A new season on stage

Soweto Gospel Choir at Asheville Bravo! Concerts

The lights go dark. Your breath quickens. When the curtain rises, what will you see? What will it look like; how will it sound? What will you experience, and how will it affect you after you leave?

Live performance instills a particular feeling in a human being, whether it’s a play, a symphony or a recital. Here, we look at what’s in store from most of the major companies in WNC, so you can get ready. We encourage readers to check dates and info, as some details were still being finalized. And if we missed anyone, please add your information to mountainx.com. Enjoy the show!

The Altamont Theatre Company

myaltamont.com/theatre-company.html / 274-8070

Located in a newly restored (and soon-to-be LEED certified) building downtown, this new company works with nationally renowned directors who are between projects in larger metropolitan cities. The Altamont does some of its casting in one such metropolitan area, New York City, coupled with local auditions.

“We are excited to begin our first season. We have four musical theater productions this year (two in fall and two in spring). The Altamont is unique in that we produce the shows as well as present them in an intimate space. The building is alive with all of this energy.” — Lynne Caldwell, director of marketing

Pete 'n' Keely (musical comedy)
Sept. 13-25

Songs for a New World (musical)
Nov. 2-13

Romance/Romance (two one-act musicals)
Spring 2012, TBD

Five Guys Named Moe (musical)
Spring 2012, TBD

Asheville Ballet

ashevilleballet.com / 258-1028

Since 1963, Asheville Ballet has entertained audiences with professional dance performances ranging from classical to contemporary.

“[I am most excited about] the balance between purely classical and contemporary dance, and between outreach educational dance like Winnie The Pooh and more formal work like Moonshine.” — Ann Dunn, artistic director

Pooh/Moonshine (combination of children’s and abstract ballet)
Sept. 30 and Oct. 1

The Nutcracker
Dec. 10-12

Sleeping Beauty
May 18-19

Asheville Bravo! Concerts

ashevillebravoconcerts.org / 225-5887

In celebration of 80 years of world-class entertainment, Asheville Bravo! Concerts presents the most diverse and inspired programming in its history, bringing internationally acclaimed performers to Western North Carolina audiences.

“Asheville Bravo Concerts is the area’s oldest arts not-for-profit, and our goal is to bring this community cross-cultural musical and theatrical experiences by presenting premier performing artists and to bring the arts into the schools and community organizations of Asheville.” — Tracey Johnston-Crum, executive director

National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China, Oct. 23

Joshua Bell (internationally known violinist), Nov. 12

Soweto Gospel Choir (vocal performance), Jan. 29, 2012

The Moscow Festival Ballet in Giselle (classic ballet), March 9, 2012

Asheville Choral Society

ashevillechoralsociety.org / 232-2060

Beginning its 35th season, the Asheville Choral Society is ”picking up the tempo” with a newly hired Music Director.

“Great music awaits, both for the singer/player and certainly for the audience. You are in for a treat when you come to hear the Asheville Choral Society — one of the region's premiere choral programs.” — Melodie Galloway, music director

Winterfest: Songs for the Season (Holiday concert)
Dec. 2-3

Stars and Moon: Themes of Light and Darkness (Investigations of love and loss in song)
March 10-11, 2012

Rytmus: Exploring Rhythm in the Art of Composition (Exploration of rhythm in both traditional and contemporary forms)
May 18-19, 2012

Asheville Community Theatre

ashevilletheatre.org / 254-1320

The current season, ACT’s 66th, offers mainstage performances, a black-box series and five staged readings in the Reader’s Theatre Showcase.

“We picked a season that we hoped would excite our audience members and, at the same time, provide many and varied opportunities for those who want to appear on stage. From the ultimate buddy comedy to a couple of big, spectacular musicals to a classic American drama — we think we’re offering a lot to like this coming season.”- Susan Harper, managing director

Guys and Dolls (‘50s musical)
Sept. 23-Oct. 9

Dashing Through the Snow (Christmas comedy)
Nov. 18-Dec. 4

The Santaland Diaries (David Sedaris’ Christmas classic)
Dec. 15-18

Chicago (steamy musical for mature audiences)
Feb. 17-March 4, 2012

To Kill a Mockingbird (dramatic interpretation of the novel)
April 20-May 6, 2012

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (musical comedy for mature audiences)
June 1-17, 2012

The Odd Couple (buddy comedy)
Aug. 10-26, 2012

Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre

acdt.org / 254-2621

WNC’s first professional modern dance company performs up to 80 times a year in Asheville, the Southeast and abroad. The company’s diverse repertory reflects both traditional and experimental forms of modern dance.

