LXXXVI

Season Guide 2013/2014

Your Stage. Your Local theatre.

GYPSYA Musical Fable, Book by Arthur LaurentsMusic by Jule StyneLyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Considered by many critics as one of the crowning achievements of the American musical theatre, Gypsy is loosely based on the memoirs of burlesque legend Gypsy Rose Lee. It tells the story of the ultimate “stage mother” who is willing to go to any lengths to transform her daughters into winning stars. Memorable musical numbers include “Everything’s Coming up Roses,” “Together (Wherever We Go),” “Small World,” “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “All I Need Is the Girl,” and “Rose’s Turn”. Gypsy is “the stuff Broadway dreams are made of!” (New York Daily News).

“…what may be the greatest of American musicals…,” – Ben Brantley, NY Times

ARSENIC AND OLD LACEComedy by Joseph Kesselring

This American classic comedy revolves around Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic who must deal with his crazy family as he debates whether to marry the woman he loves. His two spinster aunts have taken to poisoning lonely old men and burying them in the cellar. His older brother believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and he has a murderous brother who, after botched plastic surgery performed by his accomplice, Dr. Einstein, now looks like Boris Karloff.

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A CHRISTMAS CAROLClassic TaleAdapted by John Jakes from the novel by Charles Dickens

Theatre Charlotte’s holiday tradition is back for the seventh consecutive year! This version captures the magic and mystique of the Dickens original. At the opening, Charles Dickens is presenting a reading of his popular “A Christmas Carol.” As he begins, the story unfolds on stage around him: the classic tale of hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the ghost of his late partner, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. These spirits gradually warm old Scrooge’s heart, as well as ours.

THE MISS FIRECRACKER CONTESTComedy by Beth Henley

A glittering explosion of laughs sparkle throughout Beth Henley’s story of one small Mississippi town’s biggest annual celebration: the 4th of July Festival and beauty pageant. Carnelle Scott is feverishly rehearsing her patriotic tap dance for the Miss Firecracker Contest—hoping that a victory will salvage her tarnished reputation and allow her to leave town in a blaze of glory. The unexpected arrival of her cousin Elain, a former Miss Firecracker winner, complicates matters, as does Elain’s eccentric brother, Delmount. But, aided by an awkward seamstress named Popeye and several other cheerfully nutty characters, Carnelle’s efforts culminate in a hilarious firework-worthy finish!

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DRIVING MISS DAISYComedy/Drama by Alfred Uhry

Winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize, Driving Miss Daisy takes place in the Deep South beginning in 1948, just prior to the civil rights movement. When Daisy Werthan, a rich, sharp-tongued Jewish widow of seventy-two, is deemed too old to drive, her son hires Hoke Coleburn, a thoughtful, unemployed African American man, to serve as her chauffeur. In a series of absorbing scenes spanning twenty-five years, what begins as a troubled and hostile pairing soon blossoms into a profound, life-altering friendship that transcends all the societal boundaries placed between them. This quietly powerful American classic has touched the hearts of millions.

“Driving Miss Daisy is a total delight.” —NY Daily News.

HAIRThe American Tribal Love-Rock Musical Book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James RadoMusic by Galt MacDermot (Parental Guidance Recommended)

A musical celebration of life, a love letter to freedom, and a passionate cry for hope and change, Hair tells the story of the “tribe”, a group of hippies, living in New York City and fighting against war, their conservative parents, and society. The first great rock musical, Hair has some of the most rousing and soulful songs ever written for the stage including “Aquarius,” “Good Morning Starshine,” “Hair,” “Easy to Be Hard,” “Let the Sun Shine In,” “Where Do I Go?” and “I Got Life.” A Broadway revival opened on March 31, 2009, earning strong reviews and winning the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for best revival of a musical.

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MURDER MYSTERY SERIESThese popular murder mystery events are Theatre Charlotte’s biggest fundraisers. Guests, or “investigators,” listen to alibis, question the suspects, and collect clues to try to figure out “whodunit” in a murder mystery featuring Theatre Charlotte’s top performers. During the detective work, guests will enjoy a three-course dinner and browse selections in the silent auction including vacation packages, dinner experiences, and upcoming event tickets. The 2013-2014 season will feature two murder mystery events, Dinner and a Murder will take place in the Fall and our 6th annual Wine, Chocolate, and Murder will create a romantic Valentine’s Date.

Dinner and a MurderSeptember 28, 2013

Wine, Chocolate, and MurderFebruary 15, 2014

Don’t wait - purchase season tickets now Just scan the QR Code to purchase tickets with your iPhone or Android mobile device.

