Live theater is returning to town with a quartet of shows, the first of which will be premiering next week. The Kernersville Little Theatre’s 2022-23 season kicks off with “Proof,” the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Auburn.
Two weekends of performances will begin on Sept. 16 with director Susan Proctor behind the scenes and an original score composed by her son, Thom Proctor.
“Combine that with a first-rate production team and a high-quality cast and crew, and you have the makings of a great, enjoyable, artistic evening,” board member Myla O’Brien told Scope News.
In November, a volunteer cast will take on “Arsenic and Old Lace,” which is currently holding open auditions to fill a large ensemble cast. Most of the roles are written for adults, but O’Brien noted that anyone interested in auditioning can visit the Pine Grove United Methodist Church Ministry Center at 1024 Piney Grove Rd. to start the process.
“We don’t require any experience, but a willingness to learn and take direction is helpful,” she said.
Although the theater has not often repeated shows during its 46 seasons, O’Brien explained that this will be an encore performance of a proven crowd-pleaser.
Rehearsals begin on Sept. 26 and anyone interested in taking part can learn more by clicking here.
The third show of the season premieres in February and is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
“‘Seussical the Musical’ should be a fun show for the entire family — and it’s right around Dr. Seuss’ birthday,” O’Brien explained. “Our ‘Bring a Book to Life’ show is always popular, and a favorite among volunteers.”
She said these performances showcase the theater’s “community-driven” focus.
Finally, the Tony Award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical “Into the Woods” will be coming to the Kernersville Little Theatre in June to round out the season. O’Brien described it as “a modern take on the fairy tale stories” that offers a little something for everyone.
“The music is challenging, but we’re ready to shine,” she said.
After a play-reading committee spent considerable time reading scripts and considering suggested plays, the board made its final decision regarding this season’s lineup.
“We try to find a balance of shows to attract our various audience demographics,” O’Brien said. “Overall, we try to remain family-friendly, but we also want to serve all the populations of the area.”
With the worst of the pandemic hopefully in the past, the theater is prepared to welcome audience members anxious to return. As O’Brien explained, Kernersville Little Theatre, which she described as “the little engine that could,” has proven highly adaptable during the COVID-19 era as it has since its first season in 1976.
“We were able to continue live performances through the pandemic, thanks to our very creative board, our talented and dedicated volunteers, and our gracious community partners,” she said.
Nevertheless, she expressed the board’s hope “that our volunteers and audience members feel more comfortable engaging with live theater and supporting KLT” now that the days of COVID-19 lockdowns are over.
“Recently, the Town of Kernersville granted us the use of the basement in the Salvation Army building, and that was a huge blessing as our primary rehearsal space at Kernersville Elementary School became unavailable,” O’Brien said.
She also expressed gratitude for the arts council, season ticket holders, local business partners, sponsors, donors, and all audience members, adding: “We couldn’t do anything without their support.”
Catch all of this season’s performances at James Fitzpatrick Auditorium at 512 West Mountain St. Tickets are available online, by calling (336) 993-6556, or at the door. Season passes offer savings of up to 25% compared to individual ticket prices.
Scope News 