Theater Week – Groovy

 

A listing of Triangle theater performances
through December 3, 2018

OPENING:

The Best Time of Year – Mom’s away and the kids have to take charge of the Christmas Eve party. Moonlight Stage Company presents an original family-friendly holiday musical. Directed by Estes Tarver Book. This week: Friday and Saturday 8:00, Sunday 2:00. Continues through December 9. 1304 Paddock Dr, Raleigh.
moonlightstageco.com

Cinderella – Raleigh Little Theatre presents its popular annual holiday musical adaptation of the fairy tale. Directed by Mike McGee. This week: Friday 7:30, Saturday and Sunday 1:00 and 5:00. Continues through December 16. Sutton Theatre, RLT, Raleigh.
raleighlittletheatre.org

* A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol – Cary Players presents a meta retro version of the Dickens classic that morphs into a noir detective story. Randy Jordan directs the 2007 musical by Walton Jones, David Wohl, and Faye Greenberg. This week: Friday 7:30, Saturday 3:00 and 7:30, Sunday 3:00, Monday 7:30. Closes Monday. Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary.
cary players.org

The Weir – Burning Coal Theatre revives its 2000 production of Conor McPherson’s 1997 Irish ghost story. Directed by Jerome Davis. This week: Thursday-Saturday 7:30, Sunday 2:00. Continues through December 16. Burning Coal, Murphey School, Raleigh.
burningcoal.org
 

ONGOING:

* Hamilton – Who lives, who dies, who tells your story? Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking 2015 musical biography of the ten-dollar Founding Father finally comes to the colonies in a touring production. Directed by Thomas Kail. This week: Tuesday-Thursday 7:30, Friday 8:00, Saturday 2:00 and 8:00, Sunday 1:00 and 7:00. Closes Sunday. DPAC, Durham.
dpacnc.com

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical – An annual presentation, this stage musical version of the Beloved Holiday Classic™ is based on the venerable 1964 Rankin/Bass animated TV Xmas special (which vastly expanded the mythology of Johnny Marks’ 1949 hit song for Gene Autry — itself based on a 1939 Christmas promotional coloring book created by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward in Chicago). Get your tickets early — this one sells faster than the bargain table at Misfit Toys “R” Us. This week: Friday 6:30, Saturday 11:00 and 2:00, Sunday 2:00. Continues through December 24. Fletcher Theater, DECPA, Raleigh.
dukeenergycenterraleigh.com

She Loves Me – In 1930s Budapest, two shop clerks share an intense dislike for each other, unaware that they are also romantic pen pals. PlayMakers Rep presents Joe Masteroff, Jerry Bock, and Sheldon Harnick’s 1963 musical adaptation of Hungarian playwright Miklós László’s 1937 comedy Parfumerie. Directed by Kirsten Sanderson. Music Director Mark Hartman. This week: Tuesday-Friday 7:30, Saturday 2:00 and 7:30, Sunday 2:00. Continues through December 9. Paul Green Theatre, CDA, UNC Campus, Chapel Hill.
playmakersrep.org
 

* – Closes this week

Please contact us with any corrections or omissions. For a more complete listing of area events, we recommend the arts calendar at Indyweek.com. For updates on area auditions, we recommend the Triangle Auditions group on Facebook. For a listing of what else area theaters have in store this season, click on the Triangle Season Schedules tab at the top of the page.

Theater Week – Into the Great Wide Open

 

Thomas Moran, Chasm of the Colorado, 1873-1874.
Department of the Interior Museum, Washington, D.C.

A listing of Triangle theater performances
through September 24, 2018

 

OPENING:

* Astral Cosmica: The Journey of Ophiochus – Community-based “fire theater” group Addled Muse presents the story of Ophiocus the Serpent Bearer, an earth dweller who aspires to live on the celestial plane and become one of the constellations. When his efforts are rejected, he doesn’t take it well, and chaos ensues. Expect “celestial cyberpunk themed narrative, an original synthrock musical score, acrobatics, fire and aerial acts, contortion, puppetry, and other surprises” from this Durham and Atlanta based company. One show only: Saturday 8:30, Durham Central Park.
addledmuse.com

