919 | REGION
Another Year of Growth For Umstead State Park
‘Hand to God’ Comedy Opens April 20 at Theatre in the Park
William B. Umstead State Park in North Raleigh – and Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, and Kerr Lake state recreation areas – each exceeded one million visitors in 2017. Among 39 state parks and recreation areas, 27 reported increases in visitation in 2017. Jockeys Ridge State Park in Dare County reported the greatest visitation at 1.56 million, and was among six state park units logging more than a million visitors. Besides the 919-area parks, the other was Fort Macon State Park. Six other state park units had more than 750,000 visitors including Lake Norman State Park, which crept closer to a million this year with more than 962,000 visitors. “North Carolina’s state parks are treasured resources that belong to each of us,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “Last year our 39 state parks welcomed 19.4 million visitors – over half a million more than in 2016. It’s great to see more and more people seeking out our parks and enjoying some of the most beautiful places in our state.” State parks and recreation areas welcomed 19.4 million visitors in 2017, a 3.4 percent increase over the 18.8 million who came during 2016. It was the fourth consecutive year of record visitation. North Carolina State Parks strive to focus on the quality of each visit above the quantity, according to Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susi H. Hamilton. “We are pleased North Carolinians and visitors to our state continue to love, enjoy and experience our parks,” Hamilton said. “In 2017 we also acquired 2,075 additional acres. The acquired lands will be added to eight state parks, four state natural areas and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.” Visitation at state parks and state recreation areas has increased more than 44 percent during the last decade. State parks reporting significant increases in visitation included the Eno River State Park in Orange County (31 percent).
Theatre in the Park presents “Hand to God”, a comedy by Robert Askins, on April 20 through May 6. The devil is lurking at the Christian Puppet Ministry in Cypress, Texas – and his name is Tyrone. He may look like an innocent sock puppet, but when he infiltrates the angstridden church youth group and takes possession of Jason’s are, all hell breaks loose. If “Book of Mormon” and “Avenue Q” had a baby, this would be it. Be advised, the performances contain strong sexual themes and mature language. Tickets are $24 for adults; $18 for seniors, students and military; and $16 for a group of 10 or more. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on April 20-21 and 26-28, and May 4-5; and 3 p.m. on April 22, 29 and May 6. Other shows scheduled for the 2018 season include: • June 15-July 1: “It Shoulda Been You” a new musical comedy about a wedding day you’ll never forget. • Aug. 10-26: “It’s Only a Play,” a comedy by Terrence McNally, about the opening night of a play. • Oct. 5-21: “It Is Done” a drama by AlexGoldberg, which takes place inside a desolate bar in the middle of nowhere. A Halloween treat for mature audiences. To purchase tickets, call 919-831-6058, or for more information call 919-831-6936. Tickets are also available at theatreinthepark.com. Individuals interested becoming involved with Theatre in the Park as a volunteer – assisting as an usher, backstage, costumes or other areas – may call 919-831-6936 or email info@theatreinthepark.
Theatre in the Park is located at 107 Pullen Road in Raleigh.
79
919 Magazine
www.919Magazine.com
MAR/APR 2018