Ensemble Stage in Banner Elk offers year-round, affordable theater in the High Country. Productions are performed in the Hahn Auditorium at The Historic Banner Elk School. Summer season tickets are available individually or as a package of four. For year-round residents, two additional shows in October and December finish off the 2023 season.
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
June 16-25
This is a two-factor tour-de-force comedic retelling of the horror classic. Oh sure, it’s still a battle of good vs. evil. But this time around, it is done with an invigorating wit and style that will have you laughing from the opening minutes to the very end.
City of Dreadful Night
July 21-30
Steeped in the atmosphere of black and white film noir movies from the 40’s, this play is not a parody of those movies but rather a deep immersion in the feel of them. We don’t want to give too much away regarding this twisting, turning piece of theater. However, we will say the show is layered in suspense and mystery and is rich in nostalgic atmosphere.
A Texas Romance
August 18-27
It’s been a year since young Daisy Wilson was made a widow when her cheating husband was shot by his mistress. Daisy has decided it’s time to move on with her life. However, now that she lives with her somewhat controlling older sister, moving on isn’t going to be easy. This sweet comedy will leave you with a warm heart and a satisfied smile on your face.
To Die For
September 15-24
Best-selling historical romance writer Carla Woods lives in a Gothic mansion and enjoys playing dangerous mind games with her secretaries. One dark and stormy night, a mysterious man shows up at her door. Could this simply be payback from a disgruntled employee, or could it be…love’s destiny? A twisting, turning comedy-thriller.
Hitchcock Radio Hour
October 27 & 28
Two tales of horror and suspense (The Haunting Hour and The Birds) set the mood for your Halloween fears to fester. Performed as staged radio plays, you’ll feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and a chill run down your spine as the characters and creatures of the night come to life via the old-time radio show format. You will experience what it would have been like to be the studio audience of a 1930’s live radio broadcast, complete with all the music and sound effects being performed live on stage.
A Banner Elk Christmas
Dec 1, 3, 15, 16, 17
Our holiday musical variety show is patterned after the Andy Williams and Bing Crosby television Christmas specials of the 60s and 70s. With all or parts of nearly forty songs performed in just over an hour, it is a fast-paced musical and visual experience full of singing, dancing, and lots of costume changes. The show is sure to invigorate your holiday spirit and have you leaving with a song in your heart and a dance in your feet.
For more information and tickets, visit the Ensemble Stage website.
