Best bets

Get your kicks above the waistline, sunshine

The Broadway game ended quickly for the musical "Chess" in 1988; it ran for just over two months. But the strategizing has continued in regional theaters across the nation. The latest player: N.C. Theatre, which will show how chess is a microcosm of world politics, from Saturday through July 22 at Memorial Auditorium. Fans of 1980s pop music will recognize the Murray Head hit "One Night in Bangkok," written by the "Chess" team of former Abba members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and Broadway lyricist Tim Rice (who also wrote lyrics for "The Lion King," "Jesus Christ, Superstar" and other hit musicals). N.C. Theatre favorite Ray Walker stars as the American chess player who competes in a world champtionship against Russia's Anatoly (Aaron Ramey). Shows are at 8 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday through July 20; 2 p.m. July 15; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. July 21; and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. July 22. Tickets are $26-$76. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 834-4000 or surf to www.ticketmaster.com.

Shakin' with Sandbox

Groove with the kids with a moo moo here and a moo moo there. Local children's band Sandbox performs at 6 p.m. Sunday at Raleigh's Fred Fletcher Park. The group likes to sing kids' favorites such as "Old McDonald" and "Bingo." Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Free. 820 Clay St. 831-6854 or www.sandbox-band.com.

Want to act up a bit?

Ever want to just jump on the stage and show what you can do? Now's your chance. Stammer! Artspace's bimonthly extravaganza is tonight at 8 and features spoken word and poetry performances, featured films, musicians and performance art. But there's open mike, too. So show up a few minutes early to sign up if you want to join other performers on stage. Admission is $4; $3 for students. 201 E. Davie St. 821-2787. www.artspacenc.org.

A meow wow

Love those Abyssinians? Or is a Tonkinese more your taste? No matter. At the N.C. State Fairgrounds, there will be more than 250 felines of every shape, size and color expected to compete Saturday and Sunday during a show sponsored by The International Cat Association, First in Flight Cat Club and Royal Canin cat foods. The show is a regional competition featuring award-winning cats from throughout the Southeast. There will also be vendors with pet products and a cat agility ring, where cats will compete while enjoying a playground of tunnels, hoops and weave poles. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 adults; $4 senior citizens and students; $3 children 2-12.