Xpress rounds up three local shows that remind us that part of the reason for the season is wonder, laughter and artful stage magic.
Local arts nonprofits creatively navigate pandemic hardships
Checking in with the executive directors of the Asheville Area Arts Council, Magnetic Theatre and Asheville Writers in the Schools and Community.
Around Town: Black Mountain explores its haunted history with walking tours
Black Mountain will explore some of the town’s ghost stories with downtown walking tours. Plus, FIND Outdoors presents The Legend of Tommy Hodges, a local artist tackles the pandemic with dinosaurs, and the Junior League invites kids to Touch-a-Truck.
Rocky Horror Music Show pays tribute to cult classic
The all-star lineup of Asheville musicians features members of Dr. Bacon, Natural Born Leaders, Modern Strangers, Andrew Thelston Band and more.
Local theater companies stage horror productions
The Magnetic Theatre, Mountainside Theatre, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre and Parkway Playhouse host new seasonally appropriate productions.
Ria Young named ACT’s inaugural Artistic Partner
The yearlong fellowship includes funding for a new work, a full production of her play “Transition,” an internship for youths of color and a public play-reading series.
Lake Monster Parade offers accessible family fun
Aquatic creatures flock to Lake Tomahawk, two pairs of artists form new studios and more area arts news.
Montford Park Players spotlight women writers in new show
Honor Moor, Barbie Angell and Kathryn Langwell reinterpret Grimm’s fairy tales; Concerts on the Creek return to Sylva; plus more area arts news.
Local theater companies launch indoor seasons
Representatives from SART, HART and ACT discuss the novel challenges of planning a theater season during a pandemic.
Asheville Archives: The Majestic Theater spurs controversy, 1921
In 1913, the Majestic Theater opened on the corner of Market and College streets. Some residents bemoaned its early productions as vile and crude, while others cheered them on.
Cornerstones of the WNC arts scene navigate distinct reopening obstacles
The Fine Arts Theatre, Flat Rock Playhouse and Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville face unique challenges on the road to resuming operations.
Around town: Hide and Seek
Multidisciplinary artist Kira Bursky celebrates her first print collection. Also: new theater, live music, books, exhibits and more!
Taking action: Stephanie Hickling Beckman
The Different Strokes managing artistic director discusses her theater company’s plans to sustain momentum built during summer 2020’s BLM protests and enact lasting change.
Around town: Asheville Art in Action benefits nonprofits and creators, local actors land major TV roles and more arts news
A new initiative more sustainably helps nonprofits and artists, more live theater returns and other area happenings.
Around town: Fairview painter’s work going to the moon, indoor theater productions returning soon and more arts news
Kimberly Dow will be part of the first group of women to have their art on the lunar surface; SART announces its 2021 season; and more area arts news.
Holophonic Theatre debuts with audio-only dystopian cyberpunk musical
Nye and Terran discuss their labor of love and launching a new inclusive theater company.
Around town: Black History Month celebrations, live theater, virtual concerts and more
Rise Up: A Celebration of African American History and Culture returns for a second consecutive year with a virtual twist. Also: Asheville Wisdom Exchange launches; The Magnetic Theatre celebrates its first live performance of 2021; and plenty more.
Local artists adjust to life after contracting COVID-19
Bob “Zuzu” Welsh, Barrie Barton and Jeff Catanese share their experiences with COVID-19 and its lingering effects.
Local arts leaders spotlight creators to watch in 2021
Local arts leaders in various mediums identify up-and-coming or underseen peers that readers should be on the lookout for in 2021.
Asheville Fringe Arts Festival embraces digital format
The festival’s 19th edition features shows designed for online presentation, plus a few socially distanced outdoor events.
A&E Roundup: ‘Minari’ wins top honors from NC critics
Lee Isaac Chung’s ’80s-set drama wins four awards from the NCFCA, Jonathan Ammons releases a new album and more area arts news.