Summer Theater

When I was in elementary school and middle school, my family had season tickets to the Hartt School of Music summer musical theater--it was a great way to see all of the old shows and to introduce children to the experience of real, live theater (beyond "Dora the Explorer" traveling shows). I thought of that last night, as my husband and I enjoyed an evening of summer theater at CPCC. It was a lovely evening in "Camelot" (despite the faulty fire alarm system that evacuated us twice--luckily it was a lovely evening Charlotte, too!).

"Company" opens at CPCC on June 19--click here to see the full schedule. There is also a special performance of "Willa Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"--based on the film with Gene Wilder--in July. Perfect for the kids!

The college has a beautiful new theater--Halton Theater in the Overcash Building, on the corner of Elizabeth and Kings. Parking was a breeze off of 4th Street (just before it merges into 3rd and heads downtown). I thought that ticket prices were very reasonable--a high of $21 for front orchestra. Click here for ticket information.

Don't forget about all of the other summer theater offerings, also great for families. The Collaborative Arts Theatre just completed its outdoor offering of "Shakespeare at the Green" this past weekend, but it opens "Julius Caesar" at the McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square in August. If you have a teenager who will be studying Shakespeare, this is a great opportunity to see it live--and FREE!

Matthews Playhouse (in Matthews!) is currently putting on "Cinderella," the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, through June 28. Another great way to introduce your children to musical theater nearby.

If you will be traveling to the mountains, don't forget the great summer theater offerings up there. The Flat Rock Playhouse, "The State Theatre of North Carolina," is offering "Man of La Mancha" and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" among other shows this summer season. Click here for information.

Blowing Rock Stage Company presents "Shear Madness" and "Bye Bye Birdie" in addition to several other productions this summer. Patrick Ratchford, our Lancelot last night in "Camelot," will star in "Bye Bye Birdie"--I assume in the Dick Van Dyke role. He has a lovely voice. Click here for Blowing Rock Stage Company information.

Somewhat grudgingly I remind you the "The Phantom of the Opera" is in town at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. I'm a big fan of the Blumenthal, but in the summertime my heart goes to the enthusiastic casts of the small-budget productions that keep great classics alive. In these tough times, save a little money and go for the smaller shows, helping those productions endure.


To Do: Join the "Ladies Who Lunch," figure out a riddle with the Oompa Loompas, follow your destiny with Don Quixote, and raise your intellect with Julius Caesar--go to the theater!