*** Single Tickets go on sale July 22, 2013***

THEATRE CHARLOTTE INFORMATION

Box Office - 704-372-1000 or www.carolinatix.org

Theatre Charlotte Office - 704-376-3777 (Mon—Fri 10:00-5:00 and one hour before showtime)

Concessions - Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available in Theatre Charlotte’s lobby. Cash only, please.

Parking - Parking is always free at Theatre Charlotte. Parking is available in our lot or along Queens Road. Visit our website for maps and more info.

Groups - Any group of 10 or more qualifies for special rates. For more info or to schedule your group outing, call 704-379-1380.

Details and ticket prices can be found at

events.theatrecharlotte.org

VOLUNTEERSThe success of every Theatre Charlotte production depends on the time and talents of people just like you. Our volunteers are performing onstage, working backstage, selling refresh-ments, and seeing you to your seat. We could not do it without you!

There are many ways to get involved. Sign up on our website at http://volunteer.theatrecharlotte.org and you will receive our monthly volunteer newsletter which will tell you about upcoming volunteer opportunities. Join us for a volunteer workday, usually held a couple of weeks before the opening of each show, and work on set construction, painting, props, and facility improvements. If you’ve always wanted to be on stage, check the audition schedule on our website.

We also need volunteers during performances to sell concessions, usher, and provide box office support. Scheduling of Front-of-House volunteers is handled through a partnership with Hands On Charlotte. If you are interested in ushering or selling concessions for our shows, please go to handsoncharlotte.org, search for Theatre Charlotte on the Volunteer Opportunity calendar, and follow the directions to register and sign up.

With more than 500 volunteers needed each season, there is something for every interest. No experience is necessary!

EDUCATIONTheatre Charlotte is dedicated to providing top quality opportunities in theatre for all students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region.

STUDENT THEATRE GUILDThe Theatre Charlotte Student Theatre Guild is an area-wide theatre club that provides outstanding theatre opportunities to teens and college students. The Guild is governed by the students themselves, with elected officers and members having input into the focus and direction of the club. There are monthly meetings, workshops, theatre volunteer opportunities and offers of free and discount tickets to area productions.

From July 8-21, 2013, Theatre Charlotte and the Student Theatre Guild will sponsor an intensive summer theatre experience, culminating in three public performances of the hit Broadway musical How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Tuition of $300 is required, which also includes a year-long membership in the Student Theatre Guild. Some need-based scholarships are available. Any interested student, age 14 through college, is eligible to join. For further information, please visit theatrecharlotte.org.

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying performances: July 19, & 20 at 7:30 pm and July 21 at 2:30 pm.

TCjrFor three weeks, June 24-July 14, 2013, approximately 30 participants, age 9-14, will work with professional directors, choreographers, designers, technicians and performers experiencing and creating musical theatre. In addition to these professionals, college students studying the performing arts, along with exceptional high school students, will work alongside these young people, sharing their knowledge and experience, rehearsing and

performing a professional-level summer stock production to be presented on the Theatre Charlotte stage. This summer intensive will culminate in public performances of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr. performances: July 10, 11 and 12 at 10 am; July 13 at 11 am and 2 pm; and July 14 at 2 pm.

SUPPORT THEATRE CHARLOTTEAs a non-profit community theatre, Theatre Charlotte relies on the generosity of our patrons to help fund our productions and programs. Ticket sales account for only 50% of our operating expenses. The remainder of our funding comes from the Arts and Science Council, corporations and foundations, as well as individual donations. Please consider supporting Theatre Charlotte by making a donation to our Annual Fund Campaign.

A gift of any size makes a difference. For example a $100 donation will purchase volunteer meals for one production. A $250 donation will purchase all the props needed for one production or send a class of 20 underserved students to the theatre. A $500 donation will cover the cost of royalties and script rental for one performance of a musical production. Please support Theatre Charlotte at one of these levels or at a level that is most appropriate for you.

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ($3,000+)• Guaranteed parking space • Invitation to Leadership Circle Dinner and Discussion with Theatre Charlotte Executive Director and Associate Artistic Director• Recognition during curtain speech for all Main Stage productions • 2 Complimentary tickets to Wine, Chocolate and Murder in February• 2 Complimentary tickets to A Christmas Carol • Vouchers for 4 complimentary beverages • Listing in all playbills and on our website ANGEL ($2,000-$2,999)• Guaranteed parking space • 2 Complimentary tickets to Wine, Chocolate and Murder in February• 2 Complimentary tickets to A Christmas Carol • Vouchers for 4 complimentary beverages • Listing in all playbills and on our website PRODUCER ($1,000-$1,999)• Guaranteed parking space • 2 Complimentary tickets to A Christmas Carol • Vouchers for 4 complimentary beverages • Listing in all playbills and on our website BENEFACTOR ($500-$999)• 2 Complimentary tickets to A Christmas Carol • Vouchers for 2 complimentary beverages • Listing in all playbills and on our website SUPPORTER ($150-$499)• Vouchers for 2 complimentary beverages • Listing in all playbills and on our website FRIEND ($100-$249)• Listing in all playbills and on our website

Donate Today!

