Flat Rock Playhouse: State Theatre of NC

Flat Rock Playhouse is officially designated The State Theatre of North Carolina. They present a stellar line-up of shows since they are a Professional Equity Theatre. It's just 30 minutes from Asheville in the village of Flat Rock near Hendersonville. What began as a few weeks of summer performances in 1940 is now the year-long season of productions including Broadway musicals, comedy, drama, and concerts.

The barn-like appearance of the main stage facility is reminiscent of their summer stock beginnings, but today it houses state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems. It's located next door to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site and one of several key attractions in the Flat Rock/Hendersonville area.

The dress is casual, but bring a sweater or jacket since they keep the theatre cool for the actors. Group discounts are available for 10 or more people.

2022 Flat Rock Playhouse Productions

• March 17 - 19, 2022: Two Jews, Talking
  Award winning television veterans Hal Linden (Barney Miller) and Bernie Kopell (The Love Boat) star in Two Jews, Talking at Flat Rock Playhouse. Don’t miss the Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe award winning duo in a side-splitting piece written by Ed. Weinberger. These two characters take us on a rollicking romp through time! The two-act story brings Lou and Bud together in the Biblical past, and Phil and Marty together in contemporary Long Island. They philosophize about women, sex, food, the divine, and destiny in this tale of companionship and friendship.
• March 31- April 2, 2022: The Music of Elton John
  The Elton John Experience offers the most complete and authentic reproduction of Sir Elton John’s live concert performance in the world. Their astonishing representation of the ‘Rocket Man’ features hits from the 1970s, '80s, 90's and beyond! The Elton Live! band is a company of professional musicians who have each played with incredible touring acts like Sugarland, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Corey Smith, and the legend himself Sir Elton John! The Elton Live! band is the driving force behind a spectacular live performance and sheer rock-n-roll wall of sound.
• April 7-10, 2022: The Music of Neil Diamond
  Steve Kelly and the Cherry Cherry Band is considered the “Premier Neil Diamond Tribute!”  Neil Diamond’s music is timeless and ageless. His classic songs evoke memories that every crowd will enjoy.  Steve Kelly and the Cherry Cherry Band are an award winning tribute experience that has performed over 600 shows to sold out houses around the U.S and Canada.  A seasoned performer, Steve Kelly’s shows are high energy and replicate the same live show Diamond performs himself. Steve’s infectious positivity, love of music, and dedication to the fans are evident from the warm greeting prior to the show, to the post show farewell. Don’t miss this uncanny performance as The Cherry Cherry Band deftly delivers all of Neil Diamond's greatest hits.
• April 28 - May 15, 2022: Catch Me If You Can
  This comedy thriller is a classic gem with exciting twists and turns from beginning to end. Overflowing with hilarity, this Broadway whodunit will have you guessing and laughing from start to finish. An advertising man who has brought his bride to the boss' mountain lodge for a honeymoon calls in the local police to investigate her sudden disappearance. Enter a pretty young girl who insists over his protests that she is the missing wife. A priest backs up her story. A funny little man who owns a delicatessen enters and before you know it there are two murders at the isolated lodge. Can Inspector Levine riddle out the truth? Join them for a night of mystery and amusement!
• May 20 - June 19, 2022: Million Dollar Quartet
  Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by the true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” brought together icons Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley for one unforgettable night. Featuring over 20 rock ‘n’ roll hits including: "Blue Suede Shoes," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Down By the Riverside," "Great Balls of Fire," and many more. Don’t miss Nat Zegree returning as Jerry Lee Lewis! Tickets sell out quickly.
• July 1 - 30, 2022: West Side Story
  From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the ‘American’ Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of fear, violence, and prejudice remains one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching, and relevant musical dramas of our time. With a score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, West Side Story is widely regarded as among the best musicals ever written.
• August 5 -13, 2022: Mozart To Pop Chart
  The one and only Nat Zegree (Million Dollar Quartet, Amadeus) returns to The Rock to whisk audiences away on an all-new musical journey through the history and triumphs of music from Mozart to today's current hits. Joining Nat on stage will be some of the brightest rock and symphonic musicians from the region each commemorating and celebrating the musical masters and masterpieces throughout time!  This show sells out quickly.
• August 19 - September 4, 2022: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
  Set in the 1960s, a progressive white couple's proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her Black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film Guess Who's Coming to Dinner that starred the inimitable and great Sidney Poitier. Blindsided by their daughter's whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family. However, they're surprised to find they aren't the only ones with concerns about the match, and it's not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Drayton’s idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, Guess Who's Coming To Dinner begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down.
• September 15 - October 8, 2022: God of Carnage
  You’ve never experienced a play on The Rock like this before! Join them for an exciting new series where the audience and artists share the stage together for an intimate and immersive theatre experience.  
• September 16 - October 9, 2022: Blood Knot
  You’ve never experienced a play on The Rock like this before! Join us for an exciting new series where the audience and artists share the stage together for an intimate and immersive theatre experience. 
• October 21 - November 13, 2022: Mamma Mia!
  Flat Rock Playhouse is bringing the ever-popular Mamma Mia! back to The Rock for an Encore Performance! Mamma Mia! is the mega-hit Broadway show about a daughter’s dream, a mother’s secret and a trip down the aisle you will never forget. 
• November 25 - 27 & December 7 - 22, 2022: A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
  The WNC tradition continues! This show has become a Playhouse favorite with a brand new show every year. Join the merriment of sleigh bells and mistletoe, miracles and Santa Claus, and so much more. Showcasing a cast of Flat Rock favorites, the Flat Rock Playhouse Chorus, and Pat’s School of Dance, this holiday revue promises to leave you feeling merry and bright!
• December 1 - 4, 2022: A Charlie Brown Christmas
  Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life in a spectacular new production of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Adapted from Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story and featuring the music of Vince Guaraldi,  A Charlie Brown Christmas is a present the whole family can enjoy. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they sing, dance, and learn the true meaning of Christmas!

Also, check out NC Stage Theatre in downtown Asheville.