“At the Crossroads of Crisis and Opportunity” Fall Seasons Are Set for High Country Performing Arts Groups By Keith Martin Frankenstein at the Barter Theatre
Kim Morgan Dean in Twelve Dates of Christmas at the Barter Theatre
Catapult at CoMMA
CULTURAL CALENDAR
High Country Performing Arts Calendar The indefatigable Denise Ringler, director of the Office of Arts and Cultural Programs at Appalachian State University, insightfully offered this assessment when asked by students about the challenges of programming events during the global pandemic:
“We’re at the crossroads of crisis and opportunity.”
T
his fall, performing arts groups everywhere have seized every possible opportunity in selecting their seasons. As we’ve said previously, each decision is greeted with equal parts optimism and uncertainty, knowing that the guidelines and restrictions change with each gubernatorial proclamation. Still, our beloved cultural organizations are returning to their stages in a homecoming of sorts for their audience members. Wherever possible, and with the necessary health and safety protocols in place, theatregoers will all gather together online and/or in person to experience the joy of live performance after an extended “intermission.” Welcome back… we’ve missed you. The following is an overview of current offerings on the schedule from now through mid-December, with productions by our local colleges and universities listed separately. PLEASE NOTE that all performances, dates and times are subject to change; you are strongly encouraged to contact the box office for the most current information. See you at the theatre!
26 — Autumn 2021 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE
ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE is putting the fun in fundraiser on October 9 with West Jefferson on Broadway, and evening of musical entertainment featuring the theatre’s avocational volunteers singing show tunes for an eager and enthusiastic audience. For tickets and more information, visit their website at www.ashecountyarts.org. Over in Abingdon, Virginia, the BARTER THEATRE continues to perform at the Moonlite Drive-In. Rockin’ at the Moonlite is a musical revue featuring company actors singing songs tracing the roots of rock music from its earliest origins to the present day with the best rock ‘n’ roll tunes of all time, from Elvis and Johnny Cash to The Beatles, Little Richard, Fleetwood Mac and Queen. They invite you to “dance and sing under the stars” with their stars from September 24 through October 23. And, for the first time since 2019, Barter will be reopening its doors at Gilliam Stage for Frankenstein with shows from September 30 through Halloween night, October 31. When scientist Victor Frankenstein infuses the spark of life into his creature, he begins a haunting examination of what it is to be human and the price we pay for playing God. A uniquely theatrical experience, this world premiere is a new adaptation of Mary Shelley’s famous story by Barter’s resident playwright Catherine Bush. “The State Theatre of Virginia” kicks off the holiday season on November 18 when Barter opens A Christmas Story with performances through December 29. Set in the 1940s, this story follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts, an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn, Ralphie plots
numerous schemes to achieve his heart’s desire. Based on the beloved motion picture, this nostalgic tale of childish yearning is perfect for the whole family. Less than a week later, The Twelve Dates of Christmas opens with a one-woman show starring Barter tour-de-force Kim Morgan Dean as Mary, running from November 26 through December 23. Mary loves the holidays. Even when her fiancé calls to say he’s sick and can’t come to Thanksgiving with her family, she makes the best of the day and snuggles in to watch the Macy’s Day Parade on TV. But when the parade camera zooms in on her fiancé kissing another woman, Mary’s holidays take a turn for the ridiculous. Back at the Moonlight Drive-In from December 3 through 23, the Barter’s third holiday offering is Jingle All the Way. It’s not easy being the twin brother of Santa’s #1 Helper, and no one knows that better than Jangle the Elf. No matter what job Jangle is assigned in Santa’s Workshop, his sister Jingle can do it faster and better. Then a letter arrives for Santa at the North Pole, one that requires a “Top Priority Gift.” The trouble is no one, including Jingle, knows how to make it. The questions is: Will Jangle be able to save the day… and Christmas? For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Barter’s website at www. BarterTheatre.com. BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY THEATRE (BRCT) will mark Halloween weekend with a re-creation of the radio production of Dracula, based on the well-known story by Bram Stoker about the curse of the undead, forever driven for blood, and the trail of victims he leaves behind. In 1938, the Mercury Theater players, led by Orson Welles, broadcast a series of 11 radio shows based
