Musicals, concerts and art exhibits: What’s coming up in Beaufort, Hilton Head and Bluffton

These upcoming arts and cultural events in Beaufort County deserve a spot on your calendar. Here’s the info you need for dates, locations and tickets.

PERFORMING ARTS

“In the Heights” musical

“¡Que Rico!”

The multiple award-winning musical, “In the Heights,” with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, opened last Friday night in the Elizabeth Wallace Theater of the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. In a triumph of understatement, we in the opening night audience enthusiastically absorbed every element so richly offered by the astonishing cast members, those in front of the curtain, those in back of the curtain, the musicians and the director/choreographer Patdro Harris.

The storyline offers a closeup look at a superb cast of the most amazing characters as they encounter, endure and experience romance, friendships, loyalties, losses, sadness, disappointment, delight and resolution. The phenomenal script was confined to three days. It was the hottest days of summer in this New York barrio during a power outage, though softened slightly by a lottery ticket! We all experienced a kind of group glee, in the unfolding of the story and the side trips which were offered as we looked forward to the perfect closure to the challenges and distractions faced by all of the most incredibly appealing characters.

This musical and the winning performances by everyone involved in the singing, the Spanish lessons and especially the dancing — hip hop, merengue, a little rap and a lot of salsa — moved the entire audience to our collective feet as we continued to respond to the compelling rhythms of the astonishing evening.

• Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane on Hilton Head
• When: Through May 29
• Info: artshhi.com or 843-842-2787

“Annie, Jr.” musical

“Annie, Jr.” is playing for one weekend only! It’s based on the comic strip adapted from the Tony-Award-winning musical by Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin.

“Annie, Jr.” tells of a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents who abandoned her on a New York City orphanage doorstep run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. In adventure after adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil ways, befriends President Franklin Roosevelt, and finds a new family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Tickets are $22 adults, $18 seniors and $14 students. Tickets are available in advance or at the door one hour prior to showtime.

• Where: USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St. in Beaufort
• When: May 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. and May 22 at 3 p.m.
• Info: uscbcenterforthearts.com or 843-521-4145

Two Hilton Head Choral Society concerts

Everyone is invited to join in a celebration of the Hilton Head Choral Society’s 45th anniversary and 20 years with Artistic Director, Tim Reynolds with full chorus and orchestra with “For We Wish You Music” at 7 p.m. May 13.

Celebrate Memorial Day! “America Sings” is a celebration of the American spirit at 7 p.m. May 29. Join the chorus, the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet, and a special guest speaker in an all-American musical program.

• Where: First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head
• Info: hiltonheadchoralsociety.org or call 843-341-3818

Listen on the Lawn concert series

R&B/Soul singer and songwriter Gwen Yvette will perform at the Listen on the Lawn concert series at the USCB Center for the Arts. Bring chairs, blankets, a picnic and beverages. Admission is $10 per person, and children under 12 enter free.

• Where: USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St. in Beaufort
• When: 6 to 7 p.m. May 15 (lawn opens for seating at 5:30 p.m.

• Info: uscbcenterforthearts.com or 843-521-4145

EVENTS

Hilton Head for Ukraine benefit

The Town of Hilton Head Island, the Hilton Head Island Rec Center, Hilton Head Island Music and Arts Coalition, and many amazing volunteers, are rallying for this humanitarian cause.

The event starts at noon with classical music, choirs, a dance performance and special speakers followed by Taylor Kent and Sara Burns, Cornbred and White Liquor (a Rolling Stones cover band).

Proceeds will be donated to the Ukraine Relief Fund administered by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry to support organizations assisting with relief efforts in Ukraine. Admission is free.

• Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Ave. on Hilton Head
• When: Noon to 6 p.m. May 22
• Info: Facebook.com/HH4UKRAINE

Spoleto Festival

It’s almost time for the historic Spoleto Festival in Charleston with more than two weeks of music, dance, theater and cultural events.

• Where: Multiple venues in the Charleston area
• When: May 26 through June 12
• Info: spoletousa.org or call 843-579-3100

VISUAL ARTS

Create Warhol-inspired shoreline and sea prints

The Coastal Discovery Museum will host Alana Adams for a fun program as part of their Discovery Night at the Museum. Learn how to create a series of two or more relief prints in the style of American pop artist Andy Warhol. No prior art experience is necessary. The program is designed for adults and upper elementary school-aged children and older. The fee is $18 per person. Reservations are required.

• Where: Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive on Hilton Head
• When: 5:30 to 7 p.m. May 19
• Info: www.coastaldiscovery.org or 843-689-6767, ext. 223
  
  

Architectural Accents II exhibit

Don’t miss the new exhibition Architectural Accents II at USCB Center for the Arts with 29 paintings by award-winning watercolor artist Robert Steinmetz. It’s free and open to the public.

• Where: USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret St. in Beaufort
• When: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through May 26
• Info: uscbcenterforthearts.com or 843-521-4145

Husson’s Lowcountry Visions exhibit

See Letty Husson’s peaceful landscapes of the South Carolina Lowcountry at the Society of Bluffton Artist’s Gallery in Old Town Bluffton.

• Where: SOBA Gallery, 6 Church St. in Bluffton
• When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through May 29
• Info: sobagallery.com or 843-757-6586

Nancy Wellard may be reached at coastalartnews@gmail.com.

This story was originally published May 12, 2022 at 10:36 AM.