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PRESS RELEASE
July 28, 2010
Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place
2 South Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Ellis, Managing Director
Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place
Office Ph#: (828) 257-4512
E-Mail: jellis@dwtheatre com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
What:
Diana Wortham Theatre 2010/2011 Mainstage Series
Who:
Dougie MacLean; Pilobolus; Aquila Theatre Company; Turtle Island
Quartet with Mike Marshall; A Swannanoa Solstice; Comedian Billy D.
Washington; Viver Brasil Dance; Dervish; The Paul McKenna Band
When:
September 2010 – May 2011
Where:
Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place
Tickets on sale: August 19th for all events
Info/Tickets: Box Office (828) 257-4530
www.dwtheatre.com
For a season brochure: Call the box office at (828) 257-4530
THE DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE AT PACK PLACE ANNOUNCES THE
2010/2011 MAINSTAGE SEASON
The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place announces the schedule of performances for
its 2010/2011 Mainstage Series. The Mainstage Series presents a wide range of top
touring artists in music, theater, dance and other performing arts. Tickets for all events
are on sale August 19th and are available online at www.dwtheatre.com as well as from
the box office at (828) 257-4530.
The 2010/2011 Mainstage Series season opens on September 23, 2010 with songwriter,
guitarist and fiddler Dougie MacLean who is one of Scotland’s most respected and
popular musicians and a returning favorite to Asheville. MacLean’s performance is part
of the 2010/2011 Special Attraction Series which also includes: A Swannanoa Solstice
(two shows December 19, 2010), an ensemble of world renowned recording artists lead
by Al Petteway, Amy White and Robin Bullock, returning for the 8th annual performance
of joyful, thoughtful seasonal celebration; and the sharp, clever Billy D. Washington
(March 11, 2011) whose talents as a stand-up comedian and musician have taken him
from a career as a policeman to being the popular opening act for Aretha Franklin.
Brand new this season is the 2010/2011 Bluegrass Series with three top acts: a perfect
blend of string band traditions and youthful creativity, Bearfoot (September 25, 2010)
showcases bluegrass licks with pop influences that appeal to traditionalists as well as
“newgrass” audiences; heralded as the best new act in bluegrass and winners of multiple
International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awards, Dailey &Vincent (October
30, 2010) light up the stage with a deeply rooted respect and admiration for their art; and
Mountain Heart (March 18, 2011), redefining acoustic music with virtuosity,
unmatched energy, and entertainment dynamics -- joined by guitar legend Tony Rice.
The 2010/2011 Mainstage Dance Series, recognized for its presentation of some of the
nation’s foremost dance companies, presents: acclaimed for its mix of humor, invention,
and drama, Pilobolus (January 21 & 22, 2011) began as an experiment among three guys
in a Dartmouth College dance class back in 1970 and is now one of the country’s most
popular performing arts troupes; Doug Varone and Dancers (February 9 & 10, 2011)
kinetically thrilling dances make essential connections and mine the complexity of the
human spirit, commanding attention for its expansive vision, versatility and technical
prowess; the award-winning innovative stage presentation of Viver Brasil (April 5 & 6,
2011) brilliantly explores Brazil's racial, social, and political history through exhilarating
movement, stunning costumes, pulsating percussion, and voice.
The 2010/2011 Music Series presents an amazing array of artists whose sounds are so
unique and distinct that none is a substitute for another: Sweet Plantain String Quartet
(February 19, 2011) launches the Series fusing Latin, classical, jazz and contemporary
sounds through compositions and improvisation; rescheduled after a winter storm last
season, the pop-opera crossover sensation Destino (April 8, 2011) is comprised of three
classically trained professional tenors and an accompanying violinist delivering romantic,
award-winning opera via pop, gospel, and soul selections; and two time Grammy awardwinning Turtle Island Quartet (May 6, 2011) joined by special guest Mike Marshall
for an evening of fresh, inventive, not-your-grandparents’ chamber music.
The 2010/2011 Mainstage Theatre Series features four exciting performances: ‘S
Wonderful - The New Gershwin Musical is an all-singing, all-dancing musical revue
which incorporates five mini-musicals inspired by the real events occurring in and around
the lives of the Gershwin brothers (two shows October 16, 2010); a dramatic staging of
the critically acclaimed book by Tim Tyson, Blood Done Sign My Name (October 21,
2010) addresses America’s painful racial history; and the inventive and highly lauded
Aquila Theatre Company returns to Asheville for back-to-back performances of Nobel
Laureate Luigi Pirandello’s poignant and hilarious Six Characters in Search of an
Author (February 4, 2011) which dares to ask questions about the very nature of art and
entertainment and contemplates the blurry line between reality and artifice; and
Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (February 5, 2011),
which explores the universal theme of love through Aquila’s fresh and imaginative
interpretation.
The 2010/2011 Celtic Series presents four distinct bands in the Scots-Irish tradition: with
crystalline vocals and insightful songwriting, former Cherish the Ladies front woman
Cathie Ryan (February 25, 2011) is a treasured voice in Celtic music; at the forefront of
this genre for over two decades, high energy favorite Dervish (March 24, 2011) evokes
the spirited pubs and wild beauty of the west of Ireland; The Paul McKenna Band (May
7, 2011) is one of the hottest, fastest-rising young groups in Scotland, and its
contemporary approach to traditional instrumentation has already earned the group “best
band of its generation” accolades; and the legendary group De Danann (May 27, 2011)
takes the stage -- having been at the heart of the remarkable evolution of modern Irish
music since the 1970s.
The 2010/2011 Mainstage School Show Series is a full schedule of shows designed to
complement the classroom curriculum of area students and teachers. Serving more than
5,000 students and educators every year, the series features first-rate performances,
detailed study guides designed by educators, and post-show question-and-answer
sessions. This year’s Mainstage School Show Series includes: Brown vs. The Board of
Education (October 20, 2010); The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (December 20 &
21, 2010); Fancy Nancy and Other Stories (January 31, 2011); A Midsummer Night’s
Dream (February 7, 2011); Doug Varone and Dancers (February 10, 2011); My Heart
in a Suitcase (March 17 & 18, 2011); Viver Brasil Dance (April 6, 2011); and If You
Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books (April 28 & 29, 2011).
Tickets for all shows go on sale August 19th with two cost-saving options for multiple
ticket purchases. The most popular option is the theatre’s Pick 5 Series pass – discounted
tickets to any five shows in the season. A Super Saver Series pass, for admission to 13 or
more events at only $24 per event, may be shared among business clients, employees,
family members and friends. The Pick 5 and the Super Saver Series ticket options offer
substantial savings over the cost of individual performances.
The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place is located in the Pack Square Cultural District
within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. The intimate theatre seats just
over 500 and boasts exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making it the premier
performance space in all of Western North Carolina. The Mainstage Series is supported
by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. The Mainstage Series
2010/2011 Season Sponsors are the Asheville Citizen-Times, Creative Energy, Laurey’s
Catering and Gourmet-to-go, the North Carolina Arts Council, and Asheville Renaissance
Hotel. To obtain more information on the Mainstage Series or to purchase tickets, call the
theatre’s box office at (828) 257-4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com.
###
Calendar Listings
Dougie MacLean September 23, 2010
Dougie MacLean is one of Scotland's most respected and popular musicians and one of
the most requested returning performers in the Mainstage Series. A singer/songwriter,
composer and magical performer, he is best known for his moving song “Caledonia” and
melody “The Gael” (as heard in The Last of the Mohicans). Mainstage Special Attraction
Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Thursday, September 23, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
Regular $35; Senior $33; Student $30; Children 12 and under $12; Student Rush day-ofthe-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at
www.dwtheatre.com.
Bearfoot September 25, 2010
Winner of the acclaimed Telluride Bluegrass Band Contest, Bearfoot showcases
bluegrass licks that appeal to traditionalists as well as “newgrass” audiences with pop
influences. Mainstage Bluegrass Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Saturday,
September 25, 2010, 8:00 p.m. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25; Children 12 and
under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 2574530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
'S Wonderful - The New Gershwin Musical October 16, 2010: Two Shows
‘S Wonderful - The New Gershwin Musical is an all-singing, all-dancing musical revue
that incorporates five mini-musicals inspired by the real events occurring in and around
the lives of the Gershwin brothers. Mainstage Theatre Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at
Pack Place. Saturday, October 16, 2010, 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Regular $35; Senior $33;
Student $30; Children 12 and under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.)
$10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Brown vs. The Board of Education October 20, 2010
A one-man show portraying the Supreme Court’s historic 1954 decision making
segregation unconstitutional. School Show Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place.
October 20, 2010, 10:00 a.m. Show open to community based on availability. Tickets $6$11. Individual tickets or information, (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Group tickets or information, (828) 257-4544 x 307.
