A favorite Blue Ridge Mountain tradition returns this month with the opening of Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2020 season. The playhouse — nicknamed little Broadway in the mountains and officially designated the state theater of North Carolina — brings top-notch musicals, plays and concerts to the small community of Flat Rock just south of Hendersonville.
The playhouse team built this year’s “Puttin’ on the Hits” season around two big musicals. “A Chorus Line,” June 12-July 10, makes its playhouse debut, presenting the ups and downs of theater life through song. And “West Side Story,” July 17-Aug. 15, returns to Flat Rock for the first time in 20 years.
“Based on ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ it’s a timeless tale that involves the story of two gangs on opposite sides of the tracks, which we deal with on a day to day basis around the world,” says Matthew Glover, playhouse artistic associate.
A third musical, “Million Dollar Quartet,” brings more than 20 rock ‘n’ roll hits to the stage.
Patrons will enjoy a higher-quality sound experience at this year’s shows thanks to the addition of a new, industry-standard soundboard.
In addition to Broadway classics, Glover and his team will write and produce two original performances. “Autumn at the Opry,” Oct. 23-Nov. 7, promises plenty of pickin’ and grinnin’. And the season finale, “A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas,” Nov. 27-Dec. 20, is a favorite holiday tradition.
The lineup also includes Music on the Rock, a series of tribute concerts. Queen kicks off the season Feb. 13-23. Elvis follows in March, then Fleetwood Mac in April and The Rolling Stones in August. Children particularly enjoy the Studio 52 Family Series, which this year features “Charlotte’s Web” and “The Hobbit.”
Flat Rock Playhouse relies on more than 50 professional actors and approximately 20 apprentices. The playhouse team holds local auditions and spends two weeks auditioning talent in New York City.
“What I love about everyone on staff here is that we all trained and went to school to do what we’re doing,” Glover says. “We build every set piece and costume here. We are locals who moved here specifically to work at the playhouse, and everyone is 110 percent invested in their craft.”
