Cultural Calendar
Home page: Cirque Kalabante at Appalachian Arts. Above: Elf the Musical at ETSU, and Sam Bush at The App Theatre
As Autumn Leaves Fall, Curtains Rise on Local Stages
Cultural Calendar Announced from Now Through the Holidays
By Keith Martin
Autumn on the annual calendar marks the start of numerous seasons in the performing arts. From now through December, there are literally hundreds of performances, exhibits, and events on local stages, at museums, and in galleries across the region.
The following is an overview of performing arts offerings on the schedule—with a sidebar about the numerous holiday offerings—but note that campus events by our area colleges and universities are listed separately. Please remember that all performances, dates, and times are subject to change; you are strongly encouraged to contact the box office for the most current info. See you at the theatre!
The APPALACHIAN THEATRE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY (ATHC) in the heart of downtown Boone has dozens of events programmed this autumn, some of which are already sold out, but here is a sampling of offerings. September 19 promises a unique evening that includes a full screening of “Napoleon Dynamite” followed by a lively, freewheeling, moderated discussion with fan-favorite cast members Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Efren Ramirez (Pedro) and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico). The next night brings Joshua Lozoff: Life is Magic to the stage creating moments of joy and amazement that last long after the evening is over.
On October 3, Também/MaisCéu begins a celebration of the influence and inspiration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Também is a trio of musicians who compose, record, and perform original works of music together while MaisCéu gracefully dances between dualities, reminiscent of sunlight piercing through a summer storm, capturing the essence of life’s multifaceted experiences. App Theatre’s THE MET LIVE IN HD series returns after a very successful inaugural year with four opera events broadcast live from the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center in New York. The four fall events are La Sonnambula on October 26, La Boheme and Arabella on November 16 and 30, respectively, and Andrea Chenier on December 28.
The U.S. Army Field Band Jazz Ambassadors perform on November 2 with a 19-member ensemble showcasing versatile programming, including classic big band standards, patriotic tunes, contemporary jazz and original compositions. On November 14, Sam Bush with Parker’s Mandolin will celebrate the 87th birthday of the App Theatre on the Mast Store Americana Music Series. Bush was awarded the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Instrumentalist and has invited the Boone hometown father/son duo, Parker’s Mandolin, to open the show. The theatre’s birthday celebration continues November 15 with a slate of events.
For the fourth year in a row, audiences are invited to ring in 2026 during New Year’s Eve @ App Theatre, this time “setting sail on a groovy voyage with Charlotte’s own Thurston Howell. Your Premiere Yacht Rock Spectacular. In addition, over a dozen movies will be shown from now through December. For a complete schedule of concerts, film screenings, and performances, go to AppTheatre.org.
The ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL and the Town of West Jefferson combine resources to program a wide variety of events for both residents and visitors to their lovely community. From September 16 – 19, On the Same Page Literary Festival celebrates reading and writing in Ashe County with twelve visiting authors and arts in education outreach events in public schools. The twenty-plus free events include workshops, readings, and more. September 27 brings the Art on the Mountain: Fine Art & Craft Fair, featuring 20 local and regional artists and craft vendors in a diverse array of mediums, plus live music.
Music offerings in the Ashe Civic Center include Jim Malcolm in Concert: Scottish Folk on October 16. “The Ultimate Scots Troubadour” travels the world with his guitar, harmonicas, and engaging wit, singing the traditional songs of Scotland and his own masterfully crafted songs. The October 24 storytelling event, Donna Washington: Of Blood and Bone, is billed as, “Not for the faint of heart… these stories will follow you home.” But, if you love suspense, a good scare, and a powerful storyteller, you won’t want to miss this evening. Finally, on November 5, Gentlemen’s Quartet: The Legends of Music promises “A Sophisticated Melding of Musical Styles.” They perform a modern, elegant take on some of the most famous classical and popular music the world has ever known, from Beethoven to John Legend. AsheCountyArts.org.
In addition, the ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE is producing Lucas Hnath’s provocative drama The Christians from September 18 – 20. Pastor Paul basks in the glory of having built a megachurch with thousands of loyal congregants and a newly-paid-for building. But a singular sermon that will radically shift the church’s teachings starts a ripple effect that could have devastating consequences both personally and professionally. From December 4 – 7, the theatre is staging New Wendy in Neverland by Sally Kinka. Wendy, a modern-day teen, wakes up in Neverland, where she thinks she is lost in an amusement park where the staff are trying to incorporate her into their theatrics. She follows Tinkerbell and her fairy cohorts to find the Park Director and cell phone reception. On the way, she is accosted by Captain Hook and his pirate crew, who want Wendy’s cellphone to track the ever-present crocodile.
BARTER THEATRE, “The State Theatre of Virginia,” has three shows on the boards beginning with Anne of Green Gables: The Musical with book, music, and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, based on the novel by L.M. Montgomery. Marilla Cuthbert and her brother Matthew are determined to adopt an orphan boy to help them run Green Gables, their farm on beautiful Prince Edward Island. But their well-ordered lives take a surprising and hilarious twist when the boy they hoped for turns out to be a redheaded slip-of-a-girl named Anne Shirley, whose wild imagination leads her into countless scrapes, as well as a place in our hearts forever. Performances continue through November 2. It alternates on the Gilliam Stage with Ira Levin’s suspense thriller Deathtrap running through November 1. Comfortably nestled into his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful playwright, is struggling to overcome a recent string of failures that have left him flat broke. Then Sidney receives a script from one of his writing students—a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway smash. What lengths will Sidney go to make that play his own? The show runs through November 1.
Across the street in Barter’s Smith Theatre, you have until November 2 to catch the musical Murder for Two with book by Kellen Blair and Joe Kinosian, lyrics by Kellen Blair, and music by Joe Kinosian. This “perfect blend of music, mayhem and murder” is a hilarious 90-minute show with two performers playing 13 roles—not to mention the piano—in a witty and winking homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries. Also in the Smith Theatre through November 1 is Barter Players production of The Call of the Wild, adapted from Jack London’s novel by Catherine Bush. In this gripping tale, a heroic dog named Buck is kidnapped from his owner’s home and forced to serve as a sled dog in the Alaskan Gold Rush. In his struggle to survive, he quickly learns the “law of club and fang” while giving his unswerving loyalty to the man who saves his life. In the end, Buck must choose between living in a man’s world and answering the call of the wild. BarterTheatre.com.
Having postponed the show last year because of Hurricane Helene, rehearsals are now underway at BEANSTALK COMMUNITY THEATRE for their “trick-or-treat” gift to the High Country: an all-youth production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow running from October 23 – 25 in Boone. Adapted from an 1820 short story by author Washington Irving, it is among the earliest examples of American fiction with enduring popularity, especially during Halloween because of a character known as the Headless Horseman believed to be a soldier who was decapitated by a cannonball in battle. For info, visit BeanStalkNC.com, but for tickets go to AppTheatre.org.
The CITY OF MORGANTON MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (CoMMA) provides live entertainment to the residents of the foothill counties of Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba. A sampling of their many offerings includes a September 13 matinee of Cirque Us: Stories, a thoughtfully curated show for young audiences that flips through the pages of the troupe’s favorite stories to provide touching, thrilling narrative about community and identity featuring aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, clowns, and more, all ready to fly off the shelf. The multi-Grammy and Emmy Award winning Soweto Gospel Choir will perform their concert entitled “PEACE” on September 26, a joyful program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals and some classics.
On October 14, the Broadway national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire – The New Musical Comedy heads to Morganton with everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny in a “feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film, it’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now.” (Chicago Tribune). Balsam Range appears on November 21 as one of the most decorated and award-winning acts in the wide world of bluegrass music, including 11 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) honors. On December 12, murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget in Clue. Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit. CommaOnline.org
ENSEMBLE STAGE in Banner Elk continues their run of Michael G. Wilmot’s funny and touching play about life after retirement, A Red Plaid Shirt through September 21. Two friends try filling the void left by retirement in different ways; one decides he wants to explore the open road on a Harley while the other decides to pay more attention to his health. However, when their wives use a little “subtle redirection,” it is met with unexpected and hilarious results. “Death of a Doll” and “The Lost Soul” will be experienced by a live studio audience as staged radio shows when The Hitchcock Radio Hour takes place on October 24 – 25. EnsembleStage.com
The SOUTHERN APPALACHAIN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION (SAHA) is planning an Appalachian Autumn Market and Fall Festival on September 27 at 591 Horn in the West Drive in Boone. This family-friendly event, free to the public, offers a wonderful array of activities and experiences for all ages. Events include apple butter making, 18th-century demonstrations of weaving, spinning, blacksmithing, hatchet throwing, pumpkin painting, and a maker and food vendor marketplace of creativity and flavor with local artisans showcasing their crafts and delectable treats. There will be live music from traditional Appalachian musicians and storytellers Mary Greene, Orville Hicks, and Diandra Patterson, plus a Kid’s Costume Contest and a 50/50 raffle. Horninthewest.com/fall-festival
