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Artist Village brings habit forming musical to Arts XL

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026
Written by Katie Herring

20If you are looking for a knee-slapping, toe-tapping comedy with lots of heart, look no further than The Artist Village production of the musical sensation Nunsense. Running three days for four performances, May 15-17, you will not want to miss out on this long-time fan favorite musical that has been leaving audiences rolling in the aisles for over 40 years.
Artist Village is relatively new to the arts scene in Cumberland County and started as a passion project during the Covid pandemic lockdown. Working primarily in Hope Mills, Teresa Davis and her team are on a mission “to entertain, inform, and educate youth and adult community members; thereby enriching cultural life through the arts” (artistvillagehm.com). Past productions have been performed at a few different locations, including the Hope Mills Recreation Center. Nunsense will be their first production to be performed at Fayetteville’s Arts XL venue at 214 Burgess St.
Nunsense is a musical comedy about the Little Sisters of Hoboken, who have recently experienced a tragic accident leading to the death of many of their sisters. With a collection of dead bodies in the freezer, the surviving nuns put on a variety show to help raise the funds necessary to bury the rest of their dearly departed sisters. While the premise seems dark, the resulting show is a hilarious revue featuring a variety of musical styles, from country to gospel, even some classic Latin choir arrangements.
Fans of the original show will recognize some updates in the Artist Village production. The original 1985 version has been updated to a Mega-Musical version, expanding the cast from 5 nuns to 9, and adding two men: Brother Timothy & Father Patrick Virgil.
The diverse cast features performers of various ages and levels of experience. There are two high school students performing alongside actors with a bