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.
Author: Kai Elijah Hamilton
Showing 22-42 of 61 results
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?
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.
Theater review: ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ by Different Strokes
This will be Different Strokes! final show in The BeBe Theatre. The company is moving to a new space in the near future called The Downstage Performing Arts Center.
Theater review: ‘Mamma Mia!’ at Flat Rock Playhouse
FRP’s version is even more entertaining than both the Broadway version and the film — a feat not to take lightly, as this production had the power to draw Tony-nominee Terrance Mann to the opening.
Theater review: ‘Mame’ at HART Theatre
The unconventional life of oddball partyer Mame Dennis (played by Lyn Donley) is shaken up when, after her brother-in-law passes away, she’s entrusted with her young nephew, Patrick (Andrew Delbene).
Theater review: ‘The Love List’ at Flat Rock Playhouse
With ‘The Love List’ we are reminded that the perfect person doesn’t exist, and it’s often our flaws that make us unique and lovable.
Theater review: ‘Blithe Spirit’ at Parkway Playhouse
There’s a charming vintage quality to ‘Blithe Spirit’ that truly resonates. The show is onstage though May 19.
Celeste Starr moves to O.Henry’s after more than 20 years performing at Scandals
After his 1994 graduation, Robb Smith left his hometown. Like a story from an independent gay movie, he jumped on a Greyhound bus bound for Asheville, where he started a new life — complete with a drag persona — with the help of an accepting uncle.
Theater review: ‘Mountain Political Action Committee’ at The Magnetic Theatre
Honor Moor’s new play tickles the funny bone over our nation’s political divide.
Theater review: ‘Skylight’ at 35Below
There’s an inherent passion behind this production. By the end, we find ourselves searching for that skylight in our own lives — a moment when we built something beautiful in an attempt to mend something terrible that we did for the sake of love.
Filmmaker John Waters talks Christmas, career, criminals and more
“I’ve been doing this Christmas show for 12 years,” Waters says. “Even when I made all the movies, I use to always do a show called This Filthy World or An Evening with John Waters. It began when I use to tour with the movies to introduce them. I’ve always had a stage show of some kind or other — I never gave up on Vaudeville.”
Theater review: ‘The Twelve Dates of Christmas’ at N.C. Stage
Because of Maria Buchanan’s incredible performance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better show than ‘The Tweleve Dates of Christmas’ this season.
Theater review: ‘Othello’ at The BeBe Theatre
Montford Park Players and Different Strokes! are both excellent local theater companies. Their partnership proves to be a triumphant venture.
Theater review: ‘Dial M For Murder’ at Flat Rock Playhouse
Dial M For Murder grabs hold of us and doesn’t easily let go, rattling the chains of Hitchcock in an honorable way. Here’s hoping Flat Rock Playhouse incorporates more thrillers into its future seasons.
Theater review: ‘The Glass Menagerie’ at HART
This production, illuminated by prismatic light, is staged beautifully in the round. The direction by Steve Lloyd is marvelously attentive with gorgeous costumes by Julie Kinter that are reflective of a dreamy, bygone era.
Theater review: ‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [Revised]’
It’s no wonder that The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [Revised] is such a popular play in the Asheville area. It’s an automatic crowd-pleasing comedy.
Theater review: ‘The Dixie Swim Club’ at Flat Rock Playhouse
Since the play is set in our home state, it helps bring a sense of realism to this production. This is a show to see with friends. It’s an absolute laugh riot, and the hysterical cast is truly outstanding.
Theatre review: ‘Significant Other’ at Hendersonville Community Theatre
If you like traditional rom-coms, this is the play for you. Significant Other, written by local playwright and Xpress contributor Jeff Messer is showing on HCT’s second stage through Sunday, July 9.
Theater review: ‘Annie’ at Flat Rock Playhouse
Such a positive focus is what we need right now. If Annie has taught us anything, it’s that, despite it all, the sun will come out tomorrow.
Theater review: ‘On Golden Pond’ at Parkway Playhouse
Sometimes the very best stories simply drift along, serving as a delicate reflection of the ordinary. After all, for the most part, that is life. The poignant play On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson — just such a story — opens Parkway Playhouse’s 2017 season. It runs through Saturday, through May 27.
