Faith Hope & Charity by Odon von Horvath - So maybe your credit card balance keeps growing, or you’ve had to replace date nights with ramen nights. Maybe you’re doing a bit more pre-gaming before heading out to save on your bar tab. We’re all struggling a little, but hopefully no one has stooped to selling their bodies for money, like the main character in Pure Theatre’s new show, Faith, Hope, and Charity. And no, we’re not talking prostitution — it’s much creepier than that. The heroine in this dark comedy visits a cadaver company to sell off her body parts in anticipation of her eventual demise. The play, written by Odon Von Horvath, is set in a small southern town during the Great Depression, making it hard not to draw comparisons to today’s tough times — or help us feel better about how good we have it. Sharon Graci, artistic director of Pure Theatre, stars as Elizabeth. Over the course of the play she meets a dissector who wants to show her his aquarium, sells lingerie door-to-door, and eventually ends up in bed with a policeman who would rather clean his toes than pay attention to her. As always, Pure hosts a preview pay-what-you-can night on Wed. Nov. 12 (rather fitting for this show), and they now offer “B.Y.O. Baby” performances with child care provided at no charge on Nov. 23 and 28. Now you’ve got no excuses to bring back date night. —Erica Jackson Nov. 13-15, 20-23, 26, 28-29. $30, $25/season subscriber, $10/student rush, (843) 723-4444, www.puretheatre.org, .

Holiday Festival of Lights - Whether you’re a firm believer in no holiday decorations before Thanksgiving, or you’re already humming Christmas carols, you can’t help but get a little excited about the Holiday Festival of Lights opening. If you just rolled your eyes, you’re a scrooge. The super-popular attraction features millions of twinkling lights and nearly 600 displays over a three-mile stretch of James Island County Park. It’s a dazzling sight for kids and grown-ups alike. Other features include marshmallow roasts, Festival train rides, an “Enchanted Forest” walking trail, carousel rides, a climbing wall, a gift shop, and a lot more. If you’re one of those already-humming-Christmas-carols types, get a sneak peek at the lights before anyone else, with the Fun Run and Walk around the trails. Before it gets too cold (and you get too lethargic) you can get an up-close view of the whole shebang, and get a little exercise while you’re at it — but call first to make sure it’s not sold out. On Fri. Nov. 14 from 6:30-7:30 p.m., the Opening Night Celebration includes a tree lighting ceremony, performances by the Lowcountry Power Brass and Charleston Dance Center, and more. And if you’re a scrooge, just keep waiting ‘til after Thanksgiving. You can see the lights through Jan. 4, 2009. —Erica Jackson Through Jan. 4, 2009. (843) 795-4FUN, www.holidayfestivaloflights.com, . James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., (James Island), (843) 795-4FUN (4386), www.ccprc.com.

Volvo Circle of Light Gala - Philanthropy Week recently wrapped up, and we can only hope that numerous worthy organizations are basking in the glow of Charleston’s generosity. Close on its heels comes the city’s most opulent annual fund-raising event, Darkness to Light’s Circle of Light Gala. Despite the economic downturn, organizers say that donations have remained steady enough to produce one of the most opulent parties of the year. Over the last seven years, the event has raised over $2 million for Darkness to Light, which spreads awareness about child sexual abuse. The New York-themed affair will be spread out in giant tents in Marion Square, beginning with a SoHo cocktail party with a silent auction (we’re told there will be some “incredible surprises”) and entertainment from street performers. Dinner will be prepared by 15 of Charleston’s most talented and generous chefs, and accompanied by music from the Joe Clarke Orchestra and a special guest. D2L will then present the Voice of Courage award to Olympic swimmer Margaret Hoelzer for her efforts to bring awareness to sexual abuse, then the tents will be transformed into a Studio 54-inspired club for the remainder of the night. One lucky guest will end the night right by driving off in a brand new Volvo. —Erica Jackson Thu., Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m. (843) 965-5444, . Marion Square, Calhoun and King, Charleston (Downtown).

Made in Italy Fashion Show - Fashionistas, it’s go time. Get ready to see and be seen at the third annual Made in Italy Fashion Show presented by U-Topia Events. Charleston magazine Style Editor Ayoka Lucas will host the event, which features the latest looks from local boutiques like Hampden Clothing, V2V, Cose Belle, and Luxe Boutique, as well as shoes from Susan Michelle Shoes. Guest designer Mehera Blum for Blumera will be visiting from L.A. So maybe the clothes aren’t authentically Italian, but the rest of the party leans more in that direction. Guests will enjoy an open bar of classic cocktails and Italian favorites, passed hors d’oeuvres from Il Cortile del Re, and prosecco from Earth Fare. DJ Duwayne Motley will be spinning, accompanied by live instruments, and DanceFX will provide additional entertainment. Spring for the VIP tix and get a prime viewing location and glasses of prosecco. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of the Trident Area. —Erica Jackson Thu., Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. (843) 513-8055, www.u-topiaevents.com, . Hibernian Hall, 105 Meeting Street, Charleston (Downtown).

Reflections: The American Funeral - A mobile museum that draws crowds with its unique collection of funeral objects and exhibits depicting America's traditions of mourning and honoring the dead beginning with Native American burial mounds and ending with today's diverse rituals. Nov. 20, 12-6 p.m. McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road. Nov. 21, 12-6 p.m. McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 869 St. James Ave., Goose Creek. Nov. 20-21. Free, (843) 884-3833.

Ghosts of Charleston Emerge - Charleston Legends and Lore Ghost Theater takes you back in time to hear haunting stories straight from the ghosts who lived centuries ago. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 12-8 p.m. $9/adults, $6/children 5-12, free/children under 5. Charleston Legends and Lore Ghosts Theater, 161 Church St., Charleston (Downtown), (843) 937-0916.

MoM Strides - A monthly bridge walk and run to encourage family fun and fitness. Meet at the MoM Spa and head over the Ravenel Bridge together. 20th of every month, 4 p.m. Free, (843) 814-6198, www.themomspa.com. MoM Spa, 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd., (Mt. Pleasant), (843) 849-4955, www.themomspa.com.

Legislative Reception - The Chamber presents its annual Legislative Reception with more than 330 local, state, and federal elected officials have been invited. This event gives the community an opportunity to meet their elected officials and have their voice heard on issues that are important to them. The Chamber will also be releasing its Legislative Agenda for the 2009 General Assembly. Thu., Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m. $75, $55/Chamber members, (843) 805-3053, www.charlestonchamber.net. S.C. Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, (Downtown), (843) 720-1990, www.scaquarium.org.

Careless Whispers Auditions - Sandra's Dance Production is currently looking for middle school and high school students. Also writers, producers, directors, sponsors, actors, actresses, etc. for a play written by Sandra Wilson. Through Feb. 1, 2009. (843) 735-4569, sandradanceproduction@yahoo.com.

Dear John Casting - The feature film Dear John, based on the novel by best-selling author Nicholas Sparks and directed by Oscar nominated Lasse Halstrom, is still seeking those interested in working as background this November and December. Filming will take place in the Charleston and Harleyville areas. Send info to dearjohncasting@gmail.com. Through Nov. 30.

Passion for Fashion Competition - Do you love fashion and want to turn your love of the industry into a career? The Art Institute's Passion for Fashion Competition gives high school students interested in the highly competitive fashion industry an opportunity to earn a full tuition scholarship to study in a fashion program at The Art Institute of Charleston. Deadline Nov. 21. Through Nov. 21. (843) 727-3495, www.artinstitutes.edu/pr.aspx?ID=p4f091.

1940s Radio Hour - Charleston Southern University Lyric Theatre presents The 1940s Radio Hour. Under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Luiken, The 1940s Radio Hour will feature Chattanooga Choo-Choo, Ain't She Sweet, Blue Moon, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, At Last, Strike Up the Band, I'll Be Seeing You, and more! The production features The Carolina Jazz Big Band and music direction by Mark Sternbank. Nov. 20-23. $15, $10/students and seniors, free/children 12 and under, (843) 863-7966, www.charlestonsouthern.edu. Lightsey Chapel, Charleston Southern University, (Ladson), www.csuniv.edu.

New Music, New Charleston - Fall chamber program featuring local composers and performers playing works from the 20th and 21st centuries. Thu., Nov. 20, 8 p.m. $10, $6/students, (917) 690-2031, www.newmusiccollective.org. Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St., (Downtown), (843) 577-6400, www.circularchurch.org.

Addison Hatfield Gallery - Featuring contemporary artists from around the country. Addison Hatfield Gallery, 38 Queen St., (Downtown), (843) 577-7710.

