PRESS RELEASE
July 31, 2015
Diana Wortham Theatre
2 South Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Ellis, Managing Director
Diana Wortham Theatre
Office Ph#: (828) 257-4512
E-Mail: jellis@dwtheatre.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
What:
Diana Wortham Theatre 2015/2016 Mainstage Series
Who:
Lisa Fischer, Red Moon Road, Aquila Theatre, MOMIX, Alison Brown Quartet,
Tom Paxton, The Passing Zone, Rhythmic Circus, The Hot Sardines, Lúnasa, and
much more!
When:
September 2015 – May 2016
Where:
Diana Wortham Theatre
Tickets on sale: Thursday, August 20th at 10:00 a.m. for all events
Info/Tickets: Box Office (828) 257-4530
www.dwtheatre.com
For a season brochure: Call the box office at (828) 257-4530
Click Here to View the Season Preview Video
DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2015/2016 MAINSTAGE SEASON
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The Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville, North Carolina announces the schedule of
performances for the 2015/2016 Mainstage Series. The Mainstage Series presents a wide range
of top touring artists in music, theater, dance, comedy, and other performing arts in an intimate,
500-seat hall. To start the season off, talented vocalist and one of the stars of the critically
acclaimed documentary 20 Feet From Stardom Lisa Fischer takes the stage September 18 at 8:00
p.m. Setting the tone for Lisa Fischer’s performance is the Opening Night Reception, sponsored
and catered by Pack’s Tavern at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets for all performances are on sale at 10:00 a.m. on August 20th and are available at
www.dwtheatre.com as well as from the box office at (828) 257-4530. The theatre offers flexible
multi-show discount packages starting with as few as three performances. Savings range from
10% to 20% off Regular prices depending on the number of performances; multi-show packages
are available through the Diana Wortham Theatre box only at 828-257-4530.
MAINSTAGE SERIES
Lisa Fischer — Friday, September 18, 2015, 8:00 p.m.
Lisa Fischer’s remarkable voice has landed her countless roles on stage, including spots with the
Nine Inch Nails, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, and Aretha Franklin, as well as a role in the
award-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom. Now she’s on to a new leg of the journey,
with a not-to-miss one-night tour stop in Asheville to open the Mainstage Season.
Red Moon Road — Friday, September 25, 2015, 8:00 p.m.
An endearing folk trio hailing from Canada, Red Moon Road combines banjo, guitar, and
mandolin to bring energetic sounds to its modern roots tunes, complete with exquisite harmonies
and masterfully told stories.
The Passing Zone: The Passing Zone Saves the World — Saturday, October 3, 2015, 8:00 p.m.
America’s Got Talent finalists and recipients of eighteen gold medals from the International
Jugglers’ Association Teams Competition, The Passing Zone’s act is full of good-natured
ribbing, juggling chainsaws, and witty improvisation.
Tom Paxton — Saturday, October 10, 2015, 8:00 p.m.
Share one last live performance in Asheville with the folk icon as he says farewell to life on the
road with folk classics such as “The Last Thing on My Mind” and “Ramblin’ Boy,” and more of
Paxton’s silly songs, romantic tales, and protest anthems.
Alison Brown Quartet— Friday, November 6, 2015, 8:00 p.m.
Returning with ever-popular tunes as well as new hits, the Alison Brown Quartet brings
traditional banjo picking together with jazz and Irish music, transforming toe-tapping bluegrass
songs into sonically smooth combinations.
MOMIX Botanica — Tuesday & Wednesday, November 17 & 18, 2015, 8:00 p.m.
Dance, light, and motion make MOMIX’s Botanica an astonishing performance of athleticism
and multimedia art.
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A Swannanoa Solstice — Sunday, December 20, 2015, 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate the season with this holiday tradition, featuring award-winning recording artists and
multi-instrumentalists Al Petteway, Amy White, Robin Bullock, and special guests as they create
a mix of seasonal music, masterful storytelling, and poetry.
Koresh Dance Company: evolution — Friday & Saturday, January 22 & 23, 2016,
8:00 p.m.
The roots of human interaction are uncovered in this intense and intricately beautiful
choreography by Koresh Dance Company, a favorite among Mainstage audiences.
The Hot Sardines — Saturday, January 30, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Hot jazz returns to the forefront of music in a night filled with big band enthusiasm and newtime energy as the Hot Sardines capture the raucous speakeasy sounds of the pre-World War II
jazz era.
