11 very real things to do in Wilmington for April Fools' Day weekend

We've almost made it through March if you can believe that, and this weekend might be the calm before the storm when it comes to events in Wilmington.

There's still plenty going on, but nothing like the deluge of concerts, festivals (Azalea, for one) and more that will get cranking later this spring.

One brief word of warning: Saturday is April Fools' Day, so be wary. Very wary. (I was going to put a bunch of fake events in this week's column, but you know I wouldn't do you like that.) Trust no one, believe nothing.

If you're looking for things to do in Brunswick County, we do a separate list for that. See link below.

More: Brunswick events The Buddy Holly Experience highlights these 5 events happening in Brunswick

ALL WEEKEND

'Lessons at the Piano'

At CFCC Wilson Center: Fresh off winning the award for Outstanding Original Production at last week's Wilmington Theater Awards, playwright and director Ray Kennedy presents a staged reading of his latest work. Kennedy calls "Lessons at the Piano," which is being directed by Justin Smith for Opera House Theatre Co., a #MeToo-style reckoning with sexual harassment but from a gay man's perspective.

"This is a story that's not been told," Kennedy said, adding that he based the play both on his own experiences as a younger man and on experiences others told him about, including one friend who took his own life.

"It was very difficult to write. Sometimes I'd think to myself, 'Why are you doing this?'" Kennedy said. "At the end of the day, it was put in my brain for a reason. Maybe it will help some people heal, or realize they're not alone, or give some young person the strength to push back."

Unlike his award-winning play “The Thursday Night Bridge Circle,” which dealt with racism in a small town but had a Southern-fried comedic flair, "Lessons at the Piano" takes a more somber tone.

Somewhere between a table read, a workshop and a fully staged production, "Lessons at the Piano" will be performed on the Wilson Center main stage with the audience seated on stage with the actors. Actors will be holding scripts, but there will also be costumes, a set and live piano music from Luís Barragán-Higuera.

Kennedy has brought in a powerhouse cast that includes former Wilmington actor Cullen Moss ("Outer Banks") and New York actress Gabrielle Lee alongside Wilmington actors, including Fracaswell Hyman, who just won Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Theater Awards. 7:30 p.m. March 30-April 1, 2 p.m. April 1-2. Tickets are $25. 910-362-7999.

'Women Playing Hamlet'

At Thalian Hall's studio theater: Big Dawg Productions, which took home the trophy for Outstanding Play at last week's Wilmington Theater Awards, presents this comedy by William Missouri Downs about a young woman playing the title role of "Hamlet." Written to appeal to both lovers and haters of Shakespeare, the play features an all-woman cast directed by Beth Swindell. 7:30 p.m. March 30-April 1 and April 6-8, 2 p.m. April 2 and 9. 910-632-2285.

Uptilt Film Festival

At Jengo's Playhouse: It's the seventh year for this festival, formerly known as the Cinema Sisters International Film Festival. More than 40 films focused on the female experience will be screened, and there's a new emphasis on food this year, with several screenings tied in to a shrimp boil, a brunch and more. March 31-April 2, tickets range from $15 for a film block or $30 for the opening event and movie screening to $75 for a pass.

More: Wilmington film Wilmington film festival adds a food focus to create a niche for locals and filmmakers

Ian Edwards

At the Dead Crow Comedy Room: Born in England but raised in Jamaica and New York City, laid-back comic Edwards brings a counterintuitive comedic perspective to such subjects as the awkwardness of interventions and the art of being a good liar. Edwards had a Comedy Central special in 2019, has been on Marc Maron's and Joe Rogan's podcasts, and is an executive producer of upcoming Netflix/A24 show "Survival of the Thickest."7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. March 31 and April 1, $18 and $28.

FRIDAY

Wilmington Dance Festival

At Kenan Auditorium: This annual showcase of Wilmington dancers and choreographers features a range of styles, from classical to modern, while also incorporating projections and live music. Most of the work is new, but you might've seen a couple of pieces last fall at Dance-a-Lorus, the Cucalorus Film Festival's mashup of movies and movement. 7:30 p.m. March 31, $25. 910-962-3500.

Vegas McGraw

At Thalian Hall: You'll like it, you'll love it, you'll want some more of it when this tribute to country star and '90s radio staple Tim McGraw rolls into town. Adam D. Tucker has toured as Vegas McGraw all over the country. 7:30 p.m. March 31. 910-632-2285.

Super Future

At Ironclad Brewery: Electronic music artist known for creating immersive soundscapes brings his act to this downtown Wilmington brewery. 8:30 p.m. March 31, $20-$30.

Horizontal Hold

At Satellite Bar & Lounge: Veteran Durham-based band brings its noisy yet melodic sound to town for a triple bill with two Wilmington acts. Tercel plays a shambling brand of lo-fi indie rock goodness, while the SEO-disregarding Wilmington band Exercise brings more of a jangly, low-slung vibe to such smile-inducing song titles as "Time Go Bye." 8 p.m. March 31, free.

SATURDAY

Flytrap Family Fun Day

Carolina Beach State Park: Pack up the kids and head down to Carolina Beach to look at and learn about the Venus' flytrap, a carnivorous plant that only grows in the wild in the vicinity of Wilmington. With flytrap-themed games, flytrap face painting and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 1, free.

Humble Jumble Art Fair

At the Cameron Art Museum: Check out or purchase work by more than 30 Wilmington-area artists, with proceeds benefiting the artists and the museum. The focus is on folks who might be new to collecting art, and there will be several demonstrations to help you get to know the artists better. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 1.

SUNDAY

Cape Fear Chorale

At Kenan Auditorium: This Wilmington vocal group will celebrate its 25th anniversary with performances of work by Mozart, Brahms, Rachmaninoff and other composers. Also, longtime Chorale director Jerry Cribbs will be honored with the title of conductor emeritus, and the winner of a newly established scholarship named for Cribbs will be announced. 4 p.m. April 2, free.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 11 things to do in Wilmington NC this weekend, March 30-April 2