Lees-McRae Summer Theatre opens for 37th season

BY LILY KINCAID

Lees-McRae College offers a unique mix of professional, educational and community theater from late June through early August.

Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre was founded in 1985 by Janet Barton Speer, who has been teaching theater, performing, choreographing, writing and directing for decades. The program takes suggestions for future productions, and its advisory committee keeps an ear out for what the local community wants to see. Planning for each season starts nearly a year in advance. The blend of local, professional and student actors allows the Summer Theatre to showcase

SEE LMC ON PAGE 147 an array of talent, from that of community members all the way up to awardwinning professionals.

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s team consists of Managing Director Gabriel Vanover, Operations Manager Pamela Joslin and Artistic Director Janet Barton Speer, and the program is funded by ticket sales, grants and donations.

This summer, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre will put on three shows at the Hayes Auditorium in Banner Elk.

“RED, WHITE, AND BLUE RIDGE VARIETY SHOW”

This variety show showcases the wonders of North Carolina and premieres just in time for the Fourth of July. The cast is composed of actors from all around the nation, including from right here in the High Country. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 30 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. Tickets range from $10 to $25.

This year will be Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s 37th season, and all of the shows are North Carolina-themed.

“BRIGHT STAR”

Taking place in the North Carolina mountains in the 1920s and 1940s, this show follows Billy Cane, a young soldier returning from war, and Alice Murphy, editor of a literary journal.

The story of love and redemption is inspired by a true story and features a Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on Thursday to Saturday, July 6 to 8, and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday and Wednesday, July 9 and 12. Tickets range from $18 to $43.

“THE [W]RIGHT SISTER”

The story of Katherine Wright, the Wright Brothers’ often-forgotten sister, is brought into the spotlight in this original musical.

Paired with original music, this show allows audiences to learn about a piece of history that is often overlooked. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on Tuesday to Friday, July 25 to 28, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, and Saturday, July 29. Tickets range from $18 to $43.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (828) 898-8709 or visit https://www.lmc.edu/community/summer-theatre/index.htm .