Diana Wortham Theatre announces 2016/2017 Mainstage season

The Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville, North Carolina announces the schedule of performances for the 2016/2017 Mainstage Series. The Mainstage Series presents a wide range of top touring artists in music, theater, dance, comedy, and other performing arts in an intimate, 500-seat hall. To start the season off, talented musician and activist Kathy Mattea takes the stage September 24 at 8:00 p.m. with guitarist and arranger Bill Cooley.

Tickets for all performances are on sale at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 25th and are available at www.dwtheatre.com as well as from the box office at (828) 257-4530. The theatre offers flexible multi-show discount packages starting with as few as three performances. Savings range from 10% to 20% off Regular prices depending on the number of performances; multi-show packages are available through the Diana Wortham Theatre box only at (828) 257-4530.

MAINSTAGE SERIES

The Acoustic Living Room with Kathy Mattea, featuring Bill Cooley — Saturday, September 24, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Join legendary hitmaker Kathy Mattea and renowned musician and arranger Bill Cooley for an evening of acoustic music highlighting new and older hits, as well as clever covers in an intimate concert setting.

Darlingside — Friday, October 7, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Recognized on National Public Radio’s Best Songs of the Year, Darlingside is a sonic gem, blending acoustic layers with electronic sounds and defying standard classification within the Americana genre.

Nnenna Freelon — Saturday, October 8, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Winner of the Billie Holiday Award from the Acadamie du Jazz, Freelon delights audiences with hit originals and beloved standards that recall the heydays of jazz legends.

Parsons Dance — Tuesday & Wednesday, October 18 & 19, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

Internationally renowned for its bold, joyous personality, Parsons Dance brings stunning, contemporary works with an exuberance that solidifies the troupe’s reputation as one of the world’s leading dance ensembles.

The Capitol Steps: What to Expect When You’re Electing— Friday, October 28, 2016, 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 29, 2016, 3:00 & 8:00 p.m.

No politician is safe from the witty antics of the Capitol Steps, the troupe set on satirizing both sides of the political spectrum and providing some much-needed comic relief just one week before the election.

Balsam Range — Friday, November 4, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

International Bluegrass Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year (2014 and 2015) presents everything from high-energy tunes to tender ballads with hints of bluegrass, jazz, country, swing, gospel, and old-time music.

Jackie Tohn – Friday, November 11, 2016, 8:00 p.m.

A gleefully entertaining combination of music and comedy, Jackie Tohn’s performances are both hysterical and memorable, bringing together a deceptively sweet stage persona, clever jokes, and musical prowess showcased by satirical songs.

A Swannanoa Solstice — Sunday, December 18, 2016, 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Celebrate the season with this holiday tradition, featuring award-winning recording artists and multi-instrumentalists Al Petteway, Amy White, Robin Bullock, and special guests David Holt, Phil Jamison and Ellie Grace, E.J. Jones and his band, and host Doug Orr as they create a mix of seasonal music, masterful storytelling, and poetry.

 

Judy Carmichael Trio — Saturday, January 21, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Jazz expert Judy Carmichael joins with fellow musical greats to celebrate the physically demanding and technically challenging style of stride piano as well as her own interpretations of swing and jazz classics.

Shadowland by Pilobolus — Wednesday & Thursday, January 25 & 26, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

With the fluid logic of a dream, the grace of an acrobatic dance, the humor of a child’s cartoon, and the heart of a love story, Shadowland celebrates the strange and wonderful power of the dark to show us who we are with the aid of Pilobolus’s signature talent and finesse.

Aquila Theatre Company in Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Nile — Friday, February 3, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Murder on the Nile, a staging of Agatha Christie’s famous novel Death on the Nile, is set

on a paddle steamer cruising the legendary Nile River in 1940s Egypt, where a host of colorful characters faces treachery in multiple forms.

Aquila Theatre Company in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing — Saturday, February 4, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Aquila Theatre Company presents this wonderfully intricate play focused on the timeless complexities and humor to be found in courtships, all leading to the subsequent righting of wrongs in classic Shakespearean flair.

