Flat Rock Playhouse is officially designated The State Theatre of North Carolina. It's located in the quaint village of Flat Rock (next door to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site), about 30 miles south of Asheville. What began as a few weeks of summer performances in 1940 is now an eight month season of plays including Broadway musicals, comedy, drama, and theatre for young audiences. The Playhouse’s dual mission of producing the performing arts and providing education in the performing arts includes a ten-show professional series; a summer and fall college apprentice and intern program; performances and cabaret series by the YouTheatre; year-round classes and workshops for students from kindergarten through adults. Flat Rock Playhouse now hosts over 80,000 patrons annually.
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, electronic stages, costume studio/storage, and dressing room space for 40. The Auditorium seats 506 patrons in air-conditioned comfort. There is reserved seating for patrons with special needs and assistive listening devices are available at no additional charge.
Flat Rock Playhouse’s new downtown Hendersonville satellite theatre "Playhouse Downtown" is located at 125 South Main Street – steps away from downtown restaurants, bars and retail establishments.
For ticket information for Flat Rock Playhouse, go to the their Web site.
Directions from Asheville (approximately 30 minutes), near Hendersonville:
- I-26 east to Exit #53, Upward Road
- Turn right off the exit ramp (look for Playhouse sign)
- Travel 2.5 miles to dead end at Greenville Highway
- Turn left onto Greenville Highway (look for Playhouse sign)
- Half mile to Flat Rock Playhouse on right
Also check out NC Stage Theatre in downtown Asheville.
What's Playing?
- Playhouse Mainstage: 2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC 28731
- Playhouse Downtown Hendersonville: 125 S. Main, Hendersonville, NC 28729
The musicals & plays in Flat Rock Playhouse’s 2017 Mainstage Season include:
March 8-18, 2017: Classic Nashville Roadshow
Takesyou on a journey down memory lane with your favorite classic hits honoring the world’s most beloved country greats – Dolly, Hank, Patsy, Tammy, George, Merle, and many, many more! Starring Jason Petty and Katie Deal.
April 21-May 13, 2017: Smokey Joe’s Café
The music of Leiber and Stoller is sure to have you tapping your toes and dancing in the aisles with such hits as “On Broadway”, “Stand by Me”, “Jailhouse Rock”, “Yakkity Yak”, and “I Am Woman”.
May 19-June 3, 2017: A Tuna Christmas
By popular demand, Scott Treadway and Preston Dyar serve up Christmas a little early this year with this hilarious comedy featuring the residents of Tuna, Texas – the “third smallest” town in the state. 2 actors. 22 characters. 2 million laughs!
June 9-July 2, 2017: Annie
Leaping lizards! For the very first time, America’s favorite redheaded orphan will be gracing the stage at Flat Rock Playhouse. Do not miss what is considered one of the best family musicals ever written!
July 7-22, 2017: The Dixie Swim Club
Designing Women, The Golden Girls, Steel Magnolias… Make way for The Dixie Swim Club – a hilarious and touching comedy about five Southern women who prove that friendships can last forever.
July 28-August 20, 2017: Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
This megahit returns to Flat Rock Playhouse in this irresistible family friendly reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Featuring an infectious and unforgettable score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita)
August 25-September 3, 2017: Music of the Night: The Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber
Hits from one of the best musical theatre composers of all time. Featuring songs from Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, Phantom of the Opera and many more!
September 6-9, 2017: Donny Edwards, a Heart and Soul Tribute to the King
Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has NOT left the building! For the third year in a row, Donny Edwards returns to Flat Rock Playhouse for one weekend only in his tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll: Elvis Presley.
September 15-30, 2017: Amadeus
Nat Zegree, Jerry Lee Lewis from last year’s smash hit Million Dollar Quartet, returns to Flat Rock Playhouse to star as one of the original bad boys of popular music… Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
October 6-21, 2017: Little Shop of Horrors
Don’t feed the plants! One of the longest running Off Broadway hits of all time makes its Flat Rock Playhouse debut in this hilarious musical comedy about a boy and his bloodthirsty plant. Featuring a sensational score reminiscent of early 1960’s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown.
October 27-November 11, 2017: Dial M for Murder
A classical whodunit just in time for Fall at the Playhouse, Dial M for Murder is a sophisticated, chillingly sinister thriller brimming with madness, murder and mayhem that will hold you spellbound with suspense.
November 17-December 22, 2017: Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas Spectacular
Haul out the holly and deck the halls! This original musical revue performed by your favorite Flat Rock Playhouse singers and dancers is sure to be brimming with holiday cheer. Come celebrate the holidays – Vagabond style!
The Music on the Rock concert series 2017 at the Playhouse Downtown Hendersonville includes:
- The Music of the Beatles, February 16 – 26.
- The Music of the Rat Pack, March 9 – 19.
- The Music of the Simon and Garfunkel, March 30 – April 9.
- The Music of Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison, May 4 – 14.
- The Music of Don Henley and Phil Collins, June 1 – 11.
- Motown Summer Nights, August 3 – 13.
- The Music of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, September 28 – October 8.
- The Women of Woodstock, October 26 – November 4.
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