Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps

June 21-July 7, 2024

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:30 PM

ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S THE 39 STEPS

By Patrick Barlow. Based on the novel by John Buchan and the film by Alfred Hitchcock. 

June 21-July 7, 2024

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:30 PM

ABOUT THE SHOW

Prepare yourself for a whirlwind adventure of suspense and comedy with Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps. This fast-paced play is a unique adaptation of the 1935 classic Hitchcock thriller film, infused with a healthy dose of Monty Python-style humor. The story revolves around the central character, Richard Hannay, who inadvertently gets tangled in a mysterious web of spies, murder, and love. Remarkably, the entire riveting narrative unfolds through the talents of just four actors, who collectively portray over 150 characters, masterfully switching roles with lightning speed. Brimming with clever references to Hitchcock’s filmography, wry British humor, and ingeniously crafted theatrical inventiveness, The 39 Steps promises a rollicking evening of entertainment that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.

A talkback with the cast & crew of The 39 Steps will be held following the performances on June 23rd and 30th. 

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
DATE TBA: Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired

DATE TBA: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Content Awareness

This production is rated PG-13. 

Bat Boy: The Musical

July 21 - August 6, 2023

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm

Based on the sensational story published in The Weekly World News, Bat Boy: The Musical is a fang-tastic rock musical that takes you on a wild journey into the life of a half-boy, half-bat creature. Discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia, Bat Boy is taken in by the town veterinarian’s family and sets off on quest for acceptance, love, and the truth about his unholy origins. Through humor, heart, and an incredible rock musical score, the show explores themes of prejudice, compassion, and what it truly means to be human.

Indulge your curiosity and uncover the shocking secrets that lie beneath the surface of this simple mountain town.

VIEW THE PLAYBILL

READ THE ASHEVILLE STAGES REVIEW

Sunday, July 23: Q&A Matinee with Post-Show Talkback

Accessibility

Saturday, Aug 5, 2023: ASL-Interpreted Performance

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

Content Disclosure: This show contains blatant violence, drug use, and sexual situations which some patrons may find disturbing. Patron discretion is advised. 

Photosensitivity Disclosure: this show contains several sequences of flashing lights which may affect patrons who are photosensitive. 

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Promo Videos

Bright Star

April 21 - May 14, 2023

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm

VIEW PLAYBILL

Set in our very own Blue Ridge Mountains, Bright Star tells the story of Alice at two different points in her life: as a young girl in the mountains, and 22 years later as the well-to-do editor of a successful Asheville magazine. A serendipitous encounter inspires Alice to face her past, and a stunning realization changes her life forever. Bright Star is based on the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass album, Love Has Come for You, and centers particularly on the song “Iron Mountain Baby.” Be sure to listen also for the song with our namesake – “Asheville”!

Content Disclaimer: Bright Star contains swearing, language that some may find blasphemous, incidental drinking and smoking, and kidnapping.

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30, 2023: Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired (DASI)

Saturday, May 6, 2023: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Curtains: School Edition

October 20-22, 2023

Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:30 PM

CURTAINS: SCHOOL EDITION

Music by John Kander. Lyrics by Fred Ebb. Book by Rupert Holmes. 

October 20-22, 2023

Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:30 PM

ABOUT THE SHOW

It’s the brassy, bright, and promising year of 1959. Boston’s Colonial Theatre is host to the opening night performance of a new musical. When the leading lady mysteriously dies onstage the entire cast & crew are suspects. Enter a local detective, who just happens to be a musical theatre fan! Packed with glorious tunes and a witty, charming script filled with delightful characters, Curtains is a hilarious journey for both performers and the audience.

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

This production is rated PG. 

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids

March 8-10, 2024

Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:30 PM

DISNEY’S 101 DALMATIANS KIDS

Music & Lyrics by Mel Leven, Randy Rogel, Richard Gibbs, Brian Smith, Dan Root, and Martin Lee Fuller. Book Adapted by Marcy Heisler. Music Adapted by Bryan Louiselle. 

March 8-10, 2024

Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:30 PM

ABOUT THE SHOW

Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita’s former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen.

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

This production is rated G.