“The Birds of War is all about collaboration and bouncing off of each others’ ideas and concepts. We will premier it in Mexico and then in the USA and hopefully take it to France. The most challenging part of our season is the international work we do. It is a challenge we look forward to every year.” —  Susan Collard, artistic director

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (“not your mama’s Nutcracker”)
Dec. 2-3

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival (all performance genres)
Jan. 27-29, 2012

Men’s Dance Festival
March 23-25, 2012

Butoh Festival
March 29-31, April 1, 2012

Birds of War (collaborative dance projects with the state dance company of the Yucatan, Mexico)
April 26-27, 2012

Sleeping Beauty (interpretation of the classic fairy tale)
May 18-20, 25-27, 2012

Asheville Lyric Opera

ashevillelyric.org / 236-0670

A professional opera company, Asheville Lyric Opera is entering its 13th season.

“Opera is an accessible form of theater. The language, if foreign, is translated on a screen above the stage. Regardless, its themes are universal in examining the human condition and its rich palate of emotions.” — Kristen Hedberg, associate artistic director

Madame Butterfly (Italian opera by Puccini)
Oct. 7-8

The Asheville Christmas Show
Nov. 18

Così Fan Tutte (comic opera by Mozart)
Feb. 17-18, 2012

The Sound of Music (family favorite)
April 20-22, 2012

Taste of Opera (special event combining food, wine and music)
June 9, 2012

Asheville Playback Theatre

ashevilleplayback.org / 274-8315

Opening its 17th season of story-based improvisation, Asheville Playback Theatre practices an international form of improv that invites audience members to volunteer a moment or experience from their lives. Actors then “play it back,” spontaneously and with the goal of honoring that person’s story.

“Playback actors become used to flying without a net. Without a script, without any opportunity to plan how to convey the material, they rely on deeply listening to the tellers, trusting their creative instincts, and working closely with their fellow actors. It is the ultimate ensemble challenge.” — Deborah Scott, artistic director

Performances: Sept. 16, Oct. 14, Nov. 18, Jan. 6-8 (the public is invited to a free open rehearsal every third Saturday from September through May)

Asheville Symphony Orchestra

ashevillesymphony.org / 254-7046

Now in its 51st season, the Symphony features a fully professional orchestra of more than 80 members.

“We want you along for the whole adventure, and we commit ourselves to creating musical experiences that we hope will inspire you, challenge you and perhaps bring some smiles and tears. Our collaboration with Attack Theatre will be the most groundbreaking for us. In March, we're mounting a completely new production of Igor Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale in which our musicians will accompany a brilliant group of actor/dancers who will bring this brilliant World War I piece to life. The piece is captivating with its mix of historical styles and Stravinsky's own inimitable, spiky, syncopated style, and I know that Attack Theatre will bring a special element to the piece that will be unique to Asheville.”  — Daniel Meyer, music director/conductor

Sept. 17
Adams, “Lollapalooza,” Ravel: “Piano Concerto in G,” Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5

Oct. 15
Dukas, “Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” Prokofiev, Violin Concerto No. 2, Debussy: Prélude à "L'après-midi d'un faune," Britten: “Variations and a Fugue on a Theme of Purcell”

Nov. 19
Mahler: Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection”

Dec. 18
Holiday Pops

Feb. 11, 2012
Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale” (with photos from Asheville Art Museum Collection), Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1, Wagner: Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde

March 17, 2012
Rossini: La Scala di Seta Overture, Glazunov: Concerto for Alto Saxophone, Piazzolla: Oblivion, Brahms: Symphony No. 1

April 14, 2012
Stravinsky: The Soldier’s Tale with Attack Theatre, dancers and actors, Mozart: Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter”

May 12, 2012
Schumann: Symphony No. 1 “Spring,” Mendelssohn: Concerto for Violin and Piano, Respighi: Pines of Rome

Brevard College Theatre

brevard.edu / 966-5500

The Department of Theatre Studies presents a selection of plays and musicals, with the primary goal of providing a diverse education for students as well as entertainment for audiences.

