Editor's Picks

Weekend

Sprouts Theatre for Children to Premier at Creative Spark

"Sprouts" is a company of professional artists performing for children. Originated in Boston in the '80s, the company has more than two dozen original musicals designed for audiences ages 4 and up. The musicals were adapted from classic fairy tales or developed as original material by Artistic Director Stan Gill, who has just arrived in the Charleston area, where Sprouts will be in residence in the newly renovated Creative Spark theater space.

Sprouts will be performing "Hansel & Gretel" at 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday, with a members-only show at 3 p.m. Sunday. Shows will run next weekend. "The Emperor's New Clothes" is scheduled for March.

Tickets are $10 per person. Members of "Friends of Creative Spark" are $8.50 per show. All shows are for ages 4 and up unless otherwise listed. Tickets are available by calling 881-3780, at www.creativespark.org and at the door.

Through Feb. 4

Online auction benefitting Ronald McDonald house

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston is offering a new way to show support for critically ill children being treated in our local hospitals. At noon today, the "doors" will open to the second annual No Show Ball Online Auction, an auction that takes place on the Internet at www.biddingforgood.com/rmhcharleston.

The auction will run through noon Feb. 4. Businesses are invited to participate by becoming a sponsor or donating an item for the auction. Donations are still being accepted: log on to the site and click on the "Donate Now" button. Users can also contribute to the auction's success by using the "Tell A Friend" button.

Call 693-6994 or visit www.RMHCharleston.org.

ONGOING

Midtown/Sheri Grace Productions presents "The Shadow Box" on James Island.

Michael Cristofer's timeless drama exploring the psychological effects of impending death, "The Shadow Box," revolves around a trio of terminally ill patients who live in separate cottages at a hospice.

Directed by local actor Jan Gilbert, the cast includes Terry Terranova, Ryan Ahlert, Andrea K. McGinn, Linda Esposito, Christian Self, Sam Book, Samille Basler, Krissy McKown and Tom Michal.

Performances begin today and run through Jan. 30. All shows are at the Charleston Acting Studio at 915 Folly Road, corner of Camp Road, behind Walgreens.

For more information go to http://midtownproductions.org/index.html and get tickets online at WWW.ETIX.COM or by calling 795-2223.

ONGOING

Poogan's Porch rolls back its menu

Poogan's Porch, at 72 Queen Street, is celebrating the new year by offering its annual Roll Back menu. The menu features the restaurant's 1978 dinner menu prices Sunday through Thursday throughout January and February 2010.

Highlights include Ms. Bertha's She Crab Soup for $2.99 (regularly $5.95), Carolina BBQ Hanger Steak for $9.50 (regularly $19.95), the Sweet Tea Glazed Salmon for $8.99 (regularly $18.95) and Buttermilk Fried Chicken for $7.75 (regularly $15.95). All entrees are served with fresh vegetables, rice and homemade buttermilk biscuits. To learn more or to make reservations, call 577-2337.

TODAY

Charleston's Young Professional Gay-Straight Alliance happy hour

Charleston's Young Professional Gay-Straight Alliance will kick off 2010 with a happy hour social at 6-9 p.m. today at Vickery's Downtown Bar and Grill, 15 Beaufain Street.

The group formed in 2009 as an opportunity for members and friends of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community to meet regularly for socials and events and to foster community involvement.

E-mail epstein.rebecca@gmail.com for more information or visit charlestongaystraight.webs.com.