By the Way, Meet Vera Stark – Lynn Nottage’s 2011 comedy satirizes Hollywood’s history of racial stereotypes through the eyes of an African American actress. Directed by Tina Morris-Anderson. Presented by NRACT. (Delayed opening.) This week: Friday and Saturday 8:00, Sunday 3:00. Continues through September 30. NRACT, 7713-51 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh.
nract.org

* Crimes of the Heart – Forest Moon Theatre presents Beth Henley’s 1979 comic drama about three dysfunctional sisters reuniting at the family home in Mississippi. Directed by Randy Jordan. (Delayed opening.) This week: Thursday-Saturday 7:30, Sunday 3:00. Closes Sunday. Renaissance Centre, 405 S Brooks Street, Wake Forest.
forestmoontheatre.org

Men On Boats – In 1869, ten daring men led by adventurer John Wesley Powell embark on a possibly suicidal expedition down the Colorado River to explore the unknown depths of the Grand Canyon. Jaclyn Backhaus’ 2015 comic drama retells that story of performative masculinity from a new perspective as noted in the playwright’s casting instructions: “The characters in Men On Boats were historically cisgender white males. The cast should be made up entirely of people who are not.” DIrected by Rachel Klem. Presented by University Theatre. This week: Thursday-Saturday 7:30, Sunday 2:00. Continues through September 30. Titmus Theatre, Thompson Hall, NCSU Campus, Raleigh.
theatre.arts.ncsu.edu

Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood – Ken Ludwig’s comic take on the legendary outlaw is directed by Jessie Austrian and features original music by Jack Herrick of the Red Clay Ramblers. Presented by PlayMakers Rep. (Delayed opening.) This week: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30, Sunday 2:00 and 7:30. Continues through September 30. Paul Green Theatre, CDA, UNC Campus, Chapel Hill.
playmakersrep.org
 

ONGOING:

* Are You Lonesome Tonight? – The world’s number one Elvis fan takes you on a final tour of his home/museum/shrine to the King. Solo show written and performed by Shelby Hahn. Directed by Jaybird O’Berski, presented by Little Green Pig. (Performances are standing room only and last about an hour, wear comfy shoes. Tickets are free but must be reserved.) This week: Thursday 8:00, Slim’s Downtown, 227 Wilmington St, Raleigh. Friday 8:00, Nightlite Bar, 405 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill. Saturday 8:00, Parts & Labor at Motorco, 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham. Closes Saturday.
littlegreenpig.com

* In the Heart of the Fire – In their 19th annual giant puppet performance for all ages, Paperhand Puppet Intervention presents tales of fire, of giants and trolls, of trickster creators, and how we came to be human. This week: Friday and Saturday 7:00, Sunday 3:00 and 7:00. Closes Sunday. Forest Theatre, UNC Campus, Chapel Hill.
paperhand.org

* Once – Theatre Raleigh presents the 2011 musical based on the 2007 film about two Dublin musicians who meet by chance. Director not listed. (Note: AWC.) This week: Friday 8:00, Saturday 2:00 and 8:00, Sunday 3:00 and 8:00. Closes Sunday. Kennedy Theatre, DECPA, Raleigh.
theatreraleigh.com
 

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE:

* No Shame Theatre – Monthly open performance venue for original, short form theater and performance. One night only: Saturday 8:00 (sign-up to perform: 7:00). The ArtsCenter, Carrboro.
artscenterlive.org
 

READINGS:

* Risk – Honest Pint presents a free reading of Ralph Hardy’s play about the murder of three Muslim-Americans. One night: Friday 7:30. The ArtsCenter, Carrboro.
artscenterlive.org

Tracy Letts Staged Reading Series – Sonorous Road presents staged readings of three Tracy Letts plays over consecutive weekends. First up: the 2008 family drama August: Osage County. This week: Friday and Saturday 7:30, Sunday 3:00. Series continues through October 7. Sonorous Road, 3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh.
sonorousroad.com
 

* – Closes this week

Please contact us with any corrections or omissions. For a more complete listing of area events, we recommend the arts calendar at Indyweek.com. For updates on area auditions, we recommend the Triangle Auditions group on Facebook. For a listing of what else area theaters have in store this season, click on the Triangle Season Schedules tab at the top of the page.

