. (Port City Daily/Shea Carver)
WILMINGTON It’s hard to remember what it is like going to a full capacity, in-person concert, theater production or community art show. Once March 17 hit almost 10 months ago, all activity pretty much ceased across the globe. Concerts came to a halt and livestreams popped up in their stead. Art exhibits went virtual. Theater productions became pre-filmed or livestreamed.
WILMINGTON And here we are: a mere five days away from the big dance. With all the talk of refraining from holiday travels, avoiding family this Christmas to prevent the spread of Covid-19, getting Covid tests if traveling, and of course vaccines now being distributed, there’s a chance you missed a few headlines this week.
No worries, we have you covered.
The number one read story of the week also centers on Covid: “116 Covid-19 cases reported in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender public schools [Free].” Following is a film industry update, “Eight film projects expected to make $114-million impact in North Carolina in 2021, exceeding past years” and “Wilmington pharmacy fined $1 million for egregiously dispensing opioids, ignoring red flags.”
Randy McQuay will perform at City Club on Friday night, Carolina Beach’s Santa Sleigh Ride on Saturday and as part of EAST Oceanfront brunch at Blockade Runner on Sunday. (Port City Daily/Photo by Jaret Sears)
WILMINGTON “Christmas seems to be the only saving grace to give anyone any kind of cheer this year,” local musician Randy McQuay said during a phone interview earlier in the week.
The blues musician, like most local players and bands, lost 75 performances in 2020. Though he was able to host a few livestreams through the pandemic, and sustain some income thanks to dedicated fans showing support, the last half of the year has picked up with more in-person, outdoor shows. Still, they look different: no hugging, no hand-shaking, no dancing with others. Instead, the shows have been outside, socially distanced, masked, smaller, some even mobile.