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WELCOME TO THEATRE CHARLOTTE!
Our legacy of community-built theatre is something you’re likely familiar with. With nearly 100 years of history and over 500 productions, we’ve entertained, inspired, and united generations. In Season 97, we’re ecstatic to dive in together and explore the magic of theatre like never before!
This season, we’re opening up a world of possibilities for everyone to play their part. Look for more educational programs, community events and unique chances to engage with artists. At the core are seven diverse mainstage productions. Whether it’s hilarious comedies, spine-tingling thrillers, or heartwarming stories, Season 97 promises an unforgettable adventure!
L O O K I N G B A C K O N S E A S O N 9 6
Music and Lyrics by
Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison Book
by
Bob Martin and Don McKellar
Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving tribute to the Golden Age of musicals To chase his blues away, a musical theatre addict puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. From the crackle of his hi-fi, the musical magically bursts to life on stage, telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her intoxicated chaperone, the debonair groom, the dizzy chorine, the Latin lover and a pair of gangsters who double as pastry chefs
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Adapted by Robert Owens, Wilton E Hall Jr and William A Miles Jr
From the novel by George Orwell
BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU.
George Orwell’s 1984 portrays a dystopian vision of the future where free thought is illegal and citizens are under constant surveillance by the government with an all-powerful leader called Big Brother. In this futuristic world, the constant chaos of war blares in the background while telescreens in every home (and through the city) watch your every move. Embark on a journey with Winston Smith, a Ministry of Truth worker whose job is to re-write historical records, in his desperate struggle to free himself from an all-encompassing, malevolent state This is a ferocious and provocative adaptation of Orwell’s haunting literary masterpiece
A C H R I S T M A S C A R O L
Theatre Charlotte’s holiday tradition is back for its 18th consecutive year! Take a trip through time with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future as they work to warm old Ebenezer Scrooge’s heart, as well as ours Capturing the magic and mystery of the Dickens original, this timeless tale reminds us all of the magic that can be found in the season of giving
Adapted by Julius Arthur Leonard from the novel by Charles Dickens T H E P L
By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields
Called “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen” (Huffington Post), this award-winning smash comedy is part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes and guaranteed to leave you aching with laughter! It’s opening night of “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” and things have quickly gone from bad…to utterly disastrous. The troupe’s ambitious 1920s whodunit has everything you never want in a show: falling props, collapsing scenery, an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything including their lines The accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences!
Book by Brian Crawley
Music by Jeanine Tesori | Lyrics by Brian Crawley
Based on
The Ugliest
Pilgrim by Doris Betts
Discovering who you are is the greatest journey of all. Winner of the Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Violet is a moving musical featuring show-stopping anthems, ranging from American-roots to folk to gospel. Set in 1964 in the Deep South during the early days of the Civil Rights Movement, Violet follows the growth and enlightenment of a bitter young woman accidentally scarred by her father In hopes that a TV evangelist can cure her, she embarks on a journey by bus from her sleepy North Carolina town to Oklahoma. Along the way, she meets a young black soldier who teaches her about beauty, love, courage and what it means to be an outsider.
By Lydia R. Diamond
Family time can be sticky… The affluent, African-American LeVay family is gathering at their Martha’s Vineyard home for the weekend, and brothers Kent and Flip have each brought their respective ladies home to meet the parents for the first time But Mom’s not there, and Dad’s acting weird As the newcomers find themselves under familial scrutiny, long-hidden family tensions bubble to the surface and by the end of the weekend, almost everyone at the Vineyard finds themselves under a microscope as they grapple with arguments about class, race and cultural expectations. This bitingly funny comedy-drama reveals that just because you are privileged doesn’t necessarily mean you are fortunate
By Duncan Macmillan, with Jonny Donahoe
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Rediscover all that life has to give. In Every Brilliant Thing, a child attempts to ease his mother’s depression by creating a list of all the best things in the world. Everything worth living for.
1 Ice cream 2 Kung Fu movies 3 Burning things 4 Laughing so hard you shoot milk out your nose. 5. Construction cranes. 6. Me. E V E R Y B R I L L I A N T T H I N G
Through adulthood, as the list grows, he learns the deep significance it has in his own life. This immersive experience blends comedy, improv, and audience interaction to take us on an inspiring journey. Celebrate finding joy in the mundane and being grateful for the simple pleasures hiding all around us.