Aquila Theatre Company in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
— Friday, February 5, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
A night of mystery and intrigue awaits all those who attend this masterful portrayal of one of the
most brilliant detectives in all of literary history. Join Holmes, Dr. Watson, and other colorful
characters as the Aquila Theatre brings them back to life in a witty, fast-paced adaptation.
Aquila Theatre Company in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet — Saturday, February 6, 2016,
8:00 p.m.
Guided by Shakespeare’s famous prose, the timeless story of forbidden love and warring families
is brought to life by the talents of the Aquila Theatre.
MUMMENSCHANZ: The Musicians of Silence — Thursday, February 11, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Oversized props and whimsical innovation take the stage without a sound in this wonderfully
entertaining display of shadow, light, and sculptural masks, appropriate for all ages.
YAMATO The Drummers of Japan — Thursday & Friday, February 18 & 19, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Yamato brings a brand new show to the Mainstage on its world tour, “Bakuon” – Legend of the
Heartbeat, complete with its trademark taiko drumming, infectious enthusiasm, and jawdropping skill.
Lucky Plush Productions Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip — Friday &
Saturday, February 26 & 27, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Part comic strip and part silent film, dancers, superheroes, and graphic novel characters collide in
this richly layered dance production that bounces effortlessly from the dancers, to projected
video, and back.
Lúnasa with special guest Tim O’Brien—Sunday, February 28, 2016, 7:00 p.m.
Lúnasa joins its fresh Irish melodies with the beloved music of Appalachia in a performance with
master folk and bluegrass musician Tim O’Brien.
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The Cashore Marionettes — Saturday, March 5, 2016: Simple Gifts, 2:00 p.m.; Life in Motion,
8:00 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 in two shows, a matinee for
families of all ages and an evening performance for older children and adults.
Altan – Thursday, March 10, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Join this traditional Irish band as it weaves an evening of jigs and reels, touching melodies, and
even explores the ancient bonds between Irish music and bluegrass roots.
stephaniesĭd— Saturday, March 19, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Best known for its outstanding mix of songs and irresistibly infectious live performances, this
pop-noir trio combines jazz, rock and pop to churn out wondrous and highly original tunes.
Dervish— Friday, March 25, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
From jam sessions at neighborhood pubs in Ireland to performing for the Chinese government,
Dervish is on a mission to spread traditional Irish music to every corner with a myriad of ballads,
reels and melodies.
Rhythmic Circus — Thursday & Friday, March 31 & April 1, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Groove to the beat with genre-hopping music and percussive dance highlighted by taps, shuffles
and stomps and punctuated by the refrains of the seven-piece brass band, not to mention a human
beat-box.
Jesse Cook— Friday, April 15, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Guitar virtuoso Jesse Cook intertwines flamenco and jazz rhythms with styles from around the
globe, with songs from his newest project, One World.
Aaron Goldberg Trio — Saturday, April 30, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
From Brazilian ballads to roaring bebop, this trio’s ability to bring wit and explosive chops to
every song makes for a wild night of masterful jazz.
Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill — Friday, May 27, 2016, 8:00 p.m.
Indulge in the music of American guitarist Dennis Cahill and Irish fiddle player Martin Hayes as
they explore the rising and falling melodies that become fiery, spellbinding performances.
MATINEE SERIES
Diana Wortham Theatre’s Matinee Series provides professional, curriculum-related shows at
affordable costs, each season providing around 9,000 children the opportunity to experience the
theatre, works by professional dance companies, comedic acts, and the musical talents of
renowned performers. The series is extremely popular with children, families, and teachers
throughout Western North Carolina.
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.
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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.
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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.
INTERSECTIONS – SING TOGETHER
Sing Together celebrates the joy of music and singing in spirited sessions with musicians Jim
and Beth Magill. All skill levels are welcome; no experience required. In The Forum off the
main lobby.
Celebrating The Kingston Trio – Friday, October 9, 2015, 6:30 p.m.
Come reminisce over the ‘60s folk hits of the legendary Kingston Trio; matching striped shirts
optional.
Winter Songs – Friday, December 11, 2015, 6:30 p.m.
This family-friendly hour of singing, apple cider, cookies, and crafts warmly welcomes the
holiday season.
Freedom Songs & Spirituals – Friday, February 12, 2016, 6:30 p.m.
Special guest Becky Stone explores the Freedom Train through song, with inspirational music
that brought strength to people on the journey from slavery, all the way up to the Civil Rights
Movement.
Circle & Improvisational Songs – Friday, April 22, 2016, 6:30 p.m.
Sing into spring with special guest Susan Lachmann in a round of spontaneous vocal inventions
and creative expression.
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.
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