News

Hendersonville Theatre opens 2022 season this spring

Hendersonville Theatre’s Board of Directors is made up of Victoria Lamberth, Janice Guazzo, Kathleen Henby and Jonathan Forrester. [CONTRIBUTED PHOTO]

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 19, 2022

Hendersonville’s community theater is entering its 56th season with a new name —Hendersonville Theater.

“Still run by volunteers, Hendersonville Theatre will continue to inspire, nurture, enrich, empower, educate, entertain and challenge artists and audiences with theatrical productions that range from the classics to new works.” said Janice Guazzo, the theater’s president. “We will also support the next generation of theatre artists, and to provide arts education programs that promote life-long learning to a diverse community.”
During the 2022 season, theatre-goers can expect a varied range of quality plays and musicals. Season tickets run $80 to $120. For season tickets, gift certificates and single-show tickets visit HendersonvilleTheatre.org or call the box office at (828) 692-1082.
Area businesses and individuals are also invited to sponsor upcoming Hendersonville Theatre productions. Sponsorship includes opportunities for logo exposure, client entertainment, employee engagement, access to new customers and an opportunity to display civic leadership in the community. Businesses can sponsor a show or the entire season, or provide an in-kind donation for advertising or sponsorship. Sponsorships start at $100.
“Breathing new life into a 56-year old organization is a challenge,” Artistic Director Victoria Lamberth said, “but I believe we’ve chosen a crowd-pleasing season with something for everyone in Western North Carolina.”
The 2022 season includes the following shows:
• “Sister Amnesia’s Country Western Nunsense Jamboree,” April 22-May 8: In a sequel to “Nunsense,” Sister Amnesia is on a national tour promoting her debut album, “I Could’ve Gone to Nashville.” Filled with hysterical one-liners and infectious comic tunes, this hilarious hoedown is “Nunsense” fun with “Hee Haw” moments. The show will be directed by Sabrina Rock.
• “Red, White and Tuna,” June 17-July 3: Two comedic actors ignite the stage with more than 20 polyester-clad characters from Texas’ third smallest town. Full of fireworks, fun and gossip, this loving send up of rural America is full of memorable characters and hilarious spoofs. The show will be directed by Beth Bristol.
• “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” July 22-August 7: In this Tony award-winning musical, six awkward spelling champions vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, six spellers enter but only one speller wins. The show will be directed by Heather Denton.
• “The Haunting of Hill House,” Oct. 14-30: In a chilling and mystifying study in mounting terror, a small group of “psychically receptive” people are brought together in desolate and deserted Hill House to draw forth the mysterious powers that it is alleged to possess—powers which have brought madness, murder and suicide. The show will be directed by Jonathan Forrester.
• “Holiday Double Cheer: Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks,” Dec. 2-18: Combining two holiday shows, “Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks” features favorite holiday songs sung in the style of barbershop, classical, hip-hop, smooth jazz, rap, glee club, rock, and more. The show will be directed by Chandler Smith.
Hendersonville Theatre board and staff for the 2022 season in addition to Guazzo and Lamberth include Jonathan Forrester, Kai Hamilton, Kathleen Henby, Sabrina Rock, Margie Royal and Don Schwartz.
Forrester has been a part of Hendersonville Theatre since 2009. His involvement began with the production of “God’s Favorite” in the the Barn on State Street. From there he went on to produce, direct and stage-manage numerous shows for the theatre. He has also directed several productions for Brevard Little Theatre. He has served on the board of directors as executive producer for the past three seasons. When not onstage or working behind the scenes, Forrester is a life enrichment director for Trinity View Senior Living Community in Arden.
Guazzo returned to Hendersonville Theatre in March of 2021. From 2017-2019, she was a volunteer and staff member. She has previously served as the director of operations and digital media manager. She has appeared on stage in productions at Flat Rock Playhouse and Hendersonville Theatre. For the last two years, she has been involved with the development projects, “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” at Montford Park Players, “What Happens After Manhattan” and “The Sparrow and the Whippoorwill” at The Magnetic Theatre. She has been on the board of several non-profits, usually lending her technical, marketing and communications skills. Janice has been an independent professional for over 17 years providing strategic guidance and producing websites, marketing and collateral materials for a wide range of clients. When she is not at the theatre she can be found at Shamburger Architectural Group where she is the official office manager but really has too many titles to list.
As artistic director, Lamberth returns to Hendersonville Theatre with the 2022 season. From 2016-2019, she was a regular on the Hendersonville stage as both an actor, director and staff member, serving as director of marketing and public relations and managing director. Lamberth began acting more than 40 years ago, and she has appeared in professional and amateur productions in Memphis, Nashville, Los Angeles and Western North Carolina. For the last 20 years, she has directed professionally, recently directing “Love, Lost and What I Wore” in Hendersonville, “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” at Montford Park Players, and “The Sparrow and the Whippoorwill” at the Magnetic Theatre. Lamberth studied theatre, advertising and public relations at the University of Memphis and Marquette University. Over the course of her career, she has managed staff, marketing and communications for both professional and community theatres. Lamberth also provides strategic guidance and produces online, print and marketing and collateral materials for a wide range of clients.
Henby has been involved with the Hendersonville Theatre for more than four years. She has worn many hats at HT including bookkeeper, costumer, set dresser, stage manager, box office, marketing dabbler, concessions and facilities. Through the years, she has been able to share her deep rooted passion, talents and love for the arts and Hendersonville by assisting local elementary, middle and high-schools with their arts and drama programs. When she is not at the theatre, she enjoys time with her wonderful family.
Since 1966, Hendersonville Theatre, which has been known as Hendersonville Little Theatre and Hendersonville Community Theatre, has provided an inviting and nurturing environment for live theatre, as well as high-quality, affordable entertainment. Hendersonville Theatre is located at 229 South Washington Street. For tickets or more information call 828-692-1082 or visit HendersonvilleTheatre.org.