“What do our students do with their education after they graduate? The sky is the limit. Our graduates work in a variety of fields. Some go on to graduate programs in theater or onto the professional stage. Others use their theater training to excel in fields such as marketing, law and psychology.” — Dr. Kelly Carolyn Gordon, Coordinator of Theatre Studies

The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespearean comedy)
Oct. 20-23
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (musical comedy)
Feb. 23-26, 2012

Endgame (Samuel Beckett, ladies and gentlemen)
April 26-29

Brevard Little Theatre

brevardlittletheatre.com / 884-2587

This community theater company, located in Transylvania County, is currently in its 61st consecutive season.

Love Letters (drama)
Oct. 7-9, Oct. 14-16

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (seasonal comedy)
Dec. 8-11

Flat Rock Playhouse

flatrockplayhouse.org / 693-0731

Celebrating its 60th Anniversary Season as the State Theatre of North Carolina, Flat Rock Playhouse now showcases performances in two locations: its 500-seat main stage, and the 250-seat Playhouse Downtown that opened this year. The theater has branched with musical evenings as well.

“I feel like, for the first time in our history, we have programming that truly appeals to all ages and tastes. The version of The Buddy Holly Story that we are doing at Flat Rock Playhouse is completely unique and involves some of the most talented performers and musicians in the country. … Our version of The Buddy Holly Story incorporates both live action and pre-recorded scenes. The trick is, there is no line between the pre-recorded moments and the live moments. The characters talk to other characters on the screen as if the screen is simply an extension of the stage. That requires a tremendous amount of planning and rehearsal to make it feel like characters can seamlessly walk off of the stage and onto the screen and vice-versa. — Vincent Marini, producing artistic director

Shear Madness (Improvisational armchair-detective comedy)
Through Oct. 4, downtown

Capitol Steps (non-partisan political satire group)
Sept.14-25, main stage

The British Invasion: The Beatles, The Stones, The Who and Many More (Music on the Rock series)
Sept. 25-Oct. 4, second stage

Buddy — The Buddy Holly Story (rock ’n’ roll musical)
Oct. 5-30, main stage

The Kings of Country (Music on the Rock series)
Oct. 16-Nov.1, second stage

Doubt (drama)
Nov. 3-20, downtown

Walt Disney's Peter Pan Jr. (musical adaptation of the classic film)
Nov. 10-20, main stage

Striking 12 (alternative to standard holiday fare)
Nov. 28-Dec. 22, downtown
Plaid Tidings (musical revue)
Nov. 30-Dec. 22, main stage

A Flat Rock Family Christmas (Music on the Rock series)
Dec. 11-20, second stage

Something Wonderful: The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein
March 28-April 22, 2012, main stage

Say Goodnight, Gracie (uplifting comedy)
April 18-May 6, 2012, downtown

Your Show of Shows (revisiting 1950s comedy skits from the TV series)
May 3-May 20, 2012, main stage

Nunsense (musical comedy)
May 16-June 10, 2012, downtown

The Spitfire Grill (musical)
May 30-June 24, 2012, main stage

RED (emotional drama about artist Mark Rothko)
June 20-July 8, 2012, downtown

The Fox On The Fairway (comedy about golf)
June 28-July 15, 2012, main stage

Proof (drama about mathematics and mental illness)
July 18-Aug. 5, 2012, downtown

Guys and Dolls (1950s musical)
July 25-Aug. 23, 2012, main stage

The Marvelous Wonderettes (musical comedy)
Aug. 16-Sept. 9, 2012, downtown

Noises Off (comedy)
Aug. 23-Sept.9, 2012, main stage

Almost Maine (comedy about love)
Sept. 13-Sept. 23, 2012, main stage

Zelda: An American Love Story (musical)
Oct. 3-Oct. 28, 2012, main stage

The Rocky Horror Show (deliberately kitschy, rock 'n' roll cult classic)
October 10-31, 2012, downtown

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (Southern drama)
Nov. 1-Nov. 18, 2012, main stage

The Nutcracker
Nov. 24-Dec. 22, 2012, main stage

Haywood Arts Regional Theatre

http://www.harttheater.com / 456-6322

Founded in 1985, HART produces a year-round schedule of plays and musicals. Main stage performances are in the James Auditorium, a 255-seat traditional proscenium space that operates April through November. In the winter, productions shift to the 75-seat Feichter Theater, which hosts more experimental work.

