Three great productions this summer at Lees-McRae College
Lees-McRae College Summer Theatre presents productions of ‘Oliver,’ ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ and ‘The Denim King’ at Hayes Auditorium in Banner Elk this season.
Posted: Saturday, April 25, 2015 10:00 am
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Posted on Apr 25, 2015
For any fan of the fine arts, required viewing during the summer months must include visit(s) to Lees-McRae College’s Hayes Auditorium during its Summer Theatre series. Since its first production hit the stage in the summer of 1985, LMC Summer Theatre has exposed viewers to a vast array of the best actors, producers and musicals and plays the world has to offer.
LMCST is committed to producing quality theatre experiences, serving audiences who view the productions, students who are training in their craft and the High Country community as collaborators for the betterment of the area.
Since its inception, summer in the North Carolina Mountains suggests wonderful opportunities to bring communities together, and perhaps there is no better fashion to accomplish this goal than through LMCST.
“Our heritage, our commitment to the ideals of art and humanity, and our great attention to the heart have made our work special,” LMCST artistic director and professor emeritus Janet Speer said. “We may not have the bells and whistles, but we will always have the heart.”
Performances coming to the stage this summer include a classic musical, a comedic farce and a locally inspired production.
LMCST officially raises its curtain with the musical production “Oliver,” coming to Hayes Auditorium beginning on Friday, June 26. The beloved musical based on Charles Dickens’ classic “Oliver Twist” has won numerous awards, including the Tony for Best Musical and Academy Award for Best Picture. Set in the 19th century, Dickens makes important social statements about the conditions of poverty in London, yet does it with comedy, empathy and the ever-present sense of hope. The production is family friendly and a production all will enjoy.
“We have a group of almost 50 local children in the production from around Avery County and the region ranging from five years old to teenagers. It’s a production that connects with both children and adults,” Speer added. “Poverty is still a world issue, and it’s good for us to shed light on that. There are great pieces of music in the musical, with a cast of almost 70 people. This will be the most people we will ever have on stage for a Summer Theatre production.”
Skyline/Skybest Communications is sponsoring this summer’s production of “Oliver.”
LMCST brings to the stage the hilarious comedy “Lend Me a Tenor,” beginning Wednesday, July 15. Called “one of two great farces by a living writer” by The New York Times, “Lend Me a Tenor” is the story of famous opera star Tito Morelli who is slated to perform Otello, but is given tranquilizers so the manager has to find someone else to play his role. Once Tito awakens, two “Otellos,” two women in lingerie who think they are Tito’s lover and the manager in one mishap after another. The comedy is sure to provide more than its fair share of laughter and is suitable for children.
“’Lend Me a Tenor’ is just a great comedic farce that is full of laughs,” Speer said. “There is a lot of action surrounding Tito and it’s a hilarious story to see unfold.”
LMCST concludes its season with performances of “The Denim King,” beginning Saturday, Aug. 1. The musical was produced at Blowing Rock Stage Company and became the group’s best-attended production. LMC is partnering with sponsors Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and Well-Spring Retirement Community to produce the story of how Moses Cone and his brother, Ceasar, developed textiles in the South after the Civil War — particularly denim.
“I wanted to direct this production, and it’s been enough years we felt we could do it here. The composer and I have worked on a couple of new songs and tightened up the script after more research. It’s just a compelling story,” Speer added. “I’m really excited about bringing this show to Summer Theatre, and it’s such an interesting story in our own backyard.”
Sponsors of LMCST include BB and T, Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority and the Village of Sugar Mountain. Tickets for LMCST productions range from $35 to $40 for adults and $18 to $20 for students. Visit the Hayes Auditorium box office to purchase tickets (box office opens June 17), or tickets can be purchased online by clicking to www.lmc.edu/summertheatre. For season-ticket sales, call (828) 898-8721. For more information on LMCST, email Speer at speerj@lmc.edu.
More about Www.lmc.edu Summertheatre
- ARTICLE: LMC Summer Theatre continues with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘A Grand Night for Singing’
- ARTICLE: LMC Summer Theatre celebrates 30 years with trio of productions
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