Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
You asked and we delivered! ACT is proud to offer a wide range of classes for adults. We invite you to join us to explore, discover, nurture, and refine your theatrical abilities – your stage is waiting.
Winter 1 Session (October 23-December 17, week off November 20-26 for Thanksgiving)
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Willy Wonka Jr.
By Timothy Allen McDonald & Leslie Bricusse
In the Fangmeyer Theatre
Do you have the golden ticket?
The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth.
Suitable for all audiences.
Written by Samuel D. Hunter
Keith, a mortgage broker and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, are two men who, at first glance, have nothing in common. Their meeting, in Keith’s cubicle, evolves from a business discussion to a thoughtful exploration of parenthood, financial insecurity, and empathy. Both intimate and expansive, Samuel D. Hunter’s heartbreaking new play argues for hope even in the face of extreme disappointment as two men with seemingly very different lives grow to care for one another.
Content advisory: strong language
By Arthur Miller
On the Steve Lloyd Stage
Directed by Doug Savitt
A small man can be just as exhausted as a great man.
Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer-Prize winning American classic is a poignant look at the life of everyman Willy Loman, complete with grand hopes and heartbreaking missteps. Willy is on a quest for the American Dream, and wants more than anything for his family to achieve it alongside him. But their own visions of that dream – and their perceptions of who Willy really is beyond his façade – don’t necessarily match up with his reality. Through a series of tragic soul-searching revelations of the life he has lived with his wife, his sons, and his business associates, we discover how his quest for the “American Dream” kept him blind to the people who truly loved him. A thrilling work of deep and revealing beauty that remains one of the most profound classic dramas of the American Theatre.
Suitable for all audiences. Contains heavy subject matter.
Book by Mel Brooks
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Original Direction & Choreography by Susan Stroman
Presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com
Director: Elizabeth DeVault
Approximate Run Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Rating: PG-13 due to adult humor and content
It’s alive! The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches. Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Dr. Frankenstein aims to fulfill his grandfather’s legacy by bringing a corpse back to life. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds. With such memorable tunes as “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment.
Be the first to see the Tanglewood Teens in action, a group of high schoolers handpicked through auditions to undergo professional training. Their debut performance is packed with Halloween-themed entertainment, combining music and storytelling to offer a great night out for the whole family.
In this performance, the teens will bring you a musical act featuring songs from The Nightmare Before Christmas, and a narrative segment building on the eerie atmosphere of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart.
Come support these young performers in their first showcase, where they will demonstrate the skills they’ve honed over their training period. It’s not just a show, but a celebration of their hard work and a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. Dress up in your favorite Halloween attire and enjoy an evening of simple, fun, and engaging entertainment at ACT.
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The Cherokee People have a rich history of myths, legends and folktales explaining everything from the creation of the world to how the plants and animals around us came to look and behave the way they do today. This play introduces young audiences to the Cherokee People through a series of fun and engaging stories. Developed in partnership with the Cherokee Historical Association, this play is a great way to introduce young audiences to the Cherokee people.
Space is limited. Registration is required. Please stop by the Weaverville Library or call (828) 250-6482 to reserve your space!
Back by popular demand! We are excited to offer an 8-week adult acting session this fall at Playhouse Jr.! Dive into scene work and learn the ins and outs of creating a character, acting in a scene, and dissecting the script. Taught by a seasoned professional actor, this is sure to be the hit of the fall! Space is limited so sign up today! There will be no performance at the end of the semester
A new musical.
You’re invited you to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Using contemporary music, thought provoking choreography and personal stories to spread a message of Heart, Humanity & Hope.
https://www.labellessmusical.com/
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WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!
Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!
The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.
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Written by Samuel D. Hunter
Keith, a mortgage broker and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, are two men who, at first glance, have nothing in common. Their meeting, in Keith’s cubicle, evolves from a business discussion to a thoughtful exploration of parenthood, financial insecurity, and empathy. Both intimate and expansive, Samuel D. Hunter’s heartbreaking new play argues for hope even in the face of extreme disappointment as two men with seemingly very different lives grow to care for one another.
Content advisory: strong language
WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!
Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!
The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.
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Featuring Sean Mason, Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate 100 years of Disney through the lens of Jazz. From Snow White to Lady and the Tramp, Mary Poppins and Toy Story to The Jungle Book, popular songs from these famous films have been interpreted and recorded by Disney music fans such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Dianne Reeves and many more. “Someday My Prince Will Come,” “He’s a Tramp,” “Everybody Wants to be a Cat” and “The Bare Necessities” are just a few of the iconic songs which will be celebrated as we look back on the impact of jazz on 100 years of Disney magic!
When You Wish Upon a Star will be performed by the newly created house band of The National Jazz Museum in Harlem, featuring pianist and musical director, Sean Mason, and vocalists Kim Nalley and Sasha Dobson, who will bring these famous songs to life.
This production is not affiliated with, sponsored, or authorized by The Walt Disney Company.
Written by Samuel D. Hunter
Keith, a mortgage broker and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, are two men who, at first glance, have nothing in common. Their meeting, in Keith’s cubicle, evolves from a business discussion to a thoughtful exploration of parenthood, financial insecurity, and empathy. Both intimate and expansive, Samuel D. Hunter’s heartbreaking new play argues for hope even in the face of extreme disappointment as two men with seemingly very different lives grow to care for one another.
Content advisory: strong language
WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!
Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!
The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.
NOV. 3 – 5 ONLY! 2 Adult tickets + 2 Free Youth Tickets
A NEW WORKS PREMIERE by PLAYHOUSE JR.
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Written by Samuel D. Hunter
Keith, a mortgage broker and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, are two men who, at first glance, have nothing in common. Their meeting, in Keith’s cubicle, evolves from a business discussion to a thoughtful exploration of parenthood, financial insecurity, and empathy. Both intimate and expansive, Samuel D. Hunter’s heartbreaking new play argues for hope even in the face of extreme disappointment as two men with seemingly very different lives grow to care for one another.
Content advisory: strong language
November 3-11, 2023
Directed by Jenny Martin
Music Direction by Roberta Whiteside
Choreography by Melanie Veazey
Join Tori the Tortoise, in this Appalachian retelling of Aesop’s “Tortoise & the Hare” as she stands up for her beloved town, Fable Farms, and races a big city hare with even bigger plans. In this musical for all ages, Tori and her friends, Ruben the Rooster and Bea the Bee, must learn to embrace what makes them unique and the importance of community.
Written and Performed by Paula O’Brien
Accompanied by Steve Sensenig
Singing has always been one of Paula’s first loves. After attending a cabaret show at the Irish Arts Center in NYC, she thought, “I could do that” and went about putting together what would become Who Does She Think She Is?: one woman’s journey from Ireland to WNC, with many stops along the way. The show includes original songs (from the songwriting part of the journey) as well as many favorites that tie in with Paula’s stories. It’ll be an evening of caint, ceoil, agus craic (stories, music and fun)! There may or may not be guitar playing. There will most definitely be a keyboard!
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
After a sold-out show in October, we’re putting on the show again.
It’s 70 minutes of mind blowing entertainment by Asheville native Jonathan Pritchard who will leave you questioning what’s real & what’s possible with this highly interactive mentalism show.
This is the act that has taken him around the world and it is finally here in his home town.
Come see it for yourself!
WELCOME TO MUSICAL COMEDY HEAVEN!
Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang!
The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.
NOV. 3 – 5 ONLY! 2 Adult tickets + 2 Free Youth Tickets
A NEW WORKS PREMIERE by PLAYHOUSE JR.
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at building audio or video files for a production? Magnetic’s Tech Director Abby Auman can help you get started! Join us for this engaging workshop, where you’ll learn how to use Audacity for audio file editing, and QLab, a powerful macOS program for designing and playing back sound, video, light, and show control cues (we’ll be focused on sound for this session).
*Note, you will be expected to download the free version of Audacity and the free version of QLab if you plan to bring your own macOS computer; for those who don’t have a macOS computer, you can still participate!
About the instructor: Abby is the Technical Director of The Magnetic Theatre. She also works as a lighting designer in theaters all over WNC.