Everything Theatre Charlotte does is for our community and created by our community. If you have a passion for theatre, we have a role for you.
At Theatre Charlotte we are home to the best local talent and a safe place to learn, grow, and create long-lasting friendships If you’ve ever been interested in performing, join us for an audition!
From crew to ushers, it takes nearly 500 volunteers to bring our season to life! We have opportunities for everyone whether you want to be involved backstage, front of house, or on a committee.
student
Theatre Charlotte’s educational programs are designed to immerse young artists in a vibrant, nurturing space that fuels learning and creativity. Led by skilled theatre professionals, these programs provide enriching experiences and spectacular shows. theatrecharlotte.org/education
june 28-30 + july 5-7, 2024
REGIONAL PREMIERE! Inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, this touching musical explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward Alice by Heart encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times. E D U C A T I O N
july 19-20, 2024
D E A R E D W I N A , J R . Book and lyrics by Marcy Heisler | Music by Zina Goldrich
Dear Edwina Jr is a heartwarming musical about the joys of growing up, from the creators of Junie B. Jones, The Musical. Join plucky advice-giverextraordinaire, Edwina and her friends as they share wisdom on everything from trying new foods to making new friends, through clever, catchy and poignant songs.
coming june 2025!
The Penguin Project
The Penguin Project serves students with developmental, physical, and learning disabilities. Participants are given the opportunity to perform lead roles in a full-scale production while working with a peer mentor who offers support, friendship and guidance throughout the rehearsal and performance process Established in 2004, the Penguin Project has evolved into a national program Theatre Charlotte is thrilled to be the first chapter in North Carolina with our first Penguin Project production planned for June of 2025.
SHARE THE MAGIC AND SUPPORT THEATRE CHARLOTTE!
Theatre Charlotte, a cornerstone in our vibrant city, touches over 15,000 hearts each year. From audience members to local artists on stage, to bright young students in our education program, we’ve made a place for everyone in this community to experience the magic of theatre. We’re committed to crafting theatre experiences that speak to the Charlotte community, fostering an inclusive and accessible space As the city’s landscape has evolved over nearly a century, we’ve grown alongside it, remaining a constant source of cultural enrichment.
This journey has always been fueled by your kind contributions and unwavering support. Your passion and commitment are the heartbeat of Theatre Charlotte. Your generous contributions light up our stage, breathing life into every performance.
We’re excited about the future and cannot wait to continue sharing the magic of theatre with our beloved Charlotte community.
Ready to be a part of this exhilarating journey? Support Theatre Charlotte with a donation and help us keep the magic alive together!
Season packages give you lots of options, first dibs on the best seats, and you'll save up to 25% off of regular ticket prices. You can choose between two types of ticket plans: one for those who like to plan ahead and one for everyone who needs a bit more flexibility
The ultimate in flexibility! Your Flex tickets can be used in any combination for any of our seven productions Use them all at once, one at a time, or any way you want Beginning July 18th, Flex ticket holders can select seats online using our self-service box office, by email or phone.
Keep the same great seats for every show of the season! With a Star Plan you get one ticket to each show included in your plan You choose the day of the week and you’ll get the same great seat on that day for every production
Add A Christmas Carol to your Star Plan
Parking is always free at Theatre Charlotte
Theatre patrons have three options for parking when they attend a performance FIND US AT 501 QUEENS ROAD!
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Theatre Charlotte's Parking Lot
Thissmallpavedlotisadjacentto ourbuildingandfillsupquickly!
Along Queens Road
Allowedafter6:00pmMonday-Friday andalldayonSaturdayandSunday
PNC Bank Lot
PassTCandmakearighton Colonial ThePNCoffice parkinglotisonyourright
All Producer level donors receive preferred parking at TC! theatrecharlotte.org/plan-your-visit
H A V E A T A S T E
W E A R I T O U T
Get your very own TC merchandise! Season 97 shirts and more are available now in the shop.
A variety of wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks are available and are allowed in the theatre Cash or credit accepted P L A N Y O U R V I S I T
Click "shop" on our homepage or visit: bonfire.com/store/theatrecharlotte
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T h e a t r e C h a r l o t t e i s s u p p o r t e d b y
T h e a t r e C h a r l o t t e i s s u p p o r t e d , i n p a r t , b y t h e
I n f u s i o n F u n d a n d i t s g e n e r o u s d o n o r s .