The WATAUGA ARTS COUNCIL (WAC) in partnership with the Downtown Boone Development Association, is organizing the Fourth Annual Buskers Fest on Saturday, September 20. This much-anticipated celebration of our eclectic creative community features artists, musicians, performers, demonstrators, and creative groups lining the streets of Downtown Boone. Over 200 artists and performers will be on the streets, sharing their talents with residents and visitors while providing a chance to experience the arts like never before. Organizers tell us, “You can buy art, make art, dance, sing, make pottery, discover bands and musicians, and learn about our incredible creatives here in the High Country and beyond.” Have your Venmo app ready or bring cash for tips to support the artists. Watauga-Arts.org/Buskersfest
Over at Benton Hall Community Arts Center in North Wilkesboro, the WILKES PLAYMAKERS is home to an avocational theatre that welcomes everyone in front of or behind the curtain. Their current offering is The Play That Goes Wrong, written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields of the Mischief Theatre Company, which was formed by graduates of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). An Olivier Award-winning comedy about an amateur theater troupe whose production of a 1920s murder mystery goes disastrously wrong. The show, which started in London in 2012, is known for its precisely executed physical humor and farcical chaos, with performances October 3 – 5 and 10 – 12. WilkesPlaymakers.com
CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES
Including Three Productions of “The Nutcracker”
On November 28, the APP THEATRE hosts a Barter Players visit from Abingdon to present the holiday theatrical production, “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.” It’s Christmas time at the Cincinnati Zoo, and everyone there eagerly anticipates the birth of Bella, the zoo’s first baby hippo. It’s a heartwarming musical adventure for the whole family. December 12 brings A Celtic Holiday with John Doyle. Originally from Dublin and now residing in Asheville, Doyle rose to prominence in the Celtic music world back in 1996 as the co-founder of the ultra-popular Irish band, Solas. His unique style of playing guitar has kept him in the forefront of Irish and Americana music as the go-to guy to add an unusual flair to any acoustic music project. On December 19, Christmas with Darin and Brooke Aldridge features the highly acclaimed Bluegrass and Americana duo hailing from the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains bringing Christmas to the ATHC.
From December 17 – 21, you can ring in the holiday season with A Christmas Carol by Candlelight, App Theatre’s professionally produced rendition of Dickens’ most beloved holiday ghost story presented by the Appalachian Players. A talented four-person cast presents a memorable interactive performance of “A Christmas Carol” which includes caroling, seasonal treats and hot cider. In this immersive performance, the audience is seated at tables and surrounded by the story with interactive elements. AppTheatre.org
The folks in ASHE COUNTY have announced a handful of events beginning with the annual Holiday Parade on November 15, followed by A Hometown Christmas on November 28 with live music, Santa and friends, rides on “The Old Fire Truck,” and the lighting of the Christmas tree. December 5 brings their Christmas Art Crawl and is followed the next day with Saturday with Santa and the ever-popular Tree Fest at the Arts Council. AsheCountyArts.org
BARTER THEATRE’s holiday season kicks off on the Gilliam Stage with How the Grinch Stole Christmas based on the Dr. Seuss classic with book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin, with performances from November 15 through December 28. The Grinch despises the annual Christmas Festivities of Whoville, so he carries out a plan to stop them once and for all. That is until his heart, two sizes too small, grows by learning the real meaning of Christmas. Two new works by Catherine Bush are onstage, the first running through December 29 in the Smith Theatre. The Innkeeper’s Wife takes place at the time of the census, which means things are really hopping in the little town of Bethlehem, and nobody’s feeling the heat more than Leah’s husband Saul, the town’s sole innkeeper. THE BARTER PLAYERS also have a gift for the holidays in the form of Bush’s Jingle All the Way with music by Dax Dupuy and shows through December 27. 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 to in Santa’s Workshop, his sister Jingle can do it faster and better, until a letter arrives for Santa at the North Pole, a letter requiring a Top Priority Gift… that no one knows how to make. BarterTheatre.com
As part of A Small Town Christmas weekend presented by the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce, the historic BANNER ELK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH is holding its fifth annual Community Carol Sing on December 6. This is a 45-minute casual sing-along event that includes over a dozen favorite songs, with guest performances by the Lees-McRae Highlanders, their church choir and soloists led by the choral director Nina Allbert and pianist/organist David Soyars. Admission and parking are free. BannerElk.org
