Curtains Up: Spotlight on the Little Theater

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – In the heart of Cherryville, where the spotlight shines on community values, lies the Cherryville Little Theater. The beloved organization has been an integral part of the city for years.

The Little Theater recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 2023. Established in 1973 by local art lovers, the Little Theater has been a pillar of culture. For half a century this organization has brought imagination and joy to the residents of Cherryville. 

Of course, the Little Theater could not exist without the amazing casts, directors and other volunteers. Wade Stroupe is the treasurer of the Little Theater. He has volunteered with the organization for 40 years, deeply impacted by its mission.

One thing he loves about the Little Theater is its ability to bring people together.

“For 50 years it’s been a place for young, old adults, all ages, all backgrounds, to gather and talk and to perform a theater show, a drama, a musical or something on stage. And that’s been our focus here.” said Stroupe.

The casts and crews of the Little Theater take pride in their work, dedicating hours to honing beautiful productions. The proof is in the performances. After the end of each play, Cherryville residents often rave about the Little Theater.

“I’m most proud of probably from being involved for so many years, is that our mission in a nutshell is to bring quality, theatrical performances to stage and for the enjoyment and entertainment of the Cherryville community.” said Stroupe.

For many participants, the Little Theater offers their first experience in performing arts. Angie Dolan is the organization’s president. She said introducing new actors to the stage is one of her favorite parts of her role. 

“I am a dance and theater teacher, so one of my favorite things about working at the theater is getting to see people falling in love with performing and that first part where it bites you and you become obsessed.” said Dolan. 

The Little Theater’s current production marks the on-stage debut of several actors. It is a musical called Bright Star, featuring a live bluegrass band hand-picked by Little Theater volunteers. The bluegrass musical calls to Cherryville’s historical appreciation of the Appalachian music genre.

Bright Star, written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, grapples with emotional topics through the moving medium of music. This musical marks a unique milestone for the organization. The bluegrass band will be the first live accompaniment for a Little Theater production. 

“We tried to reach out to people in the bluegrass community, and we had people come and audition and we put together a band just for Bright Star.”said Dolan. 

The musical takes place in the mountains of North Carolina, following the protagonist, Alice, through her life’s journey.

Through flashback exposition, the audience moves through time. The musical takes place in 1945 with frequent callbacks to Alice’s young womanhood in the 1920s. Like most life experiences, Alice’s tale is full of twists and turns.

“I’m trying not to give too much away because there are several times in this play where the first time I saw it, I gasped and sat in the audience with my mouth hanging open.” said Dolan with a smile. 

The show premieres on February 23, 2024, and will be performed that weekend (February 23-24) and the following weekend (March 2-3). Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:00 pm, but the Sunday show is at 3:00 pm.

Aside from Bright Star, the Little Theater has several exciting events coming up. The summer show will most likely be The Little Mermaid, directed by Dolan. Auditions will be in May; interested parties should start knocking the dust off their singing voices now. 

Additionally, the Little Theater offers summer camp programs for teens. The writing camp includes script writing lessons and culminates in the performance of plays written by the camp goers. 

“I have attended both of the two previous shows and they were hilarious,” Dolan said, “You would be shocked how creative. And I mean, you felt like you were watching a play that some professional playwright put on.”

There is also a two-week drama camp focused on the acting and rehearsing process. No experience is required for the camps. All aspiring performers aged 13-18 are encouraged to give them a try. 

For more information on upcoming auditions and camps, visit the Little Theater website (https://cherryvillelittletheatre.org/).

The Little Theater is always looking for actors and backstage volunteers. It exists for everyone, acting as a refuge from daily responsibilities and providing an artistic escape. There is a role for everyone, whether you were born to perform or help with the technical side. 

In its 51st year, the Little Theater serves as a reminder that theater is for everyone. Producing elaborate displays of talent and heartwarming productions, this organization lives to serve its community. It is never too late to open the curtain on getting involved with the Cherryville Little Theater. 

Interested in watching Bright Star? Visit the Cherryville Little Theater website for more information: https://cherryvillelittletheatre.org/

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