Disney’s Descendants

May 17-19, 2024

Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:30 PM

DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS

Book & Additional Lyrics by Nick Blaemire. Music Adaptation by Madeline Smith. Orchestrations by Matthew Tishler. 

May 17-19, 2024

Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:30 PM

ABOUT THE SHOW

Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost – home of the most infamous villains who ever lived – the teenaged children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil have never ventured off the island… until now. When the four troublemakers are sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good? Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

This production is rated G. 

Elf The Musical

December 2 - December 18, 2022

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30pm, and Thursday December 15 at 7:30 pm

Based on the beloved film Elf, this hilarious fish-out-of-water musical comedy is an extravaganza of holiday cheer! Join Buddy the Elf in his quest to share his authentic self, win over his birth family, and help New York City remember the true meaning of Christmas. Elf The Musical is bursting with bright costumes, jolly dancing, and show-stopping songs. This heartwarming holiday tale dazzles and delights all ages!

Click here for the playbill!

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Saturday, Dec 17, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Dec 10 and Dec 11, 2022: Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired (DASI)

Elf: The Musical

December 1-23, 2023

Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturday at 7:30 PM, Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM

ADDED PERFORMANCES!

Due to the high demand, we have added two additional performances. We are now offering performances on the evening of Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 7:30 PM & Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 7:30 PM.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Embrace the spirit of Christmas with Elf: The Musical, a heartwarming and hilarious adaptation of the beloved 2003 holiday film. This enchanting musical follows the journey of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father. Through catchy, uplifting songs and zany comedic antics, Elf: The Musical serves a healthy dose of holiday cheer, laughter, and life lessons about identity, family, and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a magical, festive spectacle guaranteed to light up the holiday season for all ages!

A talkback with the cast & crew of Elf: The Musical will be held following the performances on December 3rd and 10th. 

Jingle Bell Jamboree

Saturday, December 2, 9, 16, & 23 at 1:30 PM before Elf: The Musical

Join us for the Jingle Bell Jamboree – a pre-show experience offered during Saturday matinees of Elf: The Musical.
Children will be enchanted as they receive their special elf name and write heartfelt letters to Santa. They’ll play reindeer games, take on the challenge of the elf obstacle course, and create Christmas crafts. And to top it all off, characters from Elf: The Musical will be make a special appearance, providing perfect photo opportunities.

This is your chance to start the show with a heartwarming, festive celebration. Join us at the Jingle Bell Jamboree from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM; this experience is limited, with only 25 tickets available, and each child must be accompanied by a guardian.

Add the Jingle Bell Jamboree pre-show experience to your Saturday matinee. 

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
DATE TBA: Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired

DATE TBA: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Content Awareness

This production is rated G. 

Elf: The Musical Jr.

December 16-17, 2023

Saturday & Sunday at 7:30 PM

ELF: THE MUSICAL JR. 

Music by Matthew Sklar. Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Book by Bob Martin & Thomas Meehan. Based on the Elf film by David Berenbaum. 

December 16-17, 2023

Saturday & Sunday at 7:30 PM

ABOUT THE SHOW

Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity.

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

This production is rated G. 

Flyin’ West

February 9-25, 2024

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:30 PM

ABOUT THE SHOW

Flyin’ West is a  compelling, crowd-pleasing drama by esteemed playwright Pearl Cleage. Set in the 1890s, the story unfolds in the historic town of Nicodemus, Kansas, one of the many all-black towns established in the American West following the Civil War. Through the eyes of four African-American women, the play delves into their journey of resilience and aspiration as they navigate their lives against the backdrop of the harsh realities of the frontier and the societal constraints of the era. With themes of community, racial pride, and female empowerment, Flyin’ West is a powerful portrayal of the determination and grit of black pioneers, offering audiences a captivating glimpse into an often overlooked chapter of American history.

A talkback with the cast & crew of Flyin’ West will be held following the performances on February 11th and 18th. 

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
DATE TBA: Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired

DATE TBA: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Content Awareness

This production is rated PG-13. 

Home for the Holidays with Tanglewood Teens & Friends

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:30 PM

Home for the Holidays features a powerful collective of current and past performers – featuring the talented Tanglewood Teens, cast members from Elf: The Musical, Elf JR., and cherished ACT alumni. Through a tapestry of dance, music, poetry, and drama, this performance promises to be a heartfelt celebration of the season’s joy and community warmth.

