Around Charlotte This Week

THEATER: My First Time
Friday, Jan. 15… By Anita overcash It's all about sex, in Theatre 650's productions of My First Time at Actor's Theatre of Charlotte. The play, written by Ken Davenport and directed by Chip Decker, is a comedy about folks' first sexual experiences, as shared on the Web site www.myfirsttime.com. At each show, audience members will also be able to participate, by completing an anonymous survey about their own “first time,” before the show. Someone will also get the pleasure — or pain — of what they

THEATER: The Pirates of Penzance
Sunday, Jan. 17… By Anita overcash Pirates have invaded Halton Theater — just have a look at The Pirates of Penzance for yourself. This comedy-driven production, presented by CPCC's Opera Theatre, follows a young pirate, Frederic, who after leaving his hardy har har lifestyle falls in love with Major-General Stanley's daughter, Mabel. One can only imagine that's enough to shiver Stanley's timbers, but even rougher waters are in store, as Frederic's former pirate crew arrives on shore to become land lubbers and to capture the rest

MUSIC: Charlotte Symphony Pops: The Temptations
Saturday, Jan. 16… By Kim Lawson Don't you just wish someone would serenade you with The Temptations' song “My Girl”? Well, here's your chance to kick back and listen to some oldies but goodies at Charlotte Symphony Pops: The Temptations. With Bob Farrell conducting, the Charlotte Symphony performs with one of the most iconic groups in American music history. Fellas, “Treat Her Like a Lady” and take your women to this. $20-$72. 8 p.m. Belk Theater, 130 N. Tryon St. 704-372-1000. www.blumenthalcenter.org….

MUSIC: Andreas Klein
Wednesday, Jan. 20… By Anita overcash Take one look at the bio on musician Andreas Klein's Web site, and you'll be pretty darn impressed. The pianist has performed at a medley of prestigious venues, from Berlin's Philharmonic Hall to New York's Carnegie Hall, and many more worldwide. You can see his fingers in action (and hear the sounds they transmit!) when Klein brings his talent to Davidson College tonight. $15-$20. 7:30 p.m. Held in Davidson College's Tyler Tallman Hall. 704-894-2135. http://www3.davidson.edu/cms/x9191.xml.-…

ART: A Summer Garden (In the Middle of Winter) and Collages
Monday, Jan. 18… By Anita overcash Two very different exhibitions can currently be found at Jerald Melberg Gallery. The first, titled A Summer Garden (In the Middle of Winter), features colorfully abstract paintings by New York artist Alan Gussow. Just take one look at his “Summer Blossoms” (pictured) and you might start raving about the beauty encompassed in the painting. However, the other exhibition, The Paris Collages, strikes a different kind of chord, and it's not as estatic. North Carolina native Rick Horton's collages are a

ART: Bodies: Steel and Skin
Thursday, Jan. 14… By Kim Lawson Here's an exhibit that puts a twist on that “hot women and muscle cars” stereotype. DOMA Gallery's Bodies: Steel and Skin features works from photographers Bryce Lankard and Daniel Stein. The images on display highlight abstract nudes and details of classic cars that illustrate the timeless beauty of curves and lines, shadow and light. Continues through Jan. 15. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. DOMA Gallery, 1310 S. Tryon St. 704-333-3420. www.domaart.com….

THEATER: The Aluminum Show
Wednesday, Jan. 19… By Anita overcash The Israeli-born, The Aluminum Show, looks pretty far out. Featuring special effects and lighting, acrobatics, dance, and shiny aluminum costumes with a cast bringing life something similar to slinky-like moving metals. This is the kind of thing that could spawn some deep thinking outside of the box, or it might just leave you contemplating what exactly you just watched. The show, which has been performed around the globe, has been described as being similar to other hit experimental productions like