With hundreds of events to choose from over the span of 19 days, there’s a unique Spoleto experience just waiting for everyone out there. You could book yourself solid with as many operas, recitals, and parties that you can fit in, or you could just drop in to all the free art exhibits and outdoor concerts, soaking up the festival spirit without spending a cent. Whatever your budget or predilections, let City Paper be your guide along the way.
The Cheapskate.
You’re a little lacking in the funds department, so you’ll target shows that are under $20. Or better yet, free.
Rebound @ Halsey
Artists use books to make a powerful statement about the information age. (May 23-July 6)
Compagnie Käfig
A troupe of dancers bring Brazilian street style to the stage. (May 24-26)
Reformed Whores
Two singing, strumming Southern belles show off their potty mouths. (May 24-28)
From Classical to Contemporary
Violinist Seth G explores everything from Bach to hip-hop. (May 28)
Sunset Serenade
The Charleston Symphony Orchestra performs a concert version of West Side Story at the U.S. Custom House. (May 26)
Bunker 13
Four comedians improvise a 90-minute show about the Vietnam War. (May 30-June 2)
Conversations with…
Martha Teichner interviews Bristol Old Vic’s Artistic Director Tom Morris. (May 25)
The Trendsetter.
You want to see the festival’s coolest offerings before anyone else does, and you’ll be tweeting every step of the way.
Nothing Is True, Everything Is Permitted @ Redux
Artist Andrea Stanislav uses reflective surfaces to explore the limits of human rationality. (May 22-July 6)
Mayday Mayday
British actor Tristan Sturrock’s show about recovering from a broken neck. (May 23-27)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The folks behind the highly acclaimed War Horse use puppets in this innovative production of Shakespeare’s bawdy classic. (May 23-June 9)
Slammergirls
Footlight Players’ musical comedy parody of the 1960’s “women-in-prison” sexploitation film genre. (May 25-June 9)
Matsukaze
The American premiere of a Japanese opera directed by Spoleto fave Chen Shi-Zheng. (May 24-June 8)
RISK! featuring Kevin Allison
The State’s Kevin Allison invites people to share true stories that they never thought would see the light of day. (May 24-26)
The Sophisticate.
You have very refined taste that’s admittedly a bit old-fashioned. You have no need for the “contemporary” fare.
Spoleto Watercolors @ Gibbes
David and Carol Rawle share their collection of watercolors by Stephen Mueller and Carl Palazzolo. (May 24-Sept. 15)
Opening Night Fête
Toast the opening of the festival with an elegant affair at the College of Charleston’s President’s House. (May 24)
Le Villi/Mese Mariano
Two Italian operas about scorned women starring the same soprano, Jennifer Rowley. (May 25-June 7)
Music in Time: Rite of Spring
Celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. (May 29)
Bank of America Chamber Music Series
This twice-a-day series exposes audiences to a roster of stellar musicians from the national chamber music scene. (May 24-June 9)
Behind the Garden Gate
Explore Charleston’s secret gardens on this self-guided walking tour. (May 25)
The Parent.
You’ll likely have a kid in tow, and you want a festival experience that’s going to be enjoyable for them, too.
Tales Transposed @ City Gallery
A whimsical show featuring works by Nathan Durfee, Lillian Trettin, and Judy Mooney. (May 18-June 30)
Le Grand C
France’s Compagnie XY brings 17 acrobats to toss, tumble, and tower across the stage — with no safety nets. (May 22-June 1)
Jared Grimes
This tap-dancing phenom blends elements of hip-hop and street jazz for a truly fun show. (May 24-27)
Punch Brothers
Chris Thile leads an inventive quintet through an energetic set that should appeal to all ages. (May 27)
Children’s Festival:
Reaching for the Stars
Expect live music, arts and crafts, storytellers, and a performance from the Seed and Feed Marching Abominable Band. (May 25)
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