June 16, 2014. Did you hear the news? Lees-McRae Summer Theatre is celebrate its 30th year of musical theatre! With an exciting lineup of musicals this summer, this is sure to be a season remembered for years to come.
Kicking off the season from June 29-July 6, Kiss Me, Kate combines Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew with Cole Porter’s music and lyrics. This production will be performed July 1, 2, 3 & 5 at 7 p.m. and June 29 and July 5-6 at 2 p.m.
Dr Hannah, associate professor of performing arts and director of Kiss Me, Kate said, “With a witty script, unforgettable characters, a delightful plot (based on one of William Shakespeare’s most well-known plays), and tuneful melodies that you can definitely hum on the way out the theatre doors, Kiss Me, Kate is now one of my favorite musicals. Porter’s work is sexy and smart as he breathes new life into Shakespeare’s story of the ultimate battle of the sexes. While it may not be the most politically correct plot these days, the truth of the story is what counts – that while our two leads think they can’t live with each other, they certainly can’t live without each other either.”
On July 13, 2013, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre lost a giant – Stanley Etkin, a long time Summer Theatre Advisory Committee Chair, advocate of the arts, humanitarian, scholar an dear friend. Teamed with his dynamic wife, Ruth, the two worked together for countless worthy causes. Summer Theatre is proud to dedicate the first musical of the 2014 season, Kiss Me, Kate (Stan’s favorite production), in his memory. On July 1, his family will be in attendance for the dedication.
Dr. Janet Barton Speer, Artistic Director for Summer Theatre since its inception, said, “It’s hard to believe that this is Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s 30th year! It all began in 1985 when we only used local folks, a piano, minimal sets and lots of love. Today, we bring singers, dancers, actors, designers and technicians from all over the country to create the magic on the Hayes Auditorium Stage. It has been an outstanding journey and the 2014 season will continue our traditions, our artistry and the fun.”
Th Summer Theatre Box Office opens June 16 and is located in the lobby of Hayes Auditorium. It is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Show day hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The Box Office phone number is 828-898-8709. Tickets can be ordered by sending your ticket request to Tickets, Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre, PO Box 128 Banner Elk, NC 28604. Online ticket orders may be placed at LMC.edu/summertheatre. Ticket prices are $42.71 for adults and $21.36 for students and children. Group rates will be available for groups of 15 or more.
We hope you will come celebrate with us as we also present A Grand Night for Singing July 16-20 and Monty Python’s SPAMalot Aug. 6-10. We encourage you to dine out in one of our outstanding restaurants in Banner Elk and Avery County either prior to or following the show.
Nestled in the Blue RIdge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lees-McRae College is a private, four-year college offering diverse baccalaureate degrees, strong athletic programs and outstanding faculty. With 900 students hailing from 35 states and more than 10 countries, Lees-McRae’s broad core curriculum is enhanced by field-specific career preparation and experiential learning with an emphasis in leadership and service. For more information please visit www.LMC.edu or call 800-280-4562.
You must be logged in to post a comment.