Blood Done Sign My Name October 21, 2010
A dramatic staging of the critically acclaimed book by Tim Tyson, Blood Done Sign My
Name addresses America’s painful racial history. For mature audiences only. Mainstage
Theatre Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Thursday, October 21, 2010, 8:00
p.m. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid
I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Dailey & Vincent
October 30, 2010
Dailey & Vincent is one of the nation's most celebrated new bluegrass acts. Both
members of the duo are career bluegrass musicians who never depart from the core
sensibility of the genre while also beautifully pushing the bluegrass envelope. Mainstage
Bluegrass Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Saturday, October 30, 2010,
8:00 p.m. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25; Children 12 and under $12; Student
Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at
www.dwtheatre.com.
A Swannanoa Solstice December 19, 2010: Two Shows
A Swannanoa Solstice is an ensemble of world renowned recording artists lead by Al
Petteway and wife Amy White. It is an Asheville holiday tradition, returning for the 8th
annual performance of joyful, thoughtful seasonal celebration. Mainstage Special
Attraction Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Sunday, December 19, 2010,
2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Regular $35; Senior $33; Student $30; Children 12 and under $12;
Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or
online at www.dwtheatre.com.
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe December 20 & 21, 2010
A musical based on C.S. Lewis’ imaginative adventure story about four children who
travel to the magical land of Narnia. School Show Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at
Pack Place. Monday & Tuesday, December 20 & 21, 2010; 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. both
days. Show open to community based on availability. Tickets $6-$11. Individual tickets
or information, (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com. Group tickets or
information, (828) 257-4544 x 307.
Pilobolus January 21 & 22, 2011
Acclaimed for its mix of humor, invention, and drama, Pilobolus began as an experiment
among three guys in a Dartmouth College dance class back in 1970, who goofed around
and got entangled in various science-inspired poses and movements. Mainstage Dance
Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Friday & Saturday, January 21 & 22,
2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $45; Senior $43; Student $40; Children 12 and under $12;
Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or
online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Fancy Nancy and Other Stories January 31, 2011
Children will love this musical revue featuring six stories, including popular “Fancy
Nancy” and “Duck for President.” School Show Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack
Place. January 31, 2011, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. Show open to community based on
availability. Tickets $6-$11. Individual tickets or information, (828) 257-4530 or online
at www.dwtheatre.com. Group tickets or information, (828) 257-4544 x 307.
Six Characters in Search of an Author February 4, 2011
Aquila Theatre presents an exciting new production of Nobel Laureate Luigi Pirandello's
famous drama. Six Characters in Search of an Author dares to ask fundamental
questions about the very nature of art and entertainment, blurring the line between reality
and artifice. Mainstage Theatre Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Friday,
February 4, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $35; Senior $33; Student $30; Children 12 and
under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 2574530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
A Midsummer Night's Dream February 5, 2011
Aquila Theatre presents an exciting new production of the timeless Shakespeare comedy
A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Set against a classical Athenian backdrop, A Midsummer
Night's Dream explores the universal theme of love through Aquila’s fresh and
imaginative interpretation. Mainstage Theatre Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack
Place. Saturday, February 5, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $35; Senior $33; Student $30;
Children 12 and under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10.
Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream February 7, 2011
Shakespeare’s classic comedy comes to life in this full-length play about love, jealousy,
confusion and marriage. School Show Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place.
February 7, 2011, 10:00 a.m. Show open to community based on availability. Tickets $6$11. Individual tickets or information, (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Group tickets or information, (828) 257-4544 x 307.
Doug Varone and Dancers February 9 & 10, 2011
Doug Varone and Dancers’ kinetically thrilling dances make essential connections and
mine the complexity of the human spirit, commanding attention for its expansive vision,
versatility and technical prowess. Mainstage Dance Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at
Pack Place. Wednesday & Thursday, February 9 & 10, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $35;
Senior $33; Student $30; Children 12 and under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show
(with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Doug Varone and Dancers February 10, 2011
Stimulate your students’ imagination with this internationally-renowned modern dance
company whose works are known for their exuberance, emotion, and strong connection
to the human spirit. School Show Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place.
Thursday, February 10, 2011, 10:00 a.m. Show open to community based on availability.
Tickets $6-$11. Individual tickets or information, (828) 257-4530 or online at
www.dwtheatre.com. Group tickets or information, (828) 257-4544 x 307.
Sweet Plantain String Quartet February 19, 2011
Sweet Plantain is a refreshingly new string quartet that thrills audiences with original
compositions and contemporary works by Latin American composers. Mainstage Music
Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Saturday, February 19, 2011, 8:00 p.m.
Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25; Children 12 and under $12; Student Rush day-ofthe-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at
www.dwtheatre.com.