Mail your donation to 501 Queens Road,

Charlotte, NC 28207 or visit

donate.theatrecharlotte.orgto donate online

YOUR LOCAL THEATRE SINCE 1927Theatre Charlotte has a long history of excellent productions and outstanding theatre opportunities. Since its founding in 1927 as the Charlotte Drama League, the theatre has produced a season of plays every single year. In 1941, the theatre moved into its new home at 501 Queens Road in the heart of historic Myers Park and has been housed there ever since. Over time, Theatre Charlotte has thrived, welcoming more than half a million theatre-goers to more than 3,000 performances.

Theatre Charlotte is committed to making theatre relevant in the lives of more people by demonstrating that theatre engages, inspires and unites communities. Hundreds of volunteers get involved each year as actors, crew members, and ushers, while thousands participate as audience members. We encourage individuals of all ages and experience to be a part of our productions and learn from our professional directors, designers, and staff.

The North Carolina Theatre Conference has named Theatre Charlotte Community Theatre of the Year three times, most recently in 2008. Theatre Charlotte was also named Theatre of the Year by the Metrolina Theatre Association for the 2011-2012 season and our productions, directors, actors, and designers have received numerous awards from the organization annually.

The 2013-2014 season will be our 86th season and will open with our 460th main stage production! Theatre Charlotte is proud of our heritage and excited about our future!

Need Directions?

Scan this QR code with your smart phone, or visit us online at theatrecharlotte.org and click on directions and parking.

SEASON TICKET PLANSChoose the plan that is best for you and SAVE on single ticket prices!

FLEX PLANSUse two vouchers per show or spread them out over several—it’s up to you! Each voucher is exchangeable for one seat. If you purchase a Flex Plan, you can call Theatre Charlotte at 704-376-3777 in advance to secure your seats. We suggest calling at least two weeks prior to the opening of each show to guarantee the best seats.

Choose one of these FLEX PLANS: FLEX 12 $216 (Save at least $7 off the adult ticket price!) 12 vouchers good for 12 admissions to any of our 6 productions.

FLEX 10 $190 (Save at least $6 off the adult ticket price!) 10 vouchers good for 10 admissions to any of our 6 productions.

FLEX 6 $120 (Save at least $5 off the adult ticket price!) 6 vouchers good for 6 admissions to any of our 6 productions.

STAR SEASON TICKET PLAN$100 Adults, $90 Seniors (62+). One reserved seat to each of our five Main Stage productions. Choose your night for each show and receive your tickets prior to the beginning of the season. Star Season Ticket holders will be permitted to exchange once per production. Exchanges must be made at least 24 hours in advance and are dependent on availability. Current Star Season Ticket holders have until June 7 to renew season tickets for 2013-2014 for guaranteed seating priority on the performance days of your choice. You will receive the same seats you had for the 2012-2013 season if you select the same performance day. Beginning July 1, we will fill the orders of new Star Season Ticket holders with the best available seats. ***

***BONUS OPTION FOR STAR SEASON TICKET HOLDERS: You may add A Christmas Carol to your Star Plan for the season ticket price of $20 (adults) or $18 (seniors) per ticket.

All season tickets will be mailed to you in mid-to-late July. If you have any questions, please call Carolina Tix at 704-335-1010.

SINGLE TICKETS: On sale July 22, 2013. Please call 704-372-1000 or visit carolinatix.org to purchase single tickets.

SEASON TICKET FORM - 2013-2014 SEASONロ Renewing Season Tickets ロ New Season TicketsName: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Email:

*Please enclose name and address for each household purchasing season tickets

Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Step 2: Support Theatre Charlotte Step 3: Payment Subscription Subtotal

Handling ChargeGRAND TOTAL

Payment Method: Check (payable to NC Blumenthal Performing Arts Center) Visa Mastercard Discover American Express

Account NumberExpiration Date V. CodeSignature as appears on card

Step 1: Choose Your PlanFLEX PLANS:# Flex 12 Plan @$216 =$# Flex 10 Plan @$190 =$# Flex 6 Plan @$120 =$ Subtotal =$

STAR SEASON TICKET PLANS:# Star Plan (adult) **Bonus Option: # A Christmas Carol tickets (adult) # Star Plan (senior) **Bonus Option: # A Christmas Carol tickets (senior) Subtotal

or call 704.335.1010 (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm) or online at www.carolinatix.orgFor further information visit www.theatrecharlotte.org

Theatre CharlottePO Box 35069 Charlotte, NC 28235

@$100 = $

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@ $ 18 = $

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