LOCAL HAPPENINGS: It’s finally time to get your Bard on

ASHEBORO — It’s a different sort of Shakespeare in the Park.

Beginning on Friday, May 8, and happening again 10 more times through May 24, three actors will take you on a 90-minute journey through some three dozen Shakespeare plays in Memorial Park.

On a tennis court in Memorial Park, that is. The Championship Tennis Court.

You may have seen this play — RhinoLeap’s production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) — there once before, years ago. It was so popular that it’s made its way back onto the schedule.

And not just something popular here. In London, it became the longest-running comedy at Criterion Theatre in London’s famed West End after a nine-year stretch. A three-man comedy troupe called the Reduced Shakespeare Company have, since 1981, created nine stage shows, two television specials and numerous radio pieces, including a version translated into Klingon. In other words, it’s an intergalactic hit.

In this local version, three fearless actors from Broadway and Cirque du Soleil play multiple roles, delivering a madcap mix of comedy, improvisation and wit. You don’t have to be a Shakespeare expert to enjoy the fevered display; you could have little knowledge of Shakespeare and still recognize many of the references because they have so permeated society over the years that how could you not?

The play is written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield and directed by Jeremy Skidmore. The actors featured are Alex Bodine, Patrick Osteen and Allen Tedder.

Tickets are $30 and on sale now at rhinoleap.com and at Brightside Gallery, 170 Worth St., Asheboro. Online tickets include fees; tickets bought at Brightside do not.

The tennis court is located at 898 South Church Street in Asheboro, the court behind the Memorial Park swimming pool. Play dates and times are:

■ Friday, May 8, 7-8:30 p.m. 

■ Saturday, May 9, 7-8:30 p.m. 

■ Sunday, May 10, 6-7:30 p.m. 

■ Thursday, May 14, 7-8:30 p.m. 

■ Saturday, May 16, 7-8:30 p.m. 

■ Sunday, May 17, 6-7:30 p.m. 

■ Thursday, May 21, 7-8:30 p.m. 

■ Friday, May 22, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

■ Saturday, May 23, 7-8:30 p.m. 

■ Sunday, May 24, 6-7:30 p.m. 

Starworks: Hot Glass, Cold Beer on May 14

STAR — Starworks invites the public to its next Hot Glass, Cold Beer on Thursday, May 14, beginning at 5:30 p.m., featuring a live glassblowing demonstration by guest glass artist Dahlia Bushwick from Asheville. She’ll be shaping molten glass into finished forms during the evening demonstration.

Following the demonstration, live music will be performed by Nolan Goodwin from 7 to 9 p.m. Sarita’s food truck will be on site from 5 to 8 p.m. serving authentic Mexican cuisine.

The Starworks Café & Taproom will also be open throughout the evening, offering a curated selection of North Carolina craft beer, wine, cider and non-alcoholic options.

Admission is a suggested donation of $5. Starworks is located at 100 Russell Drive, Star.munity.

THIS WEEK

Thrifty Thursday on May 7: ‘Francis The Talking Mule’

ASHEBORO  — The Thrifty Thursday movie for May is on May 6 and features the 1950 classic “Francis The Talking Mule.” See what happens when an Army military officer tells people he can hear a mule talk. The monthly movies take place on the first Thursday at Sunset Theatre, 234 Sunset Ave., Asheboro. Admission of $5 includes a popcorn and drink, but admission is free for 50 and over thanks to local sponsors.

Summer brunch series begins at Cider House

RAMSEUR  — Beginning this Saturday as an additional Mother’s Day special and continuing on Sunday and once a month thereafter through the warmer summer months, Millstone Creek’s Cider House will offer up Sunday brunches from 10 a.m. to noon. Each event will offer a menus built around seasonal offerings in a relaxed setting at Millstone Creek Orchards, 506 Parks Crossroads Church Road in Ramseur. Reservations are required. Find more information in today’s Calendar on 5A.

Songwriter Sundays continue at Zimmerman Vineyards 

TRINITY — Zimmerman Vineyards in Trinity is continuing its tradition of Songwriter Sundays, when local artists play on the open terrace from 3 to 5 p.m. Admission is free and you can bring your own picnic food and chairs (as needed) to enjoy the typically shady setting. No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed, but you can purchase onsite wine or charcuterie snack boards from local producer Goat Lady Dairy. The vineyard is located at 1428 Tabernacle Church Road, west of Asheboro. Guests over the next couple of weeks include Paul Edelman (May 10) and Gene Hutchens (May 17). A calendar on the Zimmerman website has a month-by-month listing.

UPCOMING

Randleman’s Market & Music returns on May 15

RANDLEMAN — The music of Marsha Morgan will be the highlight when Randleman’s Market & Music series continues on Friday, May 15, in its downtown Commerce Square venue. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with local vendor produce sales and food truck arrivals. Music runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Bring your own chair.

The Hatley Family is this month’s Sunset bluegrass guest

ASHEBORO  — Friday Night Bluegrass is back in May on Friday, May 15, with the guest appearance by The Hatley Family, which has played in many venues throughout the state. The group represents five generations of Hatleys and is known for its gospel offerings and tight four-part harmonies. Tickets are $10 for the 7 p.m. event at Sunset Theatre, 234 Sunset Ave., Asheboro.

First Sunday night concert in Bicentennial is May 17

ASHEBORO  — Asheboro’s Sunday Night Concert Series kicks off on May 17 when Band of Oz visits Bicentennial Park in downtown Asheboro. This will be the first of five Sunday events and four Friday Rock’n the Park events scheduled for music goers this summer. The first Friday night concert will take place in May as well when a MegaStars Of Country Tribute to Brooks & Dunn appears on May 22. All concerts are free to attend. Bring a chair or blanket for these outdoor events. Food trucks and downtown restaurants will be available.