Catch “Growing Pains” at the Rialto on May 18 for its NC premiere. | Photo courtesy of Mari Fabian
City Editor Allie here. I want to introduce you to one of my best friends — and the talented cowriter of an upcoming movie called “Growing Pains.” Mari Fabian is an NC State and soon-to-be UNC alum and has worked for years on this movie, and I can’t wait for the North Carolina premiere at The Rialto next month.
“Growing Pains,” directed and cowritten by Catherine Argyrople, follows Nat and Zoe as they face the transition from middle school to high school. Nat is based on Fabian’s experience as a young queer person in a Hispanic, more conservative household, while Zoe is inspired by Argyrople’s experience with body dysmorphia as a cancer survivor.
In addition to the NC premiere of the film on May 18 at the Rialto, Fabian and Argyrople will participate in a moderated panel with local supporters of teens and the LGBTQ+ community, including the LGBT Center of Raleigh, Wake Forest Pride, and Hope For Teens, a group advocating for LGBTQ+ teens with programs like Queer Prom.
Carolina Ballet Presents: Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto | Through Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts | $28+ | In a reflective homage to classical ballet, Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto unfolds from a tone of gentle introspection to a triumphant crescendo, showcasing the emotional resonance of the music.*
Concerts & Cocktails: Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto | Through Sunday, April 27 | Times vary | 10th & Terrace | $15 | Before enjoying some sweet melodies, enjoy a themed drink with orange-infused Grey Goose, lemon, rosewater spritz, and cava.
The Fray Is Back | 7 p.m. | The Ritz | $55 | This 2000s alternative + indie band will teach you “How to Save a Life.”
Friday, April 25
Brewgaloo Kick-Off Party | 6-10 p.m. | Fayetteville Street | $45+ | This sampler event features unlimited 3-ounce pours and brews that won’t be available during the main Saturday event.
Official Canes Watch Party | 8-11 p.m. | Carolina Ale House Cary | Free | Cheer on the Canes while they’re away at this electric watch party alongside other Caniacs.
Plan Ahead
An Appalachian Summer | Saturday, June 28-Saturday, July 26 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, Boone | Appalachian State University’s An Appalachian Summer has events from Saturday, June 28 to Saturday July 26, including performances by Amos Lee, Joan Osborne & Lisa Loeb, and LINES Ballet.*
We’re feeling less stressed just thinking about it. | Photo credit Pamela Varela
Our secret to a memorable Mother’s Day? A gasp-worthy gift.
Something luxe, a little bit indulgent, and oh-so-stress-meltingly relaxing.
Yes, we’re talking about the Glacial Facial at Woodhouse Spa North Hills — the new cutting-edge cryoaesthetics skincare treatment designed to leave you fresh-faced and fabulous.
❄️ Can’t-miss icy bliss
Paired with personalized serums for maximum glow, this frosty treatment:
Stimulates collagen production (for longer-lasting lift)
Reduces redness, acne, rosacea, and dark spots
Tightens, hydrates, and brightens complexion
Improves skin clarity and shine
All with minimal downtime — leaving Mom looking as luminous as we know she is.
🛍️ Gift card goodies
Pro tip: Add a Woodhouse Spa gift card and let her choose between massages, mindful meditations, sauna sessions, and more.
Oakwood Pizza Box will expand with a take-out only location in the former space of Capital Creations on Wake Forest Road. Oakwood Pizza Box opened in 2017 on Person Street and is expanding to meet customer demand — and there’s easy parking, too.
Sports
Sept. 1 will be a good day to be a Tar Heel... in Ireland. UNC will kick off its first Bill Belichick season with a game against TCU in Dublin. Last year, fellow ACC schools Georgia Tech and Florida State started their seasons in the Emerald Isle. (The News & Observer)
Show
John Mulaney will be coming to DPAC on Oct. 4 as part of his Mister Whatever tour, and tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. Don’t miss this comedian you know from his Netflix comedy specials and movies.
Concert
Live After 5, downtown’s free summer concert series, is coming back this summer. While the lineup hasn’t been announced yet, you can find out with a launch party at Le Dive next Wednesday, April 30. Last year’s lineup included Sixpence None the Richer and Kate Rhudy.
Try This
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a taco pop-up from Mala Pata at Natural Science Bar in Gateway Plaza ahead of Mala Pata’s opening in the food + shopping hub. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, May 5, expect tacos on fresh corn tortillas, margaritas, and beer.
Arts
Artsplosure is returning to downtown Raleigh next month, May 17-18, with installations like an immersive sound bath and the SurRALEIGHist Art Putt Mini Golf experience — which we’re dying to know more about. Plus, expect over 175 art vendors, local music, and more from the Raleigh arts community.
Featured Deal
Psst — This week, spend $55+ online at Clinique and get a free eight-piece kit with code GIFT. We’re eyeing: a new Almost Lipstick and best-selling mascara.*
Category
Read
📖 Break some spines
Help build home libraries by dropping off new or gently-used books. | Photo by RALtoday
With Independent Bookstore Day coming up on Saturday, April 26, we decided it was time to plot out some local bookshops to stock your library. Prepare your personal shelves for a haul from local bookshops, both new and used.
Nice Price Books & Records | Used books | Shop used books in addition to new + preowned vinyl records at this shop you know and love for its iconic window that boasts colorful posters and stickers. Plus, take your new read with you to Cup A Joe next door.
Reader’s Corner | Used books | This cozy used book store is rife with college textbooks and vintage prints + photos among piles of typical fiction. Make room for new books in your personal library by selling books to the store, too.
So & So Books | New books | Our favorite part of this bookstore is the collection of nonfiction, including books on NC + Raleigh. Plus, peruse recommended collections for students at Redbud Writing Project, located below the store.
A 100% leak-proof tumbler. The Hydracy Soulmate boasts a sleek design (read: it’s cup holder-friendly), three layers of insulation to keep your drink cold for 24 hours, and is dishwasher safe.
After my conversation with Mari, I highly recommend interviewing your friends. I was surprised at how much I learned about someone I’ve known for years, and trust me, I can’t wait to see “Growing Pains.”
Psst... Want to enjoy Raleigh like a film writer? Mari shared her three favorite spots around town: Jubala Coffee, Gussie’s, and Oberlin Regional Library.
Answered
Answered
Which team knocked out the Canes last season?
It was the New York Rangers, and 36% of you got that one right and get to sound the siren. See how the Canes fared against the Devils in Game 2 last night.
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