Cathie Ryan February 25, 2011
Named Irish Female Vocalist of the Decade and awarded the Concert of the Year Award
by Chicago’s Irish American News, Cathie Ryan’s captivating vocals place her firmly in
the vanguard of Celtic performers. Mainstage Celtic Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at
Pack Place. Friday, February 25, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25;
Children 12 and under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10.
Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Billy D. Washington March 11, 2011
The clever and quirky comedian Billy D. Washington is a top-notch stand-up comedian
and an enormously talented musician. Often incorporating deft keyboard playing into his
comedy act, his talents have taken him from a career as a policeman to being the opening
act for Aretha Franklin. For mature audiences only. Mainstage Special Attraction Series,
Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Friday, March 11, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $30;
Senior $28; Student $25; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10.
Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
My Heart in a Suitcase March 17 & 18, 2011
A survivor’s story, set during the Nazi Holocaust, which teaches children the importance
of combating intolerance. School Show Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place.
Thursday & Friday, March 17 & 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. both days. Shows
open to community based on availability. Tickets $6-$11. Individual tickets or
information, (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com. Group tickets or
information, (828) 257-4544 x 307.
Mountain Heart with Tony Rice March 18, 2011
Mountain Heart's musical virtuosity, unmatched energy, and entertainment dynamics
appeal to a wide variety of musical tastes. Appearing with Mountain Heart is guitar
legend Tony Rice, who spans the range of acoustic music. Mainstage Bluegrass Series,
Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Friday, March 18, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $30;
Senior $28; Student $25; Children 12 and under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show
(with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Dervish March 24, 2011
At the forefront of Celtic music for over two decades, Dervish is one of the all-time great
Irish traditional bands. Be transported by the remarkable energy of this magical band and
its charismatic singer, Cathy Jordan, to an Irish session evocative of the spirited pubs and
wild beauty of the west of Ireland. Mainstage Celtic Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at
Pack Place. Thursday, March 24, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25;
Children 12 and under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10.
Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Viver Brasil
April 5 & 6, 2011
The award-winning Viver Brasil takes audiences for an inspiring cultural journey
through Brazil, featuring a dazzling program of African orixás (deified ancestral saints),
ceremonial celebrations, the martial arts/dance form of capoeira, and lively Carnaval
with Feet on the Ground. Mainstage Dance Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack
Place. Tuesday & Wednesday, April 5 & 6, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $35; Senior $33;
Student $30; Children 12 and under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.)
$10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
Viver Brasil Dance Company April 6, 2011
Fusing Brazilian and African dance styles, this energetic dance company brings ancient
stories to life through contemporary movement. School Show Series, Diana Wortham
Theatre at Pack Place. Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 10:00 a.m. Show open to community
based on availability. Tickets $6-$11. Individual tickets or information, (828) 257-4530
or online at www.dwtheatre.com. Group tickets or information, (828) 257-4544 x 307.
Destino April 8, 2011
Pop with an opera flair, Destino enthralls by combining the romance of opera with pop,
gospel, and soul selections delivered via its three award-winning, classically trained
professional tenors. Mainstage Music Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place.
Friday, April 8, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25; Children 12 and
under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 2574530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & other story books April 28 & 29, 2011
When a boy shares his snack with a hungry, demanding mouse, he learns a hilarious
lesson about cause-and-effect. School Show Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack
Place. Thursday & Friday, April 28 & 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. both days
Shows open to community based on availability. Tickets $6-$11. Individual tickets or
information, (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com. Group tickets or
information, (828) 257-4544 x 307.
Turtle Island Quartet with Special Guest Mike Marshall May 6, 2011
Two-time Grammy winning Turtle Island Quartet joins Mike Marshall, a favorite of
Asheville classical and bluegrass audiences, as they undertake a musical journey across
the American landscape. Mainstage Music Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place.
Friday, May 6, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25; Children 12 and
under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 2574530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
The Paul McKenna Band May 7, 2011
The Paul McKenna Band is one of the hottest, fastest-rising young groups in Scotland,
and their contemporary approach to traditional instrumentation have already earned raves
as the “best band of its generation.” Mainstage Celtic Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at
Pack Place. Saturday, May 7, 2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25;
Children 12 and under $12; Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10.
Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or online at www.dwtheatre.com.
De Danann May 27, 2011
To the delight of Celtic music lovers, the legendary group De Danann takes the stage
after having been at the heart of the remarkable evolution of modern Irish music since the
’70’s. Mainstage Celtic Series, Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place. Friday, May 27,
2011, 8:00 p.m. Regular $30; Senior $28; Student $25; Children 12 and under $12;
Student Rush day-of-the-show (with valid I.D.) $10. Tickets/Info: (828) 257-4530 or
online at www.dwtheatre.com.