Many of Charleston’s theaters take a break in the late spring and early summer, but now’s the time for new seasons and plenty of incredible shows. The Charleston area is home to numerous theaters offering entertainment for all tastes – Shakespeare, comedy, drama, classics and new productions. Here’s a round-up of some excellent options for August. (Bonus: It’s hot! Enjoy indoor entertainment!).
“Bad Jews” through Aug. 8 – The night after their grandfather’s funeral, three cousins engage in a verbal (and sometimes physical) battle. In one corner is Daphna Feygenbaum, a “Real Jew” who is volatile, self-assure and unbending. In the other is her equally stubborn cousin Liam, a secular and entitled young man. Stuck in the middle is Liam’s brother, Jonah, who tries to stay out of the way. When Liam stakes claim to a treasured family heirloom, a vicious and hilarious brawl over family, faith and legacy ensues. Performed at PURE Theatre, 477 King St. in Charleston. Box office: 843-723-4444
“The Taming of the Shrew” July 30-Aug. 16 – Director John Bryan has set this controversial classic in the American Southeast, on the brink of World War II. The unyielding, Katherina is feverishly pursued by Petruchio, nobleman of Verona. The question is…can she been tamed? Performed at the Threshold Repertory Theatre, 84 1/2 Society St. in Charleston. Box office: 843-277-2172
“West Side Story” Aug. 1-16 – Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. The Flowertown Players, 133 S. Main St. in Summerville. Box office: 843-875-9251
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” Aug. 7-23 – a musical based on the 1988 film of the same name. “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” centers around two competing con men, living on the French Riviera. Their competition comes to a peak when they agree that the first con man to extract $50,000 from the female heiress, Christine Colgate, wins and the other must leave town forever. The Footlight Players, 20 Queen St. in Charleston. Box office: 843-722-4487
“The Producers” Aug. 28 to Sept. 20 – A winner of 12 Tony Awards, this show is a hilarious follow-up to “Young Frankenstein” as Max and Leo return with their hair-brained scheme to make a fortune by deliberately mounting a Broadway flop. Performed by Charleston Stage at the Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St. in Charleston. Box office: 843-577-7183
“Last Will & Testament” Aug. 28-29 – Join the Crabpot Players Theatre Co. for a summer fundraiser in the form of a dinner theater mystery. Jonas Carmody, president and founder of Carmody Oil, is dead of natural causes at the age of 78, leaving an estate valued in excess of $30 million. The heirs apparent are in for a big surprise when they gather together with his friends and business associates for a memorial dinner in his honor. Unbeknownst to his eccentric family, a surprise reading of the will is on the menu, and murder is certain to be a la mode. Audience members are encouraged to come in Texas attire and will team up with the detective to crack clues and help solve the crime. Crabpot Players Theatre, 1137 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant. Box office: 888-303-0763
For ongoing fun, check out the Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre at 164 Church St. in Charleston. Highlights include “Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery,” a hauntingly historical, hysterical whodunit for fans of the Master Sleuth. Or check out “Church Street Daughters of the Late Unpleasantness Garden, Gun & Gin Club Mystery,” a mystery that has the crème of Charleston’s ladies dirtying their white gloves with murder. Box office: 843-937-6453