Jingle Bell Jamboree

Saturday, December 2, 9, 16, & 23 at 1:30 PM before Elf: The Musical

London Raffle 2023

November 8-December 31, 2023

The London Raffle is limited to just 250 tickets, giving you great odds to win a travel package value up to $9,000, including flights, hotel stays, and $500 to experience the sights and sounds of London. This raffle ends December 31, 2023 or when tickets sell out.

The London Raffle prize includes:

• Two (2) round-trip from Charlotte – Non-stop on British Airways Economy Plus
•  Transfers to and from the airport to your hotel
• Accommodations for Five (5) nights at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, in a Superior
  Double with Breakfast daily
• Up to $500 to spend on guided tours or additional theatre tickets
• Personal consultation with Foothills Travel to customize your trip
• On-site concierge provided through MyBucketListEvents

The winner of the Asheville Community Theatre London Raffle will work with David Lloyd of Foothills Travel to customize their London adventure. Click HERE to read the rules in full. Break a leg!

Matilda: The Musical

April 12-May 5, 2024

Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays & Sundays at 2:30 PM

ABOUT THE SHOW

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Matilda: The Musical, a delightfully imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book. This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers. Despite the indifference of her shallow parents and the tyranny of the oppressive headmistress Miss Trunchbull, Matilda discovers the strength within herself to change her story. Infused with dark humor, whimsical storytelling, and dazzling performances, Matilda: The Musical is a testament to the power of imagination, resilience, and the transformative magic of learning. A must-see for audiences of all ages who love heartwarming tales of triumph against all odds.

A talkback with the cast & crew of Matilda: The Musical will be held following the performances on April 14th and 21st. 

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
DATE TBA: Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired

DATE TBA: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Content Awareness

This production contains some scary scenes and is rated PG.

Native Gardens

February 10 - February 26, 2023

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm

Gardens and cultures clash in contemporary comedy Native Gardens! Tania, a very pregnant PhD candidate, and Pablo, her high-powered lawyer husband, buy a house with a big backyard in Washington, DC. Living next door to community stalwarts Virginia and Frank is great – until a disagreement arises over a long-standing fence line between their homes. The conflict spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege, and entitlement. With witty humor and engaging real-life drama, Native Gardens showcases conflict – and the worst and best ways to work it out!

Content Disclaimer: Native Gardens contains mature themes, depictions of smoking, pregnancy/childbirth, microaggressions, and discussions of racism.

Click here for the playbill!

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Feb 18 and Feb 19, 2022: Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired (DASI)

Saturday, Feb 25, 2023: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Sunday, Feb 26, 2023: Spanish-Translated Performance by Cenzontle (Spanish audio listening devices will be available in the lobby before the show. Devices may be used in any seating location.)

Our Town

September 30 - October 16, 2022

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm

Our Town tells a story of life – from birth to love to death – that we can all relate to. Next-door families, the Gibbs and the Webbs, and their tight-knit small town, experience love and loss as they face the realities of life’s inevitable changes.

ACT gives this American classic a fresh approach and contemporary design to reflect our own town of Asheville, North Carolina today: how we look and sound, how we work and play, how we live and die. Come celebrate Our Town and heed the reminder to appreciate life’s most precious moments – the ones we spend with each other!

View the PLAYBILL here! 

Accessibility:

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Oct 8, 2022: ASL-Interpreted Performance

Oct 8 and Oct 9, 2022: Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired (DASI)

Pippin

September 15-October 8, 2023

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2:30 PM

About Pippin

Step into a world of magic, mystery, and self-discovery with the Tony Award-winning musical, Pippin. This Broadway classic, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson, tells the captivating story of a young prince on a daring quest for the ultimate meaning of life and fulfillment. From spectacular circus-inspired performances to stirring, emotionally-charged songs, Pippin unfolds as an exploration of the highs and lows of glory, love, and ambition. It’s a compelling narrative that continually asks one poignant question: is it more rewarding to live a simple life or to persist in relentlessly pursuing extraordinary feats? With its rich, allegorical storyline and memorable melodies, Pippin promises to enchant audiences, leaving them musing long after the final curtain call.

