Footloose touches most intriguingly on an era when being free and expressing oneself with music and dance was bitterly frowned upon by certain belief systems.
Theater review: ‘Bop And Evey’ at HART
The show is a lean, tension-filled piece that gives both actors a chance to run the emotional gamut.
Theater review: ‘Jeeves at Sea’ by N.C. Stage Company
Jeeves, the competent valet, and his blundering employer Bertie are back for more British farce among the bumbling aristocracy.
Outstanding local theater
As this year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some truly extraordinary theater ranging from splashy musicals, moving dramas and locally written plays.
Creative resistance
In Western North Carolina, 2018 held numerous examples of the arts-infused actions aimed at collective liberation.
Theater review: ‘The Twelve Dates of Christmas’ by N.C. Stage Company
Every time she has a date, she turns it into humor. Her way of dealing with love’s disappointments makes hope and a happy ending possible.
Local group produces the thought-provoking ‘Black Nativity: Liberation Holiday’
Produced by Southside Rising and supported by partners such as Asheville Creative Arts, the show opens on Saturday, Dec. 15, and will be staged throughout the city.
Smart Bets: A Christmas Carol
The youths of Montford Park Players’ Moppets program run the annual holiday production, Dec. 14, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at Land of the Sky UCC.
Theater review: ‘Sanders Family Christmas’ at SART
‘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?