“HART will take a step towards becoming one of the regions semi-professional theaters beginning in 2012. Until now, HART has been a volunteer-based community theater, which has on occasion brought in professional for specialty roles. The theater will continue to offer volunteer opportunities to actors new to the stage performing in choruses or smaller roles.” — Steven Lloyd, executive director

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (musical comedy for mature audiences)
Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2, 6-8, 13-16

Ah, Wilderness! (comedy)
Nov. 11-20

Look Homeward, Angel (dramatic adaptation of Thomas Wolfe’s book)
April 27-29, May 4-6, 2012

The Marvelous Wonderettes (musical set in the ‘50s)
May 25-27, June 1-3, 8-10, 2012

La Cage Aux Folles (musical farce)
July 7-9, 12-15, 19-22, 27-29, 2012

Lost in Yonkers (comedy)
Aug. 17-19, 23-26, 2012

Light in the Piazza (1950s Musical romance)
Oct. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 2012

August: Osage County (dark comedy)
Nov. 9-11, 16-18, 2012

Hendersonville Little Theatre

http://www.hendersonvillelittletheater.org / 692-1082

Founded in 1966, this community theater group offers five shows each year, from March to November. This year, the theater is working on renovations to a new facility in downtown Hendersonville, on Washington Street.

The Music Man (musical)
Sept. 22-25
Musical

The Diary of Anne Frank (dramatic adaptation of the book)
Nov. 11-27

Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra

http://www.hendersonvillesymphony.org / 697-5884

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, HSO is committed to both live performances and music education for youth and adults

“We are most excited that a town of this size is able to support a 60-70 piece orchestra of talented musicians for 40 years … Many larger cities have not been able to sustain a local symphony for very long, so it's really quite amazing and noteworthy.” — Bill Humleker, HSO’s 40th anniversary chair

Oct. 9 Ferocious Fiddling
Lara St. John performs Concerto No. 1 by Dmitri Shostakovich

Dec. 9 and 10 A Carolina Christmas (sacred and seasonal holiday favorites with guests, Hendersonville Children’s Choir)

March 10 Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (choral masterpiece)

April 21 Romantic Rhapsodies

June 2 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert (greatest hits, surprise guests and more)

Mainstage at Diana Wortham Theatre

http://www.dwtheatre.com / 257-4530

In addition to the performances that audiences have come to look forward to, this year the Diana Wortham Theatre adds a comedy series called Laugh Out Loud (yes, the acronym is LOL).

“[Being asked what you are most excited about] is kind of like being asked to name your favorite child, but here goes. Comedy has become more popular and we're delighted to offer our twist with the new LOL Series …These shows are one a month this fall starting in September.” — John W. Ellis, managing director

Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company (LOL Series: Improv and sketch comedy)
Sept. 24

Doc Watson & David Holt (Appalachian blend of bluegrass, country, gospel and blues)
Oct. 15

Shakespeare on Trial (LOL Series, spoof comedy)
Oct. 27

Julie Fowlis: Music of the Scottish Isles (music series, folk ensemble)
Nov. 11

The Adam Growe Comedy & Quiz Show (LOL Series, stand-up comedy and quiz show)
Nov. 12

The Rivalry (political drama)
Nov. 16-17

A Swannanoa Solstice (special performance of seasonal reflection)
Dec. 18

DePue Brothers Band (music series, four violinist brothers and friends play progressive bluegrass)
Jan. 19, 2012

Susan Werner & David Wilcox (music series, singer/songwriter)
Jan. 21, 2012

Public Radio International’s Selected Shorts (classic and new short fiction read aloud)
Jan. 28, 2012

The Importance of Being Earnest by Aquila Theatre Company (wry comedy)
Feb. 3, 2012

Macbeth by Aquila Theatre Company (Shakespearean tragedy)
Feb. 4, 2012

Solas (music series, Celtic)
Feb. 10, 2012

Rennie Harris Puremovement (dance series, hip-hop)
Feb. 23 & 24, 2012

Christopher O’Riley (pianist)
March 3, 2012

Danny Ellis: 800 Voices (Irish-born and now-Asheville resident shares songs and narratives)
March 9, 2012

Danny Ellis: An Irishman in America (musical performance of new songs blending indie folk with Irish roots)
March 10, 2012

Diavolo Dance Theater
March 13-14, 2012

Sagapool (music series, blend of gypsy and klezmer)
March 22, 2012

Lúnasa (music series, Celtic)
March 24, 2012

Keigwin + Company (dance series, blending contemporary dance and cabaret flare)
March 30 & 31, 2012

An Evening with Linda Lavin & Friends (variety show)
April 28, 2012

Téada (music series, Celtic)
May 11, 2012

The Teetotallers featuring John Doyle, Martin Hayes, and Kevin Crawford (music series, Celtic)
May 24, 2012

Mars Hill College Theatre

mhc.edu/theatre/performance-schedule / 689-1239

Widely known for its professional summer theater, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, the Mars Hill College Theatre program trains its students in the classroom and on stage.