Adele's Pottery Studio and Gallery - Featuring wheel-thrown and hand-built clay works by Adele Deas Tobin. Adele's Pottery Studio and Gallery, 1569 Middle St., (Sullivan's Island), (843) 883-9545.

Allison Sprock Fine Art - Featuring original art from all over the world. www.allisonsprockfineart.com. Allison Sprock Fine Art, 179 1/2 King St., (Downtown), (843) 577-3636, www.allisonsprockfineart.com.

Another Look - Paintings and works on paper by West Fraser. Through Nov. 28. www.helenafoxfineart.com. Helena Fox Fine Art, 12 Queen St., (Downtown), (843) 723-0073, www.fraserfoxfineart.com.

Art & Fine Craft Co-Op - The Meeting Place Art and Fine Craft Co-Op is a temporary artist cooperative gallery. The gallery is dedicated to presenting many artists of varied backgrounds working in a diverse array of media and styles, from representational to contemporary, in both two and three dimensions. All pieces on exhibit will be available for sale. Through Dec. 28. (843) 745-1087. The Meeting Place, 1077 E. Montague Ave, (North Charleston).

Art Central Ltd. Gallery - Exhibits by member artists. Art Central Ltd. Gallery, 102 Central Ave., (Summerville), (843) 871-0297.

Art with a Future - Local contemporary work by Manning Williams, John Hull, Gordon Nicholson, Mary Walker, Paul Mardikian, John Moore, Kevin Bruce Parent, Kristi Ryba, Sue Simons Wallace, Daryl Knox, Lynne Riding, JD Cummings, Lese Corrigan and Richard (Duke) Hagerty with visiting artists at various times of year. Ongoing. www.corrigangallery.com. Corrigan Gallery, 62 Queen St., (Downtown), (843) 722-9868, www.corrigangallery.com.

Canned Fish - Found object art by Jeff Kopish. Fish are made out of discarded garbage can lids from the old Dock Street Theatre. Ongoing. www.shoplimeblue.com. Lime Blue, 62 Queen St., (Downtown).

Charles II Art Gallery - Featuring works of 18 local, national, and international artists with contemporary flair. www.charles2.com. Charles II Art Gallery, 2 Queen St., (Downtown), (843) 577-7101.

The Charleston Story - Features paintings, sculpture, and miniature portraits that highlight significant people, places and periods from Charleston's birth as a British colony through the American Revolution and the Civil War to today's culturally diverse and dynamic community. Ongoing. $9/adults, $7/seniors, military, and students, $5/ages 6-18, Free/children under 6, www.gibbesmuseum.org. Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St., (Downtown), (843) 722-2706.

Coleman Fine Art - Representing regional and national artists, specializing in contemporary American paintings of both the American Impressionist and Realist schools. www.colemanfineart.com. Coleman Fine Art, 79 Church St., (Downtown), (843) 853-7000, www.colemanfineart.com.

Cone 10 studios - Working studio and gallery featuring pottery and sculpture by 19 local artists. Cone 10 Studios, 285 Meeting St., (Downtown), (843) 853-3345.

Courtyard Art Gallery - Exhibiting original paintings by 14 award-winning Lowcountry artists. www.courtyardartgallery.com. Courtyard Art Gallery, 149 1/2 E. Bay St., (Downtown), (843) 723-9172.

Earl B. Lewis and George Pate - Featuring world-renowned watercolorist Earl B. Lewis and impressionist plein-air painter George Pate. On view through Nov. 21. www.wellsgallery.com. Wells Gallery, 125 Meeting St., (Downtown), (843) 853-3233, www.wellsgallery.com/.

Earthscaping - This program centers around an exhibition of works by Mary Edna Fraser, including batiks on silk, oil paintings, monotype prints, aerial photographs, pastels, and watercolors. On view through Jan. 31. www.mcclellanvilleartscouncil.com. McClellanville Arts Center, 733 Pinckney St., McClellanville (Awendaw), (843) 887-3157.

Ellis-Nicholson Gallery - Features contemporary fine art including oils, acrylics, mixed media, bronze, metal, clay, porcelain, hand-blown glass, and exquisite handcrafted jewelry. Ongoing. (843) 722-5353, www.ellis-nicholsongallery.com. Ellis-Nicholson Gallery, 1.5 Broad St., (Downtown).