"American Masters" on PBS Highlights Harper Lee

Watch Harper Lee: Hey, Boo on PBS. See more from American Masters.

Did anyone get a chance to catch the full program? I haven't yet, but plan on it in the next few days. (Here's a link to the PBS website where you can find the full documentary.)

This year is the 50th anniversary of the film To Kill A Mockingbird (the book was published in 1960).  Do you remember the first time you saw the movie or read the book?  Why don't you share it? Enter your memories in the comments below and we'll randomly draw a name on April 17 for two free tickets to the show.

"Hospitality Suite" Opens April 5

We cannot wait to open this show! Hospitality Suite is one of those shows that is jam-packed with thought-provoking dialogue, interesting characters, and a powder keg of a set-up.  In a nutshell, Bob (Desmond Zampella), Larry (Dan Clancy), and Phil (Mike Vaniman) are three businessmen who discuss religion, ethics, and industrial lubricants as they await the arrival of the possible savior of their ailing company.

I've been reading reviews of other productions of the show, and this one, I think, is very compelling.  It's written by an Anglican priest after seeing a production of the show in Denver and focuses mainly on the themes of the show, especially on the characters' differing opinions of the role that faith and religion can and should play in the business world.  The best part about Hospitality Suite is that it presents this debate as an actual dialogue - as the reviewer states, there is no "bad guy" and no "religion bashing" - which is pretty refreshing.  And the other best parts about this production of the show are the stellar talent of the cast and the enthusiasm of the director.  This will be a thoughtful, exciting show!

Hey! Thanks, Spartanburg!

The Autumn Players' Readers Theatre Showcase production of Over the River and Through the Woods was named a "Best Pick" by the fine folks at the Spartanburg Herald-Journal.

There are three opportunities to come and see this funny, funny performance.  On Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31,  Over the River and Through the Woods will be at 35below here at Asheville Community Theatre.  On Sunday, April 1, the performance will be at the Reuter Center on the UNCA campus.  All performances begin at 2:30 pm and tickets are only $5 at the door.  Not bad for a best pick!

And on a side note, Sandie Kay (second from the right) brought in an Italian cheesecake to share with everyone today.  If word gets out to the press that's she's as good a baker as she is an actor, she'll be fighting off the paparazzi with a stick.  Yes, the cheesecake was that good!

Hope to see you at one of the shows!

You Spring Break It - You Spring Bought It!

TONIGHT! Thursday, March 29:

Listen to This: Stories In Performance is back with You Spring Break It - You Spring Bought It: A Wild Week of Spring Break Stories in One Night featuring performances by LTT faves Scott Bunn and Rod Murphy, newcomers Brett McCall and Jill Summers (ACT's most awesome Technical Director), AND songs by Silas Durocher.

The show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10.  Wine and beer are available. Airbrushed t-shirts, tattoos of Smurfette riding a skateboard, or fistfuls of skee ball tickets optional! 

Guess what? We only have a few tickets left.  You can click here to get one!

Cinderella Kids: Bio Excerpts

There is a lot of awesomeness in this weekend's performances of Disney's Cinderella Kids.  And it will start with the contents of the playbill.  Yep, that's right.  The playbill.

In addition to thanking parents and cast mates and listing schools attended, previous shows performed and hobbies when not at the theatre, many in the cast shared a little extra about themselves. Here are a few excerpts from the bios:

Sydney (age 10) has "3 dogs, a cat, a snake, a hawk, and 2 siblings."

Annabelle (age 6) is "excited to be a mouse in Cinderella because she likes to scurry about."

Erin (age 7 1/2) is "fascinated by dolphins."

Kate (age 9) has "a major interest in polar bears."

Henry's (4th grade) "best friend is Holden Dewey."

Gracelyn (5th grade) "would love to be a newscaster ... but that may change."

Break a leg, all you fabulous actors!

Disney's Cinderella Kids - Full Cast!

How cute are these guys and gals?  We are so super proud of this cast of talented students!  And you know what's even better?  Hearing them SING!

They're on the Mainstage right now, rehearsing for their performances March 23-25.  The musical director is none other than the incredible Aaron Price - so you know the music is top notch!

Just wanted to share.

And say - yay!  Kids doing theatre!

Costume Sale! Costume Sale!

Sweet! Every now and again, a magical day appears on the calendar. It's a day where people have found vintage marching band uniforms, graphite Edwardian morning coats, and tiny hats that look exactly like birds' nests. It is the ACT Costume Sale. And it has appeared on the calendar once again.

Get out your ink pen and write this down: Saturday, March 17 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. 35below at Asheville Community Theatre. Then, draw a starburst around that information and maybe a glittery arrow pointing to it.  You'll be glad you did!

Here's a partial listing of things you can find:
Hats - from Easter Parade confections to sensible straw boaters
Dresses - from caftans to evening wear
Specialty - own a piece from Chicago or check out our "Wearin' of the Green" Saint Patty's Day rack
Other - coats, sleepwear, wedding gowns, and other eclectic pieces

The ACT Costume Sale is a bonafide treasure hunt. We have literally heard people squeal with spontaneous glee when sorting through the racks. On several occasions, we've asked friends where they got that fabulous 50s frock only to be told it was at our own Costume Sale.  And they paid, like, $5.00 for it. Gasp!

Hope to see you there!

Cast List for "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Wow! We had over 90 people audition for To Kill a Mockingbird - and word from the director was that he could have cast this show several times over.  Asheville, you are a talented town! We're so excited that the cast includes some old friends and so many new ones!

Here's the list:

SCOUT - CLAIRE AMON

SCOUT - LILLY DONALDSON

JEM - COPELAND TIMMER

JEM - CADE WOOTEN

DILL - NOAH CLARY

DILL - HENRY LATHROP

ATTICUS - PHILLIP PACKER

CALPURNIA - REV. AUBRA LOVE

MISS MAUDIE - KERRY SHANNON

MISS STEPHANIE - HONOR MOOR

MRS. DUBOSE - ELAINE BLANTON

HECK TATE - RICHARD HURLEY

JUDGE TAYLOR - DONNIE DALTON

REV. SYKES - DON C. LOCKE / DENNIS HILL

MAYELLA EWELL - HOLLIS ANDERSON

BOB EWELL - CHARLIE PASSACANTANDO

CUNNINGHAM - DAVID QUINN

MR. GILMER - MCRAE HILLIARD

TOM ROBINSON - MICAH MACKENZIE

BOO RADLEY - RUSSELL LEDBETTER
LINK DEAS - PAT LACORTE