“In the Musical Jekyll and Hyde, the lead character is being played by two actors, one Jekyll and the other Hyde, the confrontation and the transformation are not to be missed.” — Bill Gregg, chair of Theatre Arts, producing artistic director

Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical (musical adaptation of the Stevenson novella)
Oct. 5, 7-9

The Rainmaker (drama)
Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 3, 4

Scapino (comedic farce)
Feb. 23-26, 2012

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (musical comedy)
April 12-15, 2012

Student-Directed One Acts
April 27-29, 2012

The Magnetic Field

hemagneticfield.com / 257-4003

Located in the River Arts District, The Magnetic Field is Asheville's only cafe, bar and performance house. Presenting all original works, the variety of shows ranges from theater to music to stand-up comedy to dance, and many more.

“The Magnetic Theatre is profoundly grateful to Xpress readers for their support of our daring venture, a theatre devoted exclusively to original works. It takes a brave audience to risk an evening on the new and unknown. Happily, the Asheville audience is a perfect match for the fulfillment of our dreams.” — Chall Gray, owner, producer

Shangri-La (original comedy)
Sept. 17 through Oct. 8

Brief Encounters: New Magnetic Voices 2011 (evening of one-acts with new-to-the-Field-stage playwrights and directors)
October

Rock Saber (crazed, late-night show about world’s most epic metal band)
October

The 28th Annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular: Christmas in Space, in 3-D (comedy)
December

Among other things, in 2012 the Magnetic Field will be presenting a new version of Frankenstein, by Steven Samuels, new plays by John Crutchfield and Lucia Del Vecchio, puppetry slams, storytelling events and the return of The New Orleans Bingo! Show.

Montford Park Players

montfordparkplayers.org / 254-5146

These Shakespearian performers, known for their summer theater in the park, have performances in the colder months at the Asheville Masonic Temple.

“As we continue our 39th season, the Montford Park Players remains true to its mission of presenting top-quality, affordable theater. Our summer productions are free, and during our winter production season, we've set aside Thursday performances as ‘pay what we're worth nights.’  See the show, then pay what you think we're worth!” — John Russell, managing director

Romeo and Juliet
Oct. 13-Oct. 23

A Christmas Carol  (new take on Charles Dickens’ infamous ghost story)
Dec 8-Dec 18

Tartuffe, by Molière,
April 12-29

Complete Works of William. Shakespeare (abridged)
May 10-27

Also coming to the outdoor stage in 2012:
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Richard II
Much Ado About Nothing

N.C. Stage

ncstage.org / 239-0263

N.C. Stage is celebrating its 10th Anniversary season this year with an exciting lineup across mainstage performances, the Catalyst Series and The (For) Play Series.

“For nine seasons, N.C. Stage has consistently created some incredibly memorable theater. People say it's like being a fly on the wall when they come here and that it doesn't feel like they're watching a play, but that they're watching a relationship between the characters unfold before their eyes.” — Charlie Flynn-McIver, artistic director

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (glam-rock musical theater)
Through Sept. 25

Bard-a-thon 2011 (48-hour festival of Shakespeare)
Sept. 30-Oct. 2

Angels in America, Parts 1 and 2, running in repertory (drama)
Oct. 13-Nov. 13

Live From WVL Radio Theatre: It's a Wonderful Life adapted by W.V.R. Repoley (drama)
Nov.16-27

Love Child (comedy)
Feb. 15-March 18, 2012

Circle Mirror Transformation (bittersweet comedy)
March 28-April 22, 2012

In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) (sex comedy)
May 9-June 10, 2012

At the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

avl.mx/5c /

Anthony Bourdain (chef, author and television personality)
Nov. 5

Disney on Ice
Nov. 23, 25-27

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
Dec. 19

Parkway Playhouse

http://www.parkwayplayhouse.com / 682-4285

Currently focusing on original works by N.C. and regionally based playwrights, Parkway Playhouse has spent the past 65 years performing theater in Yancey County.