Camille A. Brown & Dancers — Thursday & Friday, February 16 & 17, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Recipient of the 2016 Jacob’s Pillow Award, one of dance’s highest honors, Camille Brown and her dancers take the stage by storm with rhythmic dance and witty humor, showcasing pieces that range from light-hearted, to spiritually based, to politically charged with a healthy dose of comedy.

Solas — Saturday, February 25, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

An incandescent band combining contemporary influences with timeless traditions, Solas leads the charge in a fresh wave of Irish music that includes Celtic, Americana, and folk elements in its unexpected arrangements of age-old tunes and compelling originals.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo — Tuesday, February 28, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Four-time Grammy Award winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo brings South Africa’s rich musical traditions, incorporating vocal harmonies, signature dance moves, and charming banter to round out a heartwarming performance.

The Other Mozart by Sylvia Milo—Wednesday & Thursday, March 15 & 16, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Discover the true, untold story of keyboard virtuoso Maria Anna Mozart, the sister of Amadeus, whose talents in musical composition have been overshadowed and lost to history. Sylvia Milo, the production’s creator and performer, brings this vital character to life in a stunning 18-foot gown.

Black Violin — Saturday, March 25, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Classically-trained violinists Kev Marcus and Will B, plus TK, their expert accompanying DJ, take a revolutionary look at music by melding highbrow and pop culture in one high-energy, genre-busting act.

The Blackpack: All Laughs Matter – Friday, March 31, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Take a good-natured and brutally honest look at political proclivities and preconceived notions with comedy geniuses Vince Morris, Billy D. Washington, and BT as they celebrate our differences, one joke at a time.

Máirtín O’Connor Trio— Saturday, April 1, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Combining the rich sounds of the accordion, fiddle and guitar, this Irish music trio is one of the more versatile and dynamic groups of the Irish music community, delivering eclectic sets that showcase each musician’s unique experience and contribution.

Liz Carroll, John Doyle, and Billy McComiskey— Saturday, April 22, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

A rare performance by three of the world’s most highly acclaimed artists, an evening of Liz Carroll’s masterful fiddling, John Doyle’s unmistakable guitar chops, and the expertise of Billy McComiskey’s button accordion playing is a must-see event.

Free Planet Radio — Friday, May 5, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Travel the globe with jazz-style improv interwoven with Western classical music and various international influences, all with the accessibility, spontaneity, and easy engagement of Free Planet Radio as it mines the depths of world music.

Susan Werner— Saturday, May 6, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Sassy wit meets classic Midwestern charm in the persona of Susan Werner, with a repertoire that slides easily between folk, jazz and pop, and takes on a wry and philosophical stance.

Kelly Hall-Tompkins — Friday, May 19, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

An in-demand violinist, Kelly Hall-Tompkins and pianist Craig Ketter deliver a whirlwind performance of both classical and modern numbers with a style that has garnered them attention as “ones to watch” in the chamber, solo and orchestral realms of music.

Tannahill Weavers — Saturday, May 20, 2017, 8:00 p.m.

Traditional Celtic and Scottish arrangements meet the world of rock n’ roll in this powerhouse performance by the Tannahill Weavers, transforming the older tunes and bringing them to the modern world, alive and kicking. 

MATINEE SERIES

Diana Wortham Theatre’s Matinee Series provides professional, curriculum-related shows at affordable costs, each season providing more than 10,000 children the opportunity to experience the theatre, works by professional dance companies, comedic acts, and the musical talents of renowned performers. The series is open to, and extremely popular with children, families, and teachers throughout Western North Carolina.

Parsons Dance – Wednesday, October 19, 2016, 10:00 a.m.

This internationally renowned company presents uplifting contemporary dance to audiences around the world with its bold, athletic personality and joyous movements. Recommended for Grades 3–12. $8.50 group/$9.50 for individuals.

Twelfth Night, Warehouse Theatre – Thursday, October 20, 2016, 9:30 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.

