Here are 10 of the plays and musicals we can’t wait to see this spring
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Spring Arts 2019
The Triangle guide to music, art, theater, dance, festivals and books in Spring 2019.
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The Triangle theater scene is uncommonly diverse and always busy.
Show business professionals will tell you it’s one of the most accomplished and mutually supportive theater communities in America. In addition to the big touring shows that swing though the major venues, the Triangle hosts dozens of innovative productions each season from a wide array of professional, independent, community and university theater companies.
Here’s a sampling of some of the spring’s most interesting options.
“Men On Boats”
Based on the true story of an 1869 expedition through the American West, “Men on Boats” deliberately gender-switches the roles to present a new kind of historical adventure. It’s a story of men on boats with neither men nor boats. Theater!
The details: Feb. 8-24, The Justice Theater Project, Umstead Park United Church of Christ, 8208 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh. thejusticetheaterproject.org
“Cabaret”
The immortal Tony Award-winning classic gets a reboot from the staff and students at NC State’s University Theatre company. The Kit Kat Klub! Sally Bowles! The Master of Ceremonies! Support your local theater major, won’t you?
The details: Feb. 20-24, Stewart Theatre, Talley Student Union, 2610 Cates Drive, Raleigh at N.C. State University. theatre.arts.ncsu.edu
“Life of Galileo”
A strong contender for this year’s Most Relevant to Our Endangered Civilization award, this highly anticipated production chronicles the fate of historical polymath Galileo and his struggle to promote reason over dogma. Facts matter. Directed by Playmakers Artistic Director Vivienne Benesch.
The details: Feb. 27-March 17, PlayMakers Repertory Company, 120 Country Club Road, Chapel Hill at UNC. playmakersrep.org
“Dear Evan Hansen”
Winner of six Tony Awards, the Broadway sensation on digital age tragedy has been called one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history. Only a few seats are still available, so act fast or be prepared to navigate the treacherous secondary ticket market.
The details: March 12-17, Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham. dpacnc.com
“Where Words Once Were”
“Words” is a dystopian science-fiction adventure set in a future city where language is rationed. Aimed at the YA crowd, kids 9 and up are encouraged to check it out. Remember, parents, speculative fiction is good for developing young minds.
The details: March 22-April 7, Theatre Raleigh, Kennedy Theatre, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. theatreraleigh.com
“The Great Celestial Cow”
When Indian mom Sita and her children leave India to join dad in England, they’re forced to sell the family cow. The cow makes the trip anyway. Kind of. A comic and heartfelt story from the late, great British humorist Sue Townsend.
The details: April 11-28, Burning Coal Theatre, 224 Polk Street, Raleigh. burningcoal.org
“Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”
Sherlock Holmes nerds will want to pencil in this one, a comedic take on the detective’s famous Baskerville case with elements of humor, horror and stage magic.
The details: April 12-28, Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh. raleighlittletheatre.org
“Maytle’s World”
How about some theater at the farm? As part of Theatre Raleigh’s new works series, 2015-17 North Carolina Poet Laureate Shelby Stephenson will present his new play “Maytle’s World” in a staged reading at Stephenson’s Farm in Benson. Check the website for more information on charter bus service to this dinner-and-a-show event.
The details: April 13, Theatre Raleigh, theatreraleigh.com
“Murder for Two”
Tucked in-between the spring’s marquee productions (“The King and I” and “Annie”), the musical comedy “Murder for Two” promises to be a showcase of double-act stagecraft as two performers play 13 different roles – plus the piano.
The details: April 26-May 5, North Carolina Theatre, A. J. Fletcher Opera Theater, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. nctheatre.com
“Church & State”
Another of-the-moment offering, “Church & State” tells the story of a fictional school shooting – in Raleigh, by the way – and the subsequent fallout as media, religion, politics and public policy collide.
The details: April 26-May 12, North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre. 7713-51 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh. nract.org
This story was originally published February 12, 2019 at 12:28 PM with the headline "Here are 10 of the plays and musicals we can’t wait to see this spring."
