Plus, Reeds Jewelers, red wolves + Manaka Matsukubo.
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🎭 Behind the scenes with Kevin Aponte

Kevin Aponte talks to actors in the seats during a Cruel Intentions rehearsal
Get a load of Aponte in assistant director mode during a “Cruel Intentions” rehearsal. | Photo courtesy of Kevin Aponte
Kevin Aponte is having a banner season on Triangle stages. We caught up with the Raleigh-based performer, director, and sound designer to talk local theater, holiday spirit, and the best barbecue in North Carolina.

Young theater-goers

Raleigh Little Theater’s “Wheels on the Bus” is back by popular demand. As the star of the show, Aponte has some thoughts about why he thinks this play resonated with local families.

Aponte’s immediate response? “The title! It’s a recognizable song. I think Ms. Rachel has done us a lot of good by bringing this song back into popularity.”

Aponte also credits the writer, Ernie Nolan, for making the play so interactive. “When you’re doing theater for very young audiences, getting them involved is the best way to make a lasting impression.”

Where to catch Aponte in the act

Aponte's local faves

Events

Friday, Nov. 21

BAGNA CÀUDA DAYS at FIGULINA | Friday, Nov. 21-Saturday, Nov. 22 | 5-9 p.m. | Figulina | $95

Moonlight in the Garden | Friday, Nov. 21-Saturday, Nov. 22 | 5:30-8 p.m. | JC Raulston Arboretum | $5+

Raleigh Tree Lighting and Holiday Market | 5:30-8 p.m. | Moore Square | Free

Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony - NC Symphony | Friday, Nov. 21 + Saturday, Nov. 22 | Times vary | Meymandi Concert Hall | $70+

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival | Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Jan. 11 | Booth Amphitheatre, Cary | $16+

Saturday, Nov. 22

81st Crossroads Ford Apex ABC11 Raleigh Christmas Parade presented by Shop Local Raleigh | 9:30 a.m. | Downtown Raleigh | Free

30th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | NC Museum of Art | Free

Sunday, Nov. 23

Secret Cinema Sundays | 2-5 p.m. | Raleigh Brewing Company | Free

Governor’s Cup — UNC vs. Icepack | 5 p.m. | Lenovo Center | $18+

Thursday, Dec. 11

Moore Square Winterfaire | Thursday, Dec. 11-Sunday, Dec. 14 | Times vary | Moore Square | Free | Stroll through four days of local vendors, food trucks, live performances, s’mores, holiday crafts, games, a beer garden, and even Santa during this free downtown fair.*
See our full events calendar
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

Finance

💚 Aging loved ones? Make sure you’ve prepped these 3 things

Presented by Richardson Private Wealth Advisors
Four people in suits stand in front of a business sign inside.
Photo courtesy Richardson Private Wealth Advisors
We’re talking about finances, health, and legacy planning.

These critical areas of caregiving require careful consideration + open communication to ensure you and your loved ones are set up for long-term success — whatever that looks like to your family.

Not sure where to begin? This free virtual seminar on Wednesday, Dec. 3, offers actionable insights and guidance on the latest best practices.

RSVP for the event this way, or start with this handy breakdown of long-term care costs and coverage.
The earlier, the better

News Notes

Seasonal

Howling Cow’s famed eggnog is back, and you can grab your own carton (or six) from The Creamery off Lake Wheeler or at NC State’s campus markets.

Coming Soon

Reeds Jewelers will open a new “landmark” store at Fenton this weekend with 7,800 sqft, and the store will include a bar + gathering spaces. Did you know? Reeds was founded in Wilmington in 1946, and the coastal town is home to the closest landmark store. (The News & Observer)

Read

The New York Times took a visit to Raleigh’s All Saints Orthodox Church to explore the experiences of young men attending Orthodox churches across the country. Learn more about the movement.

Environment

As part of a swap, two endangered red wolves were flown to the Museum of Life and Science from Wolf Conservation Center in New York, and five wolves will head to New York for more space to potentially reproduce. Only 300 of the NC-native red wolves remain, and the majority are in captivity. (WRAL)

Sports

The NC Courage’s Manaka Matsukubo was named Midfielder of the Year at the NWSL Awards and makes history as the first Courage player to win this honor. Matsukubo was also named to the Best XI First Team and had a breakout season with 11 goals and 4 assists. (USA Today)

Civic

Heads upGoRaleigh buses will not run on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, and GoRaleigh has advised holiday travelers to be aware of extra traffic around Raleigh Union Station next week.

Finance

Turn your debit card into a local perks pass. Earn up to 5.00% Annual Percentage Yield and unlock exclusive deals on entertainment, travel, and local favorites with Go Green Checking.*
Amazon’s Black Friday Week sale is here with some of the best deals of the year. We’re ditching charging cords for this foldable wireless charging station that’s 40% off and grabbing a pair of these trendy platform slipper mini boots that are marked down to under $25. Shop all deals.*

Real Estate

This new community checks all our boxes: Spacious floor plans, unique amenities like a rock climbing wall, on-site coffee shop + bar, expansive green spaces, and a private dog park — all just minutes from Raleigh transportation hubs. Explore your options at NOVEL Morrisville.*

The Buy

Lifetime language learning in Babbel’s biggest sale of the year, with access to all fourteen languages 65% off for Black Friday. Think: Bite-sized lessons, easy-to-grasp grammar, bingeable podcasts, and interactive speaking practice, all simple to fit into your everyday routine. Fuel your own curiosity or grab the 65% off deal as a holiday gift for a loved one.*
Go global with Babbel’s biggest sale

Games

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The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

Happy Friday, Raleigh. This weekend is one of the most festive in Raleigh, and if I were you, I wouldn’t miss the downtown tree lighting tonight or the Christmas parade tomorrow morning.
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