BY KRISTINA EBBINK
This month, The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem will present Some Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Featuring some of the best music of the twentieth century, from well-loved shows that include The Sound of Music, The King and I, Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, and State Fair, guests of Some Enchanted Evening will experience a fun, lively and intimate journey through the golden age of musical theatre.
This production will also be the theatre company’s grand farewell to the Arts Council Theatre stage.
The Arts Council Theatre, originally a part of the James G. Hanes Community Center, has been The Little Theatre’s home since the building’s opening in 1957. The Arts Council recently sold the building on Coliseum Drive and asked The Little Theatre and the NC Black Repertory Company, its two remaining tenants, to vacate by August 1st. The Little Theatre will perform the last show of its 83rd season, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), at the Hanesbrands Theatre downtown in June, and will move its administrative offices and costume shop sometime this summer.
“When we selected Some Enchanted Evening last season, we had no idea that this would be the last mainstage production we would do in this space,” commented The Little Theatre’s former artistic director, Edwin Martinat III, who is the production designer for the musical. “It’s making it a very special show for us – for everyone involved.” The Little Theatre has produced almost all of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals represented in Some Enchanted Evening over the past 61 years at the Arts Council Theatre, so the company sees this as an opportunity not only to celebrate the beautiful music the songwriters created, but also to acknowledge the many happy years it has spent in this location.
“While I am thrilled to be a part of Some Enchanted Evening because of the spectacular array of music it contains, I am also honored to be a part of this show because it will be our last at the Arts Council Theatre,” mentioned Mary Lea Dominick, who plays the role of Anna in Some Enchanted Evening. “I’ve loved working here. It’s a place where I’ve met some of my closest friends and I will always treasure that. Coming to this theatre is like coming home.”
The other members of this talented cast – Marilyn Gaylord, Troy Hurst, Chuck King, and Mary Mendenhall – share Mary Lea’s strong attachment to the music and to the space. “I grew up listening to the beautiful music of Rodgers and Hammerstein and love the stories they tell through song,” notes Troy Hurst, who plays the role of Will. “Each cast mate is amazing and we all realize the somberness of the responsibility, in creating a final memorable and worthy tribute to The Little Theatre’s time here. We are ready and up to the task and we’ll create a stellar show. Memories will be made, tears will be shed, and a good time will be had by all!”
Audiences will enjoy hearing such musical classics as “Shall We Dance?” (The King and I), The Surrey With the Fringe on Top” (Oklahoma!), “I Enjoy Being a Girl” (Flower Drum Song), and “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair” (South Pacific). “Singing in a Rodgers and Hammerstein revue allows me to perform several of the roles that I have always wanted to play – all in one production!” noted Mary Mendenhall, who plays the role of Julie.
“It will be a love letter to the theatre,” commented Some Enchanted Evening director Mark Flora. “The music will bring back memories of wonderful Little Theatre productions performed on this stage, but we’re going to make this show very fresh and optimistic, too. Our cast is incredibly talented, and we plan to have a lot of fun. It will definitely be something for the whole family to enjoy.”
Details:
- Some Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein
- April 13-15 & 19-22, 2018
- Thursday-Saturday performances at 7:30 pm; Sunday matinees at 2 pm
- Arts Council Theatre, 610 Coliseum Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
- Show runs approximately 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission
- Tickets are $27.50; group discounts are available
- Opening Night Reception, hosted by Compass Financial Services and Raffaldini Vineyards, begins at 6:30 pm on Friday, April 13, in the lobby
- Appropriate for all ages
- Sponsored by The Law Offices of Timothy D. Welborn and BB&T
- Tickets: orgor (336) 725-4001
