Diana Wortham Theatre’s Matinee Series provides professional, curriculum-related shows at affordable costs, each season providing 10,000 children the opportunity to experience the theatre, works by professional dance companies, world-class puppetry, and the musical talents of renowned performers. The series is extremely popular with children, families, and teachers throughout Western North Carolina.
Reservations for all performances in Diana Wortham Theatre’s 2015/2016 Matinee Series are being taken now. Call 828-257-4530 for individual and group sales, or groups may e-mail groupsales@dwtheatre.com if you have any questions. Please note that all group reservations for the 2015/2016 Matinee Series will require a deposit. The Y.E.S. (Youth Education Scholarship) Fund provides need-based scholarships to cover the cost of admission for students and schools. Matinee Series order forms and Y.E.S. Fund applications can be accessed at www.dwtheatre.com/matinee-series.
2015/2016 Matinee Series:
Skippyjon Jones: Snow What, Theatreworks USA – Tuesday, October 12, 2015, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.; Wednesday, October 13, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
Based on the book by Judy Schachner, Skippyjon Jones (the Siamese cat who thinks he’s a Mexican Chihuahua) heads off to his closet for the real adventure of Snow White with the help of the Seven Chimichangos.
Hamlet, Warehouse Theatre – Wednesday & Thursday, October 28 & 29, 2015, 9:30 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
Follow the thrilling tale of the prince of Denmark in one of Shakespeare’s most well known quests for identity, love and justice.
The Lightning Thief, Theatreworks USA – Thursday & Friday, November 12 & 13, 2015, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
Experience the adventures of Percy Jackson in this hour-long musical adapted from the book by Rick Riordan.
MOMIX Botanica – Wednesday, November 18, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
Dance, light, and motion make MOMIX’s Botanica an astonishing performance of athleticism and multimedia art.
Koresh Dance Company – Friday, January 22, 2016, 10:00 a.m.
The roots of human interaction are uncovered in this earthy show with intense and intricately beautiful choreography by Koresh Dance Company.
Aquila Theatre Company in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – Monday, February 8, 2016, 10:00 a.m.
Guided by Shakespeare’s famous prose, the timeless story of forbidden love and warring families is brought to life in a full-length production by the talents of the Aquila Theatre.
MUMMUNSCHANZ: The Musicians of Silence – Thursday, February 11, 2016, 10:00 a.m.
Oversized props and whimsical innovation take the stage without a sound in this wonderfully entertaining display of shadow, light, and sculptural masks.
YAMATO The Drummers of Japan – Friday, February 19, 2016, 10:00 a.m.
Yamato brings a brand new show to the Mainstage: “Bakuon” – Legend of the Heartbeat, complete with its trademark taiko drumming, infectious enthusiasm, and jaw-dropping skill.
The Cashore Marionettes, Simple Gifts, Friday, March 4, 2016, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
The mesmerizing work of Joseph Cashore and his marionettes walk through the many phases of life to stunning works by Beethoven, Vivaldi, Strauss and Copland.
Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School, Theatreworks USA – Thursday & Friday, April 14 & 15, 2016, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
Junie B. Jones lays down the ultimate tips to surviving school (and gets into a bit of trouble too!) in this production by Theatreworks, USA.
Henry and Mudge, Theatreworks USA – Wednesday & Thursday, May 4 & 5, 2016, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.
Follow the adventures of Henry and Mudge as they navigate new neighborhoods and the fun of being a pet owner, based on the best-selling book series by Cynthia Rylant.
The entrance for the Diana Wortham Theatre is marked by the location of the theatre’s marquee between 12 and 14 Biltmore Avenue. Patrons enter the theatre through the breezeway between Marble Slab Creamery and White Duck Taco, and into a large interior courtyard with multiple glass doors which lead to the theatre’s lower lobby and box office. The intimate theatre seats just over 500 and boasts exceptional acoustics and sightlines, making it the premier performance space in Western North Carolina. The Mainstage Series is supported by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency. The Mainstage Series 2015/2016 Season Sponsors are the Asheville Scene, Blue Moon Water, Creative Energy, 67 Biltmore Downtown Eatery & Catering, the North Carolina Arts Council, and the Renaissance Asheville 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
The Cashore Marionettes, Simple Gifts, Friday, March 4, 2016, 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.