A talkback with the cast & crew of Pippin will be held following the performances on September 17th & 24th. 

Sponsored By

HomeTrust Bank and Dr. Elizabeth Huddleston

VIEW THE PLAYBILL

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.
Sunday, October 8: ASL-Interpreted Performance
Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24: Descriptive Audio for the Sight Impaired

Content Awareness

This production contains adult themes, suggestive language, and representations of violence. Rated PG-13.

RTS: Charlotte’s Web

December 14, 15, & 17

Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

CHARLOTTE’S WEB

By Joseph Robinette

December 14, 15, & 17

Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

Come visit the Zuckerman farm where you will meet Wilbur the Pig, Templeton the Rat, the Goose, the Gander, and Charlotte the Spider to witness the miracles that can happen through the simple act of friendship.

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

This production is rated G.

RTS: Dial M for Murder

November 17-19, 2023

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

DIAL M FOR MURDER

By Frederick Knott

November 17-19, 2023

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

Take a trip into the world of Noir. A simple door key, an interrupted phone call, blackmail, and suspicion combine to produce a darkly complex mystery which will keep you riveted on the edge of your seat. 

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

This production contains violence and scariness and is rated PG.

RTS: Enchanted April

May 31-June 2, 2024

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

ENCHANTED APRIL

By Matthew Barber

May 31-June 2, 2024

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

To escape the cold rain and melancholy of Post WW1 London, four unlikely traveling companions share the cost of renting a seaside castle in Italy. In this romantic comedy, the women open up to the unexpected and experience a magical month of discovery and renewal.

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

This production is rated PG.

RTS: Over The River And Through The Woods

April 26-28, 2024

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

By Joe diPietro

April 26-28, 2024

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

When Nick announces he is being promoted and moving to Seattle, his grandparents are devastated and quickly concoct a series of hilarious schemes to keep Nick from leaving, including introducing him to the woman of his dreams.

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

This production is rated PG. 

RTS: The Birds

March 22-24, 2024

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

THE BIRDS

By Conor McPherson

March 22-24, 2024

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

Based on a story by Daphne du Maurier and made famous by Alfred Hitchcock, four strangers grapple with birds who have been transformed from creatures of beauty into terrifying, menacing predators.

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

This production is rated PG-13. 

RTS: The Importance Of Being Earnest

February 16-18, 2024

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

By Oscar Wilde

February 16-18, 2024

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 PM

Wilde’s most successful and enduring play is a wonderful and witty comedy of deception, disguise and misadventure. Two bachelors, Jack and Algernon, create alter egos in an effort to avoid tedious social obligations and win the hearts of Gwendolen and Cecily, the two women they adore.

Accessibility

All performances: Accessible wheelchair/scooter seating available.

Content Awareness

This production is rated PG. 

Season Subscriptions

Available all year long!

If you’re planning to buy at least four tickets with us, a Season Subscription will save you some money! Subscriptions include five (5) ticket vouchers for ACT’s 2023-24 Mainstage Season.

• Magic & Mystery: Our 77th Mainstage Season
• Pippin – September 15-October 8, 2023
• Elf: The Musical – December 1-23, 2023
• Flyin’ West – February 9-25, 2024
• Matilda: The Musical – April 12-May 5, 2024
• The 39 Steps – June 21-July 7, 2024

The ACT Lobby Gallery

The ACT Lobby Gallery showcases an array of works by local artists and is curated by Sara LeDonne.

Tuesday – Friday from 10-4 and before curtain on show days.

Current Exhibit

Photography by Eric Perkins

“The key to my work is that I stopped, physically, to observe something. I raised my camera and recorded my observations.” – Julius Shulman

Eric Perkins is a man of many values and continued determination. Devoted to photography and the arts from an early age, Eric attended NYU as a film major and continued his education at UNC-Greensboro, and The New School in New York City.

Moving to New York City in the early 70’s Mr. Perkins worked for 23 years as business manager to the preeminent fashion photographer, Francesco Scavullo. This collaboration resulted in his authorship of seven published books, mostly focusing on fashion modeling and health & fitness. Other management positions followed, culminating in his move to Asheville, NC in 2016 to further pursue his photography and other business ventures.

Instagram: @ericperkinsphoto
website: ericperkins.smugmug.com