Shakespeare’s comedy explores the perils of being young, confused, and in love in a light-hearted but earnest manner, proving that even serious lessons in life can be founded in humor. Recommended for Grades 6–12. $7.50 group/$8.50 for individuals.

The Wright Brothers, Face to Face Productions – Thursday, November 10, 2016, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.

Wilbur and Orville Wright make an emergency landing on stage and, as a matter of introducing themselves, the brothers decide to reenact the story of their great accomplishment, from their childhood experiments to the exciting moment of their historic twelve-second flight. Recommended for Grades 2–6. $6.50 group/$7.50 for individuals.

Skippyjon Jones: Snow What, Theatreworks USA – Tuesday & Wednesday, November 15 & 16, 2016, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.

Join Skippyjon Jones, the Siamese cat who believes he is a Mexican Chihuahua, in a musical twist on the classic fairytale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, based on the book by Judy Schachner. Recommended for Grades PreK–3. $6.50 group/$7.50 for individuals.

Alice in Wonderland, Lexington Children’s Theatre – Wednesday, January 18, 2017, 10:00 a.m.

When boredom strikes, what else is there for Alice to do but follow the curious white rabbit all the way down the rabbit-hole?  Recommended for Grades PreK–12. $6.50 group/$7.50 for individuals.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Lexington Children’s Theatre – Wednesday, January 18, 2017, 12:00 p.m.

Based on Kate DiCamillo’s beloved book, this play follows the trials of Edward Tulane, the most exceptional toy in Abilene’s room, as he finds himself lost and in need of a way home. Recommended for Grades 3–12. $6.50 group/$7.50 for individuals.

Shadowland by Pilobolus – Thursday, January 26, 2017, 10:00 a.m.

This coming of age tale has the fluid logic of a dream, the grace of an acrobatic dance, the humor of a child’s cartoon diversion, and the heart of a love story. Recommended for Grades 3–12. $8.50 group/$9.50 for individuals.

Much Ado About Nothing, Aquila Theatre Company – Monday, February 6, 2017, 10:00 a.m.

This New York-based company brings one of Shakespeare’s beloved comedies to life: a tale of spying, subterfuge, deception, misunderstandings and love, in one full-length performance. Recommended for Grades 9–12. $11 group/$12 for individuals.

Camille A. Brown and Dancers – Friday, February 17, 2017, 10:00 a.m.

Camille A. Brown introduce historical topics through compelling storytelling and dance styles such as hip hop, African, ballet, and tap, all while connecting past and present with touches of comedy, politics and humor. Recommended for Grades 5–12. $8.50 group/$9.50 for individuals.

The Teacher from the Black Lagoon and other storybooks, Theatreworks USA – Tuesday & Wednesday, February 21 & 22, 2017, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.

Based on the hit book by Mike Thaler and Jared Lee, this musical revue examines how rumors can make a student create a monster out of any teacher. The production also features stories from other favorite contemporary children’s books. Recommended for Grades K–4. $6.50 group/$7.50 for individuals.

Charlotte’s Web, Theatreworks USA – Thursday & Friday, April 20 & 21, 2017, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.

A heartwarming tale of friendship, E.B. White’s original story comes to life and follows Charlotte the spider’s efforts to ensure Wilbur the pig’s permanent residence on Zuckerman’s farm. Recommended for Grades K–5. $6.50 group/$7.50 for individuals.

The entrance for the Diana Wortham Theatre is marked by the location of the theatre’s marquee between 12 and 14 Biltmore Avenue. Patrons enter the theatre through the breezeway between Marble Slab Creamery and White Duck Taco, and into a large interior courtyard with multiple glass doors which lead to the theatre’s lower lobby and box office. The intimate theatre seats just over 500 and boasts exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making it the premier performance space in Western North Carolina. The Mainstage Series is supported by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. The Mainstage Series 2016/2017 Season Sponsors are the Asheville Citizen-Times, Blue Moon Water, Creative Energy, 67 Biltmore Downtown Eatery & Catering, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. To obtain more information on the Mainstage Series or to purchase tickets, call the theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com.