Calendar of Events

Possibly Shakespeare’s wackiest play, CYMBELINE features a panoply of Shakespeare’s greatest hits: orphaned royalty, mistaken identities, a cross-dressing heroine, a beheading, a war against Rome, poison that doesn’t really kill you, and more! Modern-day added characters Actor 1 and Actor 2 provide much-needed plot recaps and commentary on the action, and a rewritten ending provides some necessary catharsis. This whirlwind performance is one you won’t want to miss!

With: Molly Graves, Zak Hamrick, Christine Hellman, Erin McCarson, Alex McDonald, Jon Stockdale, Eric Vik, and Paul Vonasek.

Written (mostly) by: William Shakespeare.

Directed by: Melon Wedick.

Leah and the Rabbit is a story-telling event utilizing puppetry as a compelling visual. Leah and the Rabbit is representative of the many African folktales that were brought to the New World and then retold and elaborated upon by enslaved African Americans living in the southeastern United States. Mikayla Wilson has crafted a story that melds these traditional African folk stories with the life of Leah Erwin, one of the known, twenty-seven people enslaved by the Vance family. As the family’s cook, she survived slavery and  lived to see the emancipation of enslaved people. Leah, voiced by Stephanie Hickling Beckman, speaks to the ways that reclaiming narratives from the past can illuminate many of the issues we face today, like ownership and resiliency in the face of adversity. 

By Lauren Gunderson

Produced by Immediate Theatre Project

Four badass women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. It’s a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play. Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold.

From the people who brought you Silent Sky comes this grand and dream-tweaked comedy about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world.

Discretionary Content: Adult themes and badass ladies

Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir is a golden ticket to adventure.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka KIDS follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences.

This production is done by our Elementary School Community students in 1st-5th Grade. For more information on the Youth Community Theatre program, please visit our website.

Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell

Set in our very own Blue Ridge Mountains, Bright Star tells the story of Alice at two different points in her life: as a young girl in the mountains, and 22 years later as the well-to-do editor of a successful Asheville magazine. A serendipitous encounter inspires Alice to face her past, and a stunning realization changes her life forever. Bright Star is based on the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass album, Love Has Come for You, and centers particularly on the song “Iron Mountain Baby.” Be sure to listen also for the song with our namesake – “Asheville”!

Content Warning: Bright Star contains swearing, language that some may find blasphemous, incidental drinking and smoking, and kidnapping.

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Saturday, May 6, 2023: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Possibly Shakespeare’s wackiest play, CYMBELINE features a panoply of Shakespeare’s greatest hits: orphaned royalty, mistaken identities, a cross-dressing heroine, a beheading, a war against Rome, poison that doesn’t really kill you, and more! Modern-day added characters Actor 1 and Actor 2 provide much-needed plot recaps and commentary on the action, and a rewritten ending provides some necessary catharsis. This whirlwind performance is one you won’t want to miss!

With: Molly Graves, Zak Hamrick, Christine Hellman, Erin McCarson, Alex McDonald, Jon Stockdale, Eric Vik, and Paul Vonasek.

Written (mostly) by: William Shakespeare.

Directed by: Melon Wedick.

By Lauren Gunderson

Produced by Immediate Theatre Project

Four badass women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. It’s a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play. Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold.

From the people who brought you Silent Sky comes this grand and dream-tweaked comedy about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world.

Discretionary Content: Adult themes and badass ladies

“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” Written in just 10 days as a tribute to his sister Susan by playwright Robert Harling, Steel Magnolias explores the relationships between a tight-knit group of Louisiana southern ladies who gather in Truvy’s small-town beauty parlor, celebrating the milestones in each other’s lives. Filled with hilarious repartee and humorously acerbic verbal lacerations, the play deepens when the spunky Shelby (who is diabetic) contradicts her doctor’s advice and risks pregnancy. Steel Magnolias exemplifies the universal and unconditional strengths of sisterhood, resilience, and love.

We’re putting our build crew back together and we’d love to have you join us. Every 2 weeks, we’ll meet at 9 am for hands-on set construction! Whether your talents are building, painting, or you just want to learn, come out and join us every other Saturday for some creative fun. Tools and work gloves are helpful but not required

Ages 5-7
Mar 25-May 13 | Saturdays at 10:00-11:00 AM

Kids have great imaginations – this is the place to let it loose! Our youngest students will learn to bring fun stories and characters to life. Through games and play, they’ll get comfortable expressing with their voices and bodies. And, their confidence will grow as they perform with other kids! Join us for play and creativity!

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $175 – Scholarships are available.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Add some zing to your spring looks at The Magnetic Theatre’s Sip & Shop clothing sale!

On May 13th from 10am to 5pm, we’ll be selling a variety of gently used clothing and accessories for adults. All proceeds will go to support our mission of bringing art back to the heart of Asheville!

In addition to great deals on clothes, we’ll also have drinks, snacks, and Magnetic merch available for purchase. So come on down and support a great cause while you update your wardrobe!

Saturday, May 13, 2023 at The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot Street, in the River Arts District.

www.themagnetictheatre.org

Ages 8-12
Mar 25-May 13 | Saturdays at 10:00-11:30 AM

Improv teaches performers spontaneity, creativity, and to think outside the box! In this class, students will learn the basics of improv with techniques designed to get them comfortable with performing, quick thinking, and being present on stage. They’ll be laughing and learning with fun games, warm-ups, “Yes And” exercises, and a showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Register Now!

Ages 13-18
Mar 25-May 13 | Saturdays at 11:45 AM-1:15 PM

Improv teaches performers spontaneity, creativity, and to think outside the box! This class is for both beginner students and for students continuing their improv journey. Students will learn and practice improv with techniques designed to get them comfortable with performing, quick thinking, and being present on stage. They’ll be laughing and learning with fun games, warm-ups, “Yes And” exercises, and a showcase for family and friends during the last class.

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $225 – Scholarships are available.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” Written in just 10 days as a tribute to his sister Susan by playwright Robert Harling, Steel Magnolias explores the relationships between a tight-knit group of Louisiana southern ladies who gather in Truvy’s small-town beauty parlor, celebrating the milestones in each other’s lives. Filled with hilarious repartee and humorously acerbic verbal lacerations, the play deepens when the spunky Shelby (who is diabetic) contradicts her doctor’s advice and risks pregnancy. Steel Magnolias exemplifies the universal and unconditional strengths of sisterhood, resilience, and love.

Hendersonville Theatre (HT) continues its New Works Series (formerly called Staged Reading Series) Saturday, May 13 at 3 p.m. Showcasing the work of area playwrights and performed by local actors, The New Works Series is a FREE public reading of a new play in development. However, donations are welcome to support HT.

HT’s New Works Series offers exciting script-in-hand readings of new plays by emerging local playwrights. The readings are followed by a talk back with the playwright and actors to provide feedback to the playwright.

A short discussion will follow each reading to provide feedback to the playwright about their script. There is no charge to attend or to participate, however donations are welcome and will be used to support HT.

Hendersonville Theatre is committed to exploring and developing new work for American theater, supporting local playwrights with their creative process from concept to production.

Joey Latino and Frankie Z by Nedra Pezold Roberts will be read on May 13. In Joey Latino and Frankie Z, the lives of lifelong friends Joey Latino and Frankie Z come to a crossroads as they confront their past and future.

Nedra Pezold Roberts is from Atlanta, GA. Her first drama was an O’Neill finalist, and its premiere run at California Stage Company garnered seven Elly awards. Since then her plays have had productions and readings coast to coast plus Canada and the UK. Several of the plays have won competitions and received publication. She is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Playwrights who would like to submit work for consideration for the New Works Series can follow the submission guidelines posted at here and email questions to [email protected].

Since 1966, Hendersonville Theatre has provided an inviting and nurturing environment for live theatre, as well as high-quality, affordable entertainment for the residents of Hendersonville and surrounding areas. Hendersonville Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking behind and in front of the theater.

Ages 13-18
Mar 14-May 13 | Tuesdays at 4:30-7:30 PM and Saturdays at 1:00-5:00 PM

Tech Week: May 15-18 | Monday through Thursday | 4:30-8:00 PM
Performances: Saturday, May 20 at 6:30 PM and Sunday, May 21 at 2:30 PM

Inspired by a real event and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.

Youth Production Classes tackle the entire production process – from auditions, rehearsals, character development, and performance. Great for performers of all levels of experience.

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at 10:00 am. Tuition will be $450– Scholarships are available.

NOTE: If applying for a scholarship, please fill out the Scholarship Application INSTEAD of filling out registration. If your application is approved, we will be in touch with you to register.

Register Now!

Music, Book, & Story by Steve Martin; Music, Lyrics, & Story by Edie Brickell

Set in our very own Blue Ridge Mountains, Bright Star tells the story of Alice at two different points in her life: as a young girl in the mountains, and 22 years later as the well-to-do editor of a successful Asheville magazine. A serendipitous encounter inspires Alice to face her past, and a stunning realization changes her life forever. Bright Star is based on the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass album, Love Has Come for You, and centers particularly on the song “Iron Mountain Baby.” Be sure to listen also for the song with our namesake – “Asheville”!

Content Warning: Bright Star contains swearing, language that some may find blasphemous, incidental drinking and smoking, and kidnapping.

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Saturday, May 6, 2023: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Possibly Shakespeare’s wackiest play, CYMBELINE features a panoply of Shakespeare’s greatest hits: orphaned royalty, mistaken identities, a cross-dressing heroine, a beheading, a war against Rome, poison that doesn’t really kill you, and more! Modern-day added characters Actor 1 and Actor 2 provide much-needed plot recaps and commentary on the action, and a rewritten ending provides some necessary catharsis. This whirlwind performance is one you won’t want to miss!

With: Molly Graves, Zak Hamrick, Christine Hellman, Erin McCarson, Alex McDonald, Jon Stockdale, Eric Vik, and Paul Vonasek.

Written (mostly) by: William Shakespeare.

Directed by: Melon Wedick.

By Lauren Gunderson

Produced by Immediate Theatre Project

Four badass women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. It’s a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play. Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold.

From the people who brought you Silent Sky comes this grand and dream-tweaked comedy about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world.

Discretionary Content: Adult themes and badass ladies

“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.” Written in just 10 days as a tribute to his sister Susan by playwright Robert Harling, Steel Magnolias explores the relationships between a tight-knit group of Louisiana southern ladies who gather in Truvy’s small-town beauty parlor, celebrating the milestones in each other’s lives. Filled with hilarious repartee and humorously acerbic verbal lacerations, the play deepens when the spunky Shelby (who is diabetic) contradicts her doctor’s advice and risks pregnancy. Steel Magnolias exemplifies the universal and unconditional strengths of sisterhood, resilience, and love.