‘Sanders Family Christmas’ is the sequel to the bluegrass gospel musical ‘Smoke on the Mountain.’ It runs through Sunday, Dec. 23, on the campus of Mars Hill University.
Theater review: ‘The Lion in Winter’ by Brevard Little Theatre
For the Plantagenets family in 1183 England, led by Henry II (portrayed by actor and Xpress contributor Kai Elijah Hamilton), the political is personal.
Smart Bets: An Appalachian Christmas Carol
The local historical twist on the Dickens classic will be performed Dec. 6-8 at the Vance Birthplace.
Monica McDaniel brings her latest production to the 35below stage
Of black-led theater, McDaniel says, “People want it and people crave it. I think we need it here. You can go to the big cities and see it any time — the big cities are spoiled. Let’s spoil each other here.”
The Bernstein Family returns to The Magnetic Theatre
The show has garnered something of a cult following and the late night showings are legendary for being even more raucous than their early-evening counterparts.
Smart Bets: It’s a Wonderful Life
The creative twist on the beloved holiday story opens Nov. 28 at NC Stage and runs through Dec. 16.
Theater review: ‘The Man in the Bright Nightgown’ at 35below
Michael Lilly is fearless in this role. He isn’t afraid to wear the emotions on his sleeve, whether he is making snide comments on the insincerity of the minister’s words in his father’s funeral service, or on the verge of emotionally melting down.
Theater review: ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ at Flat Rock Playhouse
There are quick change costume gags and a wry wit about the show that feels akin to something out of Monty Python.
Smart Bets: TRNZ
The Sublime Theater’s inaugural production runs Thursdays-Saturdays through Nov. 17 at The BeBe Theater.
Theater review: Thriller double feature at Hendersonville Community Theater
Both shows are decidedly darker and edgier than one would expect from HCT, and the theater company deserve credit for going out on a limb.
Smart Bets: The Headless Hessian of Sleepy Hollow
Immediate Theatre Project presents a collection of classic American horror stories on Nov. 1 at Isis Music Hall.
Halloween happenings around WNC
Halloween falls midweek this year, which means while many ghoulish entertainments will take place the preceding weekend, there are still some events to look forward to on Halloween night itself.
Theater review: ‘The Bad Seed’ at HART Theatre
The Bad Seed induces a disturbing, psychological message for the ages. If a child can be manipulative and clever enough to get away with murder — what will happen when they become an adult in a position of power and authority?
Smart Bets: The Man from Earth
Attic Salt Theatre Company stages an outdoor production of the sci-fi play Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 19-27.
Theater review: ‘Frost/Nixon’ at N.C. Stage Company
As Nixon, veteran actor Michael MacCauley may not look like the former president, but so flawlessly inhabits the essence of Nixon that you are transfixed by his every word and gesture.
Theater review: ‘Twelve Angry Jurors’ by Different Strokes!
Momentum is key to this play, and the ensemble works together well together, almost like a dance choreographed to represent the shifting points of view.
Theater review: ‘Special Needs’ at The Magnetic Theatre
Special Needs traces Pierce’s journey from victim to vanquisher as he discovers how our stories shape us.
Theater review: ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ at Hendersonville Community Theatre
Those yearning for a thorough version of this classic will find it here. The cast rises to the emotional challenge and reminds us how wild and untamed Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof can be.
Smart Bets: Special Needs
Madelyn Sergel’s play makes its North Carolina debut Sept. 21 at The Magnetic Theatre.
Emmett Till play dramatizes the struggles of black families
Drawing upon historic interviews, Wiley creates the events that foreshadow and follow Emmett’s brutal death at the hands of J.W. Milam and his half-brother Roy Bryant after Bryant’s wife, Carolyn Bryant Donham, said Till accosted her in the family grocery store.
Theater review: ‘Hamlet’ by Montford Park Players
The minimalist set design, rendered in primary colors of black, white and red, gives ample room for hooded ghosts to dart in and out of a white forest of leafless trees.