HART presents INTO THE WOODS In the new Fangmeyer Theater
Opening Sept. 16 Along with Harmon’s Den Bistro
The long awaited opening of HART’s new second stage, the Daniel and Belle Fangmeyer Theater, is finally at hand. After two years of construction the Broadway musical “Into the Woods” will officially christen the space on September 16. The Sondheim hit was also the first musical in HART’s current home, the Performing Arts Center when it opened in 1997. The show, which jumbles the story lines of several fairy tales, will be presented in three quarter round, with audiences close enough to touch the actors on stage.
The first event in the new facility was Cirque du HART, a fundraiser presented on August 27, but there was still a good bit of finish work left to do. It was a chance for some HART patrons to preview the space, but this is the first theatre event.
“Into the Woods” opened on Broadway in 1987 and won numerous Tony Awards in competition with the other big hit that season “Phantom of the Opera.” It has been revived many times and in 2014 a Disney film of the musical starring Meryl Streep was released.
In addition to the show, Harmon’s Den Bistro will also be open for dining before and after all performances. The bistro is the first thing patrons will encounter when they enter the new theater and eventually it will be separated from the performance space by draperies. The bistro will seat only 40 so reservations are strongly recommended. The menu can be seen online at www.harttheatre.org and reservations can be made by calling the box office or going to Open Table. Chef Christy Bishop has been working for months to refine the menu and create a truly first class dining experience at affordable prices. A wine list and area beers on tap will also be a feature. The space is named in honor of John and Suzie Harmon, owners of Laurel Ridge Country Club, whose support helped insure the proper outfitting of the bistro. Harmon’s Den will also be open for breakfast and lunch on Saturday’s during the Haywood County Farmers’ Market.
“Into the Woods” is being directed by Daniel Hensley and will feature John Highsmith, Tabitha Judy, Dwight Chiles, Strother Stingley, Charles Mills, Emily Warren, Lyn Donley, Holly Caldwell, Jessica Garland, Karen C. Yow, Heather Bronson, Kristen Hedberg, Tom Dewees, Trissa King, Stephen A. Gonya, Candice Owen, David Yeates, Sarah Conklin, Rod Leigh, Mike Yow, Rachel Swanson, Holly Cope, and Harmony Canaday.
The show will have performances Thursdays-Sundays from September 16 – October 16. Performances are at the Fangmeyer Theater, 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville. Reservations can be made by calling the HART box office, Tuesday-Saturday from 1-5pm.