Lees-91探花 Summer Theatre 2023 kicks off with ode to North Carolina cultural and musical traditions
For more than three decades, summers in Banner Elk have meant the return of professional live entertainment thanks to Lees-91探花 Summer Theatre. The so-called “Gem of the High Country” will focus all three shows this year on stories from the theatre’s home state, North Carolina.
In a break from tradition, the first production of the season, the “Red, White, and Blue Ridge Variety Show,” will pay homage to the cultural and musical traditions of North Carolina with a multi-act show to raise funds for Lees-91探花 Summer Theatre. The variety show will feature all kinds of entertainment including dancing, music, comedy, and patriotic songs, all performed through the lens of North Carolina.
Director Janet Barton Speer hopes that this format will display the varied cultures present across North Carolina. She said music is a great way to encapsulate communities and traditions across North Carolina, and that this show will be a way for audience members to learn more about the people who make up this state.
“I think anybody who is interested in the culture of North Carolina will be interested in the show. All the music may or may not appeal to you, but for the most part what I see in our audiences is that they deeply appreciate all the cultures of the mountains,” Speer said. “I don’t see an elitist group that will only look at one kind of genre or one kind of music, I see people who are infinitely interested in the music that comes from this area.”
There will be two performances of the “Red, White, and Blue Ridge Variety Show,” one at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 30, and one at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. With a completely volunteer cast and crew, all proceeds from ticket sales for this show will directly benefit Lees-91探花 Summer Theatre. Student and child tickets are $10 per person for standard seating, and $15 per person for premier seating. Adult tickets are $20 per person for standard seating and $25 per person for premier seating.