Theater Week – It Was 30 Years Ago Today

Program for The Woolgatherer, February 1988. Art by Juliann Shaw.

 

A listing of Triangle theater performances
through February 12, 2018

 
OPENING:

Bad Jews – After their grandfather’s funeral, three Jewish millennial cousins argue over who deserves to inherit a family heirloom. Big Wig Productions and the Jewish Center of Durham/Chapel Hill present Joshua Harmon’s 2012 comedy. Directed by Beth Brody. This week: Thursday and Saturday 7:00, Sunday 2:00 and 7:00. Continues through February 25. The Levin Jewish Community Center, 1937 West Cornwallis, Durham.
abigwigproduction.brownpapertickets.com

Bent – Martin Sherman’s 1979 drama follows the story of two gay men in a Nazi concentration camp. Presented by Justice Theater Project. Directed by Joel Rainey. This week: Friday 7:30, Saturday 2:00 and 7:30, Sunday 3:00. Continues through February 18. Umstead Park UCC, 8208 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh.
justicetheaterproject.org

Little Shop of Horrors – Raleigh Little Theatre presents the perennial 1982 rock musical horror comedy, based on the 1960 movie. Directed by Patrick Torres. This week: Friday and Saturday 8:00, Sunday 3:00. Continues through February 25. Sutton Theatre, RLT, Raleigh.
raleighlittletheatre.org

Sylvia – A middle-aged heterosexual couple finds their marriage in turmoil after the husband adopts a stray dog. Forest Moon Theater presents A.R. Gurney’s 1995 comedy. Directed by Mike McGee. This week: Friday and Saturday 7:30, Sunday 3:00. Continues through February 18. New Location: Wake Forest Community House in Holding Park, 133 W Owen Ave, Wake Forest.
forestmoontheater.org
 

ONGOING:

* An Act of God – God wants to set the record straight in this 2015 comedy by David Javerbaum (written before November 8, 2016 when we all discovered there is no God.) Directed by Bunny Safron. Presented by NRACT and Actors Comedy Lab. This week: Friday and Saturday 8:00, Sunday 3:00. Closes Sunday. NRACT, Lead Mine Road, Raleigh.
nract.org

Almost Maine – Cary Players presents the fourth local production in as many years of John Cariani’s 2004 romantic comedy about love and loss among a variety of characters in a small Maine town. Directed by Randy Jordan. (Note: Opened Feb 2.) This week: Thursday-Saturday 7:30, Sunday 3:00. Closes Sunday.
caryplayers.org

The Christians – The pastor of a megachurch experiences a revelation that challenges the core beliefs of his congregation. Preston Lane directs Lucas Hnath’s 2014 religious drama. Presented by PlayMakers Rep in rotating Repertory with Tartuffe. This week: Tuesday and Friday 7:30, Saturday 2:00. Continues through March 10.
playmakersrep.org

The Mound Builders – An archaeological dig in the midwest uncovers fault lines of friends and family. Ward Theatre presents a revival of the 1975 Lanford Wilson drama. The production will feature a rotating cast of actors, check the schedule for more information. Director not listed. This week: Friday and Saturday 7:30, Sunday 2:30. Continues through February 18. Ward Theatre, 4905 Pine Cone Drive, Suites 11 & 12, Durham.
wardtheatrecompany.com
 
Tartuffe – A religious conman ingratiates himself with a family in Molière’s 1662 comedy, adapted by David Ball. Directed by Saheem Ali. Presented by PlayMakers Rep, in rotating repertory with The Christians. This week: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 7:30; Sunday 2:00. Continues through March 11. Paul Green Theatre, CDA, UNC Campus, Chapel Hill.
playmakersrep.org
 

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE:

* No Shame Theatre – Monthly open performance venue for original, short form theater and performance. One night only: Saturday 8:00 (sign-up to perform: 7:00). The ArtsCenter, Carrboro.
artscenterlive.org
 

* – Closes this week

Please contact us with any corrections or omissions. For a more complete listing of area events, we recommend the arts calendar at Indyweek.com. For updates on area auditions, we recommend the Triangle Auditions group on Facebook. For a listing of what else area theaters have in store this season, click on the Triangle Season Schedules tab at the top of the page.