CHARLESTON -- Spoleto USA Festival, the 17-day international arts extravaganza set for May 22-June 7, promises to offer something for all arts enthusiasts.

I will be reviewing six performances that run the gamut from punk opera to contemporary ballet. The first will be the opera "Louise," often referred to as the French version of "La Boheme." I will also see "Don John," an imaginative exploration of the Don Juan legend that will be debuted in the United States by Kneehigh Theatre of Cornwall, England.

I am looking forward to the 50th anniversary performance of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, which celebrates African-American cultural expression. Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet of New York will also be reviewed.

Hoipolloi Theatre's "Story of a Rabbit" is a one-man, multimedia play from London. I understand that the Welsh performer Hugh Hughes is a masterful storyteller, and I don't plan to be disappointed. The final Spoleto show I will review is "Addicted to Bad Ideas," a cabaret, punk-rock operetta.

If you have enjoyed Charles Wadsworth's Chamber Music Series, you will want to see him again this year. This will be Wadsworth's last Spoleto, as he is retiring. During the festival, there will be several celebrations honoring him.

These are just a few of the many performances being offered at Spoleto 2009. Realizing our country's economic woes, Spoleto USA has a new Web page that offers limited-time discounts and highlights ways people can experience the arts without "breaking the bank." This can be seen at spoletousa.org; from there, click on the "Ways to Save" link.

Piccolo Spoleto, the sister festival, offers more than 700 arts events. This past year, I have seen some of the theater offerings here in Charleston. These shows were so well received during their initial runs that they were asked to participate.

"Season to Season" is an adult drama that explores the relationship between the artist Jackson Pollack and his wife, Lee Krasner, also an artist. The show is riveting and well crafted.

"Rounding Third" is a two-man comedy that tells the joys and frustrations of coaching Little League baseball. "Rounding Third" is clever, poignant, well-acted and a definite must-see.

"Beethoven -- His Women and His Music" is a collaboration between The Actors' Theatre of South Carolina and Chamber Music Charleston. Writer and performer Clarence Felder brings this musical genius to life as he performs with a chamber music trio.

Several years ago, Charles Ross brought his one-hour, high energy show "One Man Star Wars Trilogy" to Piccolo Spoleto. I am delighted that he doesn't think Charleston is a galaxy far far away, because he is returning this year. In a word, this show is fabulous. Children of all ages should not miss this performance.

Two other theater productions that are out of the ordinary are "Mary Kay Has a Posse" and "History of Charleston for Morons." "Mary Kay Has a Posse" is a three-woman improv spoof of "The View." "History of Charleston for Morons" is another hilarious satire from the Charleston-based improv company, The Have Nots.

"The Mind's I" is a 2008 award-winning play by a College of Charleston student. This adult drama is thought-provoking and powerful. The two male leads, both College of Charleston students, are brilliant in their roles. Again this year, the Felder Film Festival will spotlight short and family-friendly films. This film festival is free to the public.

Shows I am eager to see I will call "Boo's Best Bets." These are "La Cage Aux Folles," "Ring of Fire -- The Music of Johnny Cash," "Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas," "The Gentleman Pirate" (Stede Bonnet), and "Dog Sees God -- Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead" (a parody of "Peanuts").

These are just a few of the many Piccolo Spoleto offerings. Visit piccolospoleto.com to read about all of them.

I look forward to seeing you in the audience.

n

Orangeburg native Boo Sheppard, retired host of Time-Warner's "Orangeburg Inside Out," lives in Charleston with her husband, Macon.

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