Fete Burning Coal’s 25th with a performance of Life of Galileo under the stars.
After 25 years of serving Raleighites lit-erate, visceral and affecting entertainment, Burning Coal Theatre Company has more than earned its spotlight. And to celebrate that benchmark, the company is culminating its silver anny with a performance of David Edgar’s adaptation of The Life of Galileo in April. (And as Burning Coal does… it’s gonna be fire.)
The play, which will feature female actor Julie Oliver as famous 17th century astronomer Galileo Galilei (!), tells the story of Galileo’s life through his scientific breakthroughs, personal life and controversy of the time.
“Oliver is ‘eminently castable,’” said Burning Coal artistic director Jerry Davis in an exclusive interview with Raleigh Magazine. To wit, Oliver is not new to the idea of acting in traditionally male roles—she also took on the role of Captain Hook in Burning Coal’s original adaptation of Peter Pan & Wendy and played the lead in The Heretic in 2013—making this her second leading role with Burning Coal.
Ever one to go against the status quo, Burning Coal has pushed boundaries since its first bow. During its first season 25 years ago, the theater company cast an African American actor in a pivotal role (which was rarely ever played by an African American) in the show Loves Labors Lost—and has often had female actors step into traditionally male roles. “I don’t do things for political reasons; I do things for artistic reasons,” explained Davis. “Maybe the artistic reason is that it helps to tell the story of someone who challenged the orthodox.”
Now, as The Life of Galileo is set to take stage, Burning Coal is upping the X factor even more by staging the performance at Dix Park—because what could be more perfect than viewing a play about an astronomer under the stars?! “Most art forms are done in small spaces,” said Davis of the location choice. “So we wanted to get out of that world, go into another world, and see if the work holds up there as well.”
A full circle moment—it all comes back to Burning Coal’s aspiration from day one to perform more meaningful art via thoughtful and significant performances. Rather than skewing art to make a profit, the theater company has fought that impulse and prioritized art in order to educate and entertain the community. “You have a small space to perform in, and you can fill most of those seats with anything, so why not do the good stuff?” said Davis. “Why not do the stuff that’s important, the stuff that the community needs to hear, rather than picking something just to fill seats?”
Noting the timeliness of this production, he adds: “Galileo is a perfect example of someone who challenged the orthodox and changed the world for the better, which is exactly what we are trying to do.” Challenge exceeded. burningcoal.org
Hannah Montana said it best: nobody’s perfect. Which is exactly what Raleigh local Chris Daniels is tapping into. After having the same realization Hannah Montana crooned about, the Ravenscroft and NC State alum developed his Complete Lifestyle brand—founded on the concept that “no one can be perfect, but we can all strive to become complete as people, which leads to someone becoming the best version of themselves.”
Bursting with motivational monikers and good vibes, Complete Lifestyle’s customized apparel is exactly the content we need right now, allowing “every body”—regardless of race, gender or age—to embrace who you are so you can go out and share that with the world. “I don’t want to be one set thing—where you have to fit into options,” says Daniels. “I want you to pick your own color, your own ink, your own phrase.” Daniels is also planning on releasing a Complete Lifestyle cologne, so you’ll be able to smell as good as you look.
And the complete entrepreneur isn’t stopping there. Beyond the apparel and cologne, his new self-help book, You’ve Got Next: How to Live a Complete Lifestyle and Leave a Legacy, just dropped, spreading the self-love by spotlighting, for example, how even Michael Jordan failed before he became the basketball legend we all revere today. Hence: “Hard work can lead to being complete,” says Daniels. If you need us we’ll be workin’ on being #best while perusing his pages in our new ’fit. Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble; @malecomplete
They say not to go chasing waterfalls… but you’re definitely gonna wanna book it to Zebulon to chill at downtown’s newest neighborhood watering hole, The Fall Line, named after the elevation inland at which waterfalls begin to appear in creeks and rivers (Zebulon is located where the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions meet). Opened by local entrepreneurs Cyrus Stacey and Mike Lombardo (the latter owns DTR go-to Lucky B’s), the lowkey sip spot keeps things simple with a standard wine and beer list—plus mixed drinks and slushees—and rotating food trucks in a humble indoor/outdoor space. Cheers! thefalllineznc.com
Experience the Chapel Thrill in the best way possible—with a good cuppa joe. Located right on Franklin Street, this pop-up shop founded by a trio of UNC students is focused on uniting the Chapel Hill community via craveworthy cups (think coffee, espresso, tea) to a backdrop of local artist displays, plus tunes during its live music hours. The perfect blend, if you will. bluehousecafech.square.site