“We create most of our own shows. Many of them are written for Parkway by area writers and tell stories that directly connect us to our heritage as well as to the current moment. I love the fact that in 2011 we showcased the work of seven N.C. writers. In 2012 we are doing four plays from N.C. area writers, and there are not any other theaters that I know of in a rural area that have this kind of commitment to original work.” — Andrew Gall, producing artistic director

Dracula
Sept. 30-Oct. 8

Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity (a down-home holiday musical)
Dec. 8-10

Outlander
May 4-12, 2012 (tentative)

Elvis Has Left the Building (comedy)
May 26-June 9, 2012

Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (adventure drama)
June 23-July 7, 2012

Annie Get Your Gun (musical)
July 21-August 4, 2012

Romeo & Juliet
August 17-25, 2012

Every Season (drama)
Sept. 8-22, 2012

A Christmas Carol (holiday musical)
Dec. 2012

Terpsicorps

terpsicorps.org / 252-6342

Since 2003, Terpsicorps has been bringing in principle dancers from companies around the country for its summer performances. Most other dance companies lay off their dancers in the summertime when theater going tends to taper off. This has given Terpsicorps the opportunity to hire first-rate principal dancers for a short period of time during Asheville’s most vibrant season.

“The dancer playing Edward Gorey [in The Many Deaths of Edward Gorey] creates each vignette and marvels at each character's bizarre death, until he meets his own simple ending surrounded by his favorite characters. There will be additional music composed by the original artists: Nathan Koci, Evan Bivins and Bill Carson, giving choreographer Heather Maloy a chance to create a more in depth look at the scope of his work and allowing audiences more time to immerse themselves in the ‘Gorey’ world she creates.” — Heather Maloy, artistic director

The Many Deaths of Edward Gorey (narrative driven contemporary ballet)
June 28-30, 2012

UNC Asheville Theatre
drama.unca.edu/theatre-unca / 232-2291

The drama program at UNCA is focusing this season’s production and many of their outreach activities, to “creating stronger community connections” with the campus and with the Asheville area.

“We are partnering with the Asheville Performing Arts Academy, providing the Carol Belk Theatre and technical support for their production of Pippin. Our advanced student directors will also produce six short plays in late November and December, and they are encouraged to consider “found spaces” in our community where their plays would be performed. We also have students participating in internships with Altamont Theatre, N.C. Stage and ACT.” — Laura Bond, Drama Department chair

Our Town (drama)
Oct. 20-23, 27-29

Molière’s Tartuffe (Classic French comedy)
March 22-25, 29-31

Warren Wilson Theatre

http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~theatre/Season.php / 771-3040

The Warren Wilson Theatre program provides a distinctive education by adhering to the college’s learning motto and requiring work and service components in order to complete one’s education.

“We've decided to kick back and have fun this season — dark times call for loud laughter! Oddly enough, doing a season of light rather than dark shows, and popular ones at that, is a bit out of our comfort zone. We're often more comfortable with unique approaches to classics or lesser-known, experimental work, usually on the dark side. So, doing a much-loved and much-seen show like Little Shop and still wowing the audience is a challenge in itself.” — Graham Paul, chair, Department of Theatre

On the Verge (comedy)
Nov. 17-20

The 39 Steps (farce adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller)
Feb. 9-12

The Little Shop of Horrors (rock musical)
April 19-22

Western Carolina University Theatre

wcu.edu/4853.asp / 227-2479

Placing a strong emphasis on narrative, the School of Stage and Screen prepares students to work in the art, craft and business of film and theatre by taking an interdisciplinary approach and engaging students in collaboration with musicians, designers and graphic artists.

“Challenges for us will be, No. 1, controlling the blood splatter in Sweeney Todd. As you know there is a lot of throat cutting in the show. No. 2, preventing crashes with the Vespas as they are riding on stage during the Taming of the Shrew. During this modern telling of the story the characters arrive into the city on Vespas instead of horses.” — Thomas Salzman, director, School of Stage and Screen

I Hate Hamlet (dramatic comedy)
Oct. 5-8

Sweeney Todd (musical thriller)
Nov. 10-13

Dracula, a Live Radio Drama
January 24, 2012

Music Is (musical adaptation of Shakespere’s Twelfh Night)
February 4-5, 2012

Taming of the Shrew (modernized telling of Shakespeare’s comedy)
March 22 – 25, 2012

— Stephanie Guinan can be reached at stephguinan@gmail.com.

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