What’s New at Highlands Performing Arts Center
Since its inception in 1999, the Highlands Performing Arts Center (PAC) has entertained the town’s residents and visitors with a comprehensive schedule of live theatrical productions and concerts each year. In addition, live screenings from The Metropolitan Opera, documentaries from Great Art On Screen, and shows from the National Theatre of London have contributed to the cultural enrichment of our area.
This year will also welcome back first-run movies to the Plateau, providing a taste of Hollywood in our beloved mountains! Movie selections and times will be announced on the Highlands PAC website and tickets can be purchased online or at the box office inside the Martin Lipscomb Theater. To learn more about the Highlands Performing Arts Center, visit highlandsperformingarts.com.
Highlands Performing Arts Center, Photography by NC Living Staff
Concerts at the PAC
Concerts at the PAC begin at 7:30 PM.
MOJO & The Bayou Gypsies
Saturday, May 4
Mojo & The Bayou Gypsies, a dynamic musical collective hailing from the cultural hub of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, is led by the magnetic Mojo. United, Mojo & The Bayou Gypsies craft an exhilarating musical voyage that celebrates Louisiana’s cultural roots while adding their own distinctive twist. Seamlessly blending traditional influences with Mojo’s innovative Red Hot Mojo Music, the band offers audiences an unforgettable journey straight to the heart of the Bayou. To learn more about Mojo & The Bayou Gypsies, visit redhotmojo.com.
Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll
Saturday, June 29
A behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating history of Rock & Roll, the music genre that changed the world forever. Neil Berg shares stories and tunes from the 1940s through the 1980s, including tributes to iconic acts such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Frankie Valli, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Motown, Aretha Franklin, The Who, Janis Joplin, Woodstock, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Linda Ronstadt, Bruce Springsteen, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Disco, New Wave, Journey, and more! To learn more about Neil Berg’s 50 years of Rock & Roll, visit neilberg.com.
The Texas Tenors
Friday, July 5
You might have seen these classically trained, versatile tenors on NBC’s America’s Got Talent: The Champions. Recently inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, three-time Emmy award winners The Texas Tenors have embarked upon their 15th Anniversary Tour throughout the nation. Audiences are treated to a range of new music along with rousing patriotic favorites, in genres ranging from classical to country, for an unforgettable evening. To learn more about The Texas Tenors, visit thetexastenors.com.
Chi-Town Transit Authority
Thursday, August 15
An eight-piece tribute band founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2017, Chi-Town Transit Authority recreates the Chicago concert experience without any pre-recorded tracks. Choosing from an extensive catalog of Chicago hits dating all the way back to the 1960s, the band of highly dedicated musicians meticulously designs a show that involves the audience to bring down the house! To learn more about Chi-Town Transit Authority, visit chitownband.net.
End of the Line
Saturday, September 7
With sold-out shows throughout the Southeast, End of the Line has made a name for itself as the premier Allman Brothers tribute band — even earning an official endorsement from The Big House, the original band’s museum. Come out for a night of memorable tunes as we celebrate the legacy and ramblin’ spirit of one of the greatest classic American bands. To learn more about End of the Line, visit endofthelineband.com.
Darren Nicholson
Saturday, September 28
Darren has graced hallowed halls of country music’s sacred stages, The Grand Ole Opry numerous times as one of the founding members of Balsam Range. After 15 years with Balsam Range, this wanderer, which is the name of his latest solo album, has broken out on his own and gripped listeners with powerful ballads. Don’t miss your chance to let your inner wanderer free for an evening. To learn more about Darren Nicholson, visit darrennicholson.net.
Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas Featuring Maggie O’Connor
Friday, November 29
Usher in the Christmas season with Mark and Maggie O’Connor as they share a repertoire of holiday tunes presented in a unique Appalachian style. Since their meeting in 2014, the couple have collaborated to produce an inspired collection of both original songs and reimagined popular melodies. Both Grammy award winners for their bluegrass performances in the O’Connor Band, Mark and Maggie are set to grace the stage for a festive show to kick off the holidays! To learn more about Mark and Maggie O’Connor, visit markandmaggieoconnor.com.
Fabulous Equinox Orchestra
PRE-New Year’s Eve Party and Concert
Monday, December 30
Introducing your new favorite duo: Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson, accompanied by their dynamic big band! Loved by audiences nationwide and beyond, these Southern gentlemen bring their infectious energy and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra to the stage. Inspired by the legends of entertainment, they put their own spin on the Great American songbook with iconic melodies and captivating stories. From Motown to country, their diverse repertoire serves up a musical feast that delights every listener. To learn more about The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, visit equinoxorchestra.com.
Live On Screen at the PAC
Madama Butterfly
Saturday, May 11
Begins at 12:55 PM
Spectacular sopranos Aleksandra Kurzak and Asmik Grigorian take on the challenging role of Cio-Cio-San, the devoted geisha central to Puccini’s heartbreaking tale. Tenors Matthew Polenzani and Jonathan Tetelman co-star as the remorseless American naval officer Pinkerton, whose actions lead to her downfall. Sharing the role of Suzuki, the unwavering maid, are Mezzo-sopranos Elizabeth DeShong and Eve Gigliotti, while baritones Davide Luciano and Lucas Meachem portray the American consul Sharpless. Esteemed conductor Xian Zhang makes her Met debut, guiding Anthony Minghella’s vibrant production to life. To learn more about Madama Butterfly, visit metopera.org.
Fleabag (Encore)
Saturday, June 8
Begins at 1 PM
Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (known for Fleabag and Killing Eve) and directed by Vicky Jones, Fleabag offers a captivating portrayal of a woman navigating life on her own terms. While Fleabag may appear sexually adventurous, emotionally raw, and self-absorbed, there’s more beneath the surface. As her relationships strain and her guinea pig café faces challenges, Fleabag finds herself at a crossroads, with everything to gain and nothing to lose. To learn more about Fleabag, visit nationaltheatre.org.uk.