Hey there, hot stuff. This new java joint at RTP’s Alexandria Campus is “unlocking the DNA of coffee” by meeting all your coffee needs—from lattes to cold brews (made with Counter Culture beans). And if coffee just isn’t your cup of tea, there’s also hot, iced and chai tea opps to boost your spirits and gratify your taste buds. Morning bevs meet their match with breakfast pastries and egg bites, while lunch is made easy (and tasty!) with wraps, salads and bistro boxes (think of it like an adult Lunchable that’s totes acceptable to bring back to the office)—all served with a whole latte love. growcoffeenc.com
Live life on the sweet side at The Sweetest Thing’s new shop at MacGregor Square, where owner Melanie Brown is devoted to “baking” the world a better place one pastry at a time—everything from cakes and cupcakes to cookies and brownies. Not to be left out, gluten-free foodies can have their cake and eat it too thanks to the one or two GF ops on offer in the dessert case on the daily. So when you need a pick-me-up, stop by anytime from 10–6 Tuesday through Saturday and get chip-faced—no judgment! thesweetestthingsnc.com
“Uncork the culture” and decomplicate wine with Melanated Wine and Spirits, the first Black- and woman-owned wine brand in the Bull City. Founder Lashonda Fort-Modest knows you shouldn’t wine while drinking vino, so she’s upping the fine-wine fun factor by making it easier to sip and shop for varietals. Don’t know what you dig? Book a tasting to see which wines entice your taste buds. Need a sipping buddy? Check Melanated’s event calendar (think poetry nights, and paint and sips…) for opps to meet fellow wine lovers. Glasses up for #MelaNation! melanatedwine.com
Brighten up your spring ’fit with statement earrings.
You no longer need to play it by ear… the best way to spring into the warm weather this year is by making a statement with Sunshine & Grace’s lightweight, handcrafted earrings. Founded in April 2021 by NC native Candace Coghill—who began making earrings as a creative outlet the month prior—the Wake Forest-based small biz is hitting its stride at the one-year anny mark.
Fashionable and lightweight, Coghill’s earrings are easy to get hooked on—because not heavy and painful, obv—crafted from such light materials as leather, cork, brass, wood, resin, rattan and tassels. “I personally don’t like heavy earrings and have heard the same sentiment from many other women,” says Coghill.
With selections that turn with the trends and seasons—literally—Sunshine & Grace’s spring selects mean you can rock florals galore (we know, “groundbreaking” … but so apropos). And beyond the everyday earrings styles, you can show off your fave college sports teams (Go Pack!) by customizing a pair from the Game Day Collection.
For the mini in your life, Coghill recently started Little Sunshine by Sunshine & Grace, a collection featuring earrings for younger girls (though, honestly, the burger and fries studs just might be too adorable to pass up for yourself). And, just in time for Mother’s Day, Sunshine & Grace is releasing a Mommy & Me collection featuring matching earrings for mothers and daughters—you know, to show you love “hanging around” with her. Shine on! Southern Suds and Gifts; sunshinegracejewelry.etsy.com
March Madness may be cooling down but the action on the court is as hot as ever—and this weekend’s games are sure to end the month with a slam dunk as Tobacco Road rivals Duke and UNC meet for their first-ever tourney NCAA matchup in the Final Four Saturday with allll the emotion on the line. Coach K’s final season. A chance to punch your ticket to the National Championship against your arch-rival. So either all your swishes come true or you just dribble. Feel the drama.
So whether you’re feelin’ Devilish or hollerin’ for the Heels, court is officially in session at these six local sports spots—aka, drink (er, watch) here to celebrate a W or forget an L!
Get ready for a good shuckin’ time with food and drink specials (including $1 oysters!) at this “tide-to-table” resto. You won’t miss a single shot thanks to multiple TVs all programmed to the NCAA Final Four.
A hoppy evening is in store at My Way Tavern, one of RM reader’s fave sports bars to enjoy the game + grub (plus beer, natch). No matter your crew’s food preferences, the popular neighborhood joint has something for everyone—from wings and nachos to mac ’n cheese and ribs. NTM 22 beers on tap. Now that’s what we call a stella good time.
Despite the name, Carolina Ale House isn’t for just the Carolina fans. No matter which blue you’re reppin’, the ale house will cure what ales you with its flat-screen basketball frenzy—either out on the terrace or bellied up to the high-energy bar.
Born from a dream to combine good food and good sports, Tobacco Road Sports Cafe has exactly what you need to get your head in the game for the Final Four. Can we get a cheers?
All kinds of players retreat here, so whether your team wins or loses, at least you’ll have PR’s famous sausage dip—and a local brew or two—to keep you satisfied.