The CAROLINA SNOWBELLES return to the Appalachian Theatre for an expanded five-show run of A Carolina Snowbelle Christmas from December 5 – 7. The precision dance troupe, led by former Radio City Music Hall Rockette and founder Cheryl Cutlip incorporates tap and jazz styles while teaching skills of teamwork, self-esteem, mentorship and community involvement. Their mission is to equip and encourage dancers ages nine and up in this unique style of dance through training and performing opportunities. For info, go to TheCarolinaSnowbelles.com but for tickets, visit AppTheatre.org
Over in Morganton, CoMMA has scheduled Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol for November 30, a new musical featuring songs by Dolly Parton and book by David H. Bell, adapted by Bell, Curt Wollan and Paul T. Couch. Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains, the show imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season. December 17 brings The Magic of Christmas with The Western Piedmont Symphony to CoMMA for an evening of holiday songs and winter music classics performed by the professional orchestra of the western foothills of led by music director Matthew Troy. CommaOnline.org
ENSEMBLE STAGE’s annual musical variety show A Banner Elk Christmas returns from December 5 – 20. It’s a fast-paced homage to the television holiday musical variety shows of the ‘60s and ‘70s complete with all or parts of nearly forty songs, lots of choreography and costume changes, all tightly wrapped into one hour and ten minutes of holiday joy. EnsembleStage.com
The WALKER CENTER in Wilkesboro is presenting Candlelight Christmas with The Krugers on Thursday, December 18. Born and raised in Europe, brothers Jens and Uwe Kruger started singing and playing instruments at a young age. Growing up in a family where music was a part of life, they were exposed to a broad diversity of musical influences and have released over 22 albums to date. WalkerCenterOnline.org
Benton Hall in North Wilkesboro will host two events by the WILKES PLAYMAKERS beginning with a Holiday Dessert Theatre from November 28 – 30. This is an evening of decadent desserts and delightful performances to get you in the holiday spirit. The Nick of Time Christmas Show, by Sam Havens, has performances scheduled from December 11 – 14. In this comedy, you’ll meet a theatre troupe whose Christmas spirit sparkles far more than their acting talent. During a two-act collection of comedy scenes, amateur thespians are preparing a Christmas Eve production at the community center, but nothing is working right. Will this production be ready to open in time? A joyous ending is assured, however, as it involves a carol singalong with the audience. WilkesPlaymakers.com
Last, but not least, are three different productions of Tchaikovsky’s beloved holiday ballet, The Nutcracker, in our region this season. BLUE RIDGE PERFORMING ARTS in Newland is partnering with HIGH COUNTRY YOUTH BALLET (HCYB) for the 34th annual tradition of the show with performances on December 13 and 14 in Hayes Auditorium at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk. Established in 1992, HYCB is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of promoting the cultural enrichment of youth and adults in Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey counties through active engagement in ballet and musical productions. HighCountryYouthBallet.org
The MARTIN CENTER at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City bills their touring production as Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Balletwith one performance only on November 24. The cast included dancers from Ukraine, Japan, Italy, and beyond with the principals trained at some of the most prestigious ballet academies. In addition, the Martin Center is presenting the national tour of Elf: The Musical on November 3 – 4. Inspired by the hit film, it is the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life is changed forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. On November 16, Christmas with the Celts is the original PBS show that aired on over 200 PBS channels across the U.S., Canada and on the BBC in Ireland for three years. ETSUMartinCenter.org
Since 1985 and now in their 40th season of The Nutcracker Ballet, STUDIO K in Boone uses a cast of over 350 local dancers to bring Clara’s dazzling holiday fairy tale to life. Director Cay Harkins thinks of the production fondly, as a labor of love, saying, “I am so very blessed to be surrounded by such passionate dancers. The entire company looks forward to returning to rehearsals in September and works tirelessly right up to opening night… as with most traditions, you need friends and family to share in the joy. Our company is most definitely a family.” Performances take place from December 12 – 14 in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. StudioKDancer.com
Alleghany Community Theatre | www.alleghanycommunitytheatre.org
Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance | www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu
Appalachian Theatre of the High Country | www.apptheatre.org
Ashe Civic Center | www.ashecivic.com
Ashe County Little Theatre | www.ashecountylittletheatre.org
Barter Theatre | www.BarterTheatre.com
Beanstalk Community Theatre | BeanStalkNC.com
Blue Ridge Community Theatre | www.blueridgecommunitytheatrenc.com
City of Morganton Municipal Auditorium | www.commaonline.org
Ensemble Stage | www.ensemblestage.com
Hayes School of Music| www.music.appstate.edu
In/Visible Theatre | www.invisibletheatrenc.org.
Jones House Cultural & Community Center | www.joneshouse.org
Lees-McRae College Performing Arts | lmc.edu/pashows | Instagram @lmctheatre
Parkway Playhouse | www.parkwayplayhouse.com
Schaefer Center Presents | www.theschaefercenter.org
Wilkes Playmakers | www.wilkesplaymakers.com