Highlands Performing Arts Center, Photography by NC Living Staff
Mountain Theatre Company
Highlands' Mountain Theatre Company prides itself on serving up Broadway-quality productions in a cozy mountain town. From its birth as a community theater troupe in the 1930s, the organization has gradually matured into a fully professional theater company with an ambitious schedule of four shows per year. Each year, auditions can be submitted virtually through the Mountain Theatre Company’s website. These auditions allow the company to recruit talented actors, singers, and dancers to perform in Highlands, where audiences are delighted to experience a range of carefully curated and skillfully performed musicals.
The company endeavors to present a range of classic, well-known shows combined with fresh, new material, always with the goal of appealing to a broad audience. In 2023, they smashed previous attendance numbers, with a record number of theater-goers flocking to productions. Subsequently, the company was honored with 41 nominations from the 2023 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards in Charlotte, North Carolina.
While a separate organization from the Highlands Performing Arts Center, Mountain Theatre Company complements the PAC’s new state-of-the-art venue as one of the resident professional theater companies. It showcases its talented performers along with outstanding set and costume design. Having occupied The Highlands Playhouse for many decades, the company made the move to the new PAC in 2023. The venue allows for a greater range of creative freedom and accommodates an audience of over 250 attendees.
The performing arts are alive and well in Highlands, and Mountain Theatre Company is excited to announce the schedule for its 86th season on the Plateau. To learn more about the Mountain Theatre Company, visit mountaintheatre.com.
Grease
June 5 — June 22
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Get ready to relive the magic of Grease with the Mountain Theatre Company! Featuring all the iconic tunes you adore, like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “You’re the One That I Want,” and “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” this multi-Tony-winning spectacle has secured its place as a classic. Step back in time to 1959 with Rydell High’s senior class, where drive-in movies, sock-hops, and the sassy Pink Ladies defined an era.
Catch Me If You Can
July 24 — August 10
Book by Terrence McNally, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Embark on an exhilarating journey with Catch Me If You Can, a sensational musical comedy inspired by the remarkable true story of Frank Abagnale Jr. Made famous by the hit film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, this high-flying production captures the glamour and intrigue of the 1960s jet-set era. Follow young Frank as he flees home in pursuit of fame and fortune, using his charm and cunning to assume various identities, from pilot to doctor to lawyer. But when his audacious escapades attract the attention of the FBI, a thrilling global chase ensues, blending high-energy dance numbers with a captivating narrative.
The Burnt Part Boys
October 11 — October 26
Book by Mariana Elder, music by Chris Miller, and lyrics by Nathan Tysen
Set in an Appalachian mining town, The Burnt Part Boys features the heartwarming adventure of two brothers who, along with their friends, embark upon a journey to the site of a mining accident that claimed their father’s life years before. The heartfelt bluegrass-inspired score has inspired audiences since the musical’s debut in 2010.
Home for the Holidays
December 6 — December 22
Written by Scott Daniel and Matthew McGee
A town tradition in Highlands, Home for the Holidays promises to lead off the most magical season of the year with its original script, festive holiday music, energetic choreography, and dazzling costumes. It’s a can’t-miss show for those visiting or living in Highlands this December!
Highlands Performing Arts Center, Photography by NC Living Staff
Highlands Cashiers Players
What’s a quaint small town without a local community theater troupe? Made up of actors from the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and beyond, the Highlands Cashiers Players make their own original contribution to the culture of the area while providing opportunities for enthusiastic residents to showcase their talents.
Founded in 1995 as the Highlands Community Players, the group later merged with theater lovers in their twin town of Cashiers. Together, participants from the two towns and surrounding areas are able to support four shows per year, along with their traditional holiday reading each Christmas season. The entire community is invited to participate in diverse opportunities such as acting, directing, set design and building, technical support, backstage assistance, and more. The organization’s needs are supported through volunteers, ticket sales, sponsors, and private donations.
With a motto of “good plays, well done,” the Players seek to entertain audiences with quality shows performed by recognizable members of their community, many with considerable professional and amateur experience performing both regionally and nationally. Also housed at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, shows are scheduled throughout the year with season tickets available for purchase. To learn more about the Highlands Cashiers Players, visit highlandscashiersplayers.com.
Always a Bridesmaid
Thursdays through Sundays
May 9 — 19
Written by Jones Hope Wooton. Directed by Ricky Siegel
In this uproarious comedy, four lifelong friends pledge to uphold a vow made on the night of their Senior Prom: to stand by each others’ sides at their weddings, no matter what. Three decades later, these Southern belles are still honoring that pact, despite the chaotic twists and turns of love and matrimony. Always a Bridesmaid is an entertaining comedy that asks, “How far will you go to keep a promise to a friend?”
The Lifespan of a Fact
Thursdays through Sundays
August 22 — September 1
Written by John D’Agata. Directed by Michael Lanzilotta
Based on the book, The Lifespan of a Fact, this thought-provoking play follows the innovative essayist John D’Agata and fact-checker Jim Fingal. The saga begins with D’Agata’s rejected essay, which later evolves into his acclaimed work, About a Mountain. Over seven years, D’Agata and Fingal embark on a journey of arguments and negotiations, delving deep into the realms of “truth” versus “accuracy.” This play beautifully weaves comedic relief throughout the passionate battles, giving audiences a glimpse into the creative process merging with the harsh reality of fact.
Holiday Special
December
Specific dates and details were not available at the time of publishing this issue. Please refer to the Highlands Cashiers Players website, highlandscashiersplayers.com, to learn more.