4 minute read
Theaters
of the High Country
PHOTO BY LESLIE RESTIVO The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country at sunset in downtown Boone.
The High Country is home to several historic, campus and community theaters that showcase the rich culture of the region. From community productions to internationally touring artists, venues throughout the region strive to host a variety of performances to offer experiences of creative expression and entertainment.
From relaxed singer-songwriter sets to comedic productions with full casts, there is something for every performing arts lover in the High Country!
Appalachian Theatre of the High
Country was built in 1938 and operated for nearly 70 years before its closure in 2007. Under nonprofit ownership, the theatre reopened in 2019 as a performing arts center. With a mission to “contribute to the region by promoting and strengthening the area’s unique cultural identity and creative history,” the theater will showcase a diverse set of locally to nationally recognized artists all of types this autumn.
On Sept. 15, world-class interpreters of traditional jazz Tuba Skinny will perform. Sierra Hull will participate in the Mast Store Americana Music Series at the Appalachian Theatre on Sept. 29.
In October, guitarist Tommy Emmanuel will perform on Oct. 7, MerleFest Band Competition winners The Burnett Sisters will perform on Oct. 15 and John McCutcheon will take the stage on Oct.. 21.
Located in downtown Boone, the Appalachian Theatre for the High County’s historic theater should be on everyone’s list. For more information about the theatre, visit www.apptheatre.org.
Ensemble Stage was founded in 2009 and has presented more than 100 productions with more than 500 performances. In the summer of 2017, the production company moved to their new location in the Cultural Art Center at the Historic Banner Elk School.
From Sept. 9 to 17, “Zaglada” by Richard Vetere will make its World Premiere with Ensemble Stage. The show tells
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the story of a journalist who interviews an elderly man for a book on World War II when he fires a gun at her. Once arrested, his true identity begins to be revealed.
“The Hitchcock Radio Hour: The Shadow People The Undead,” tells two stories of horror and suspense to prepare its audience for Halloween. Performed as two radio plays, this production will take the stage on Oct. 28 and 29.
For more information about Ensemble Stage, visit www.ensemblestage.com.
Hayes Auditorium is located on the campus of Lees-McRae College but acts as a professional theater throughout the year. In the summer months, performers from around the country travel to participate in Lees-McRae Summer Theatre.
Though there is nothing scheduled yet, during the academic year, Hayes Auditorium hosts three main stage productions cast with Lees-McRae performing arts students with access to the largest costume wardrobe in northwest North Carolina.
Previous seasons have showcased “9 to 5: The Musical,” “The Good Doctor” and “Young Frankenstein.”
For more information about Hayes Auditorium and Lees-McRae’s theater productions, visit www.lmc.edu/academics/programs/theatre-arts/calendar.
Schaefer Center for the Perform-
ing Arts, located on Appalachian State University’s campus, features campus and community events as well as visiting artists from across the state, nation and world. With a mission to inspire, broaden awareness, promote empathy and shape perspectives on a changing world, the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts showcasing a diverse set of talent.
Kicking-off the autumn season, Yola will perform at the theater on Sept. 16. Featuring new album “Stand for Myself” produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Kets, Yola’s vocals share stories of
SEE THEATERS ON PAGE 118 PHOTO COURTESY OF ENSEMBLE STAGE Ensemble Stage produces several theatre performances each year. In June of 2019, the cast of ‘I’ll Be Back Before Midnight’ took the stage.
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allyship, Black feminism and vulnerability.
On Oct. 6, rock ballet “Star Dust: from Bach to David Bowie” will take the stage. Eighteen dancers will perform a re-envisioned ballet through technical precision and passion. Honoring the two musical icons, this production has rocked the dance world.
For more information on the upcoming performances at the Schaefer Center for Performing Arts, visit www.theschaefercenter.org.
PHOTO BY LYNN WILLIS Appalachian’s Department of Theatre and Dance showcases student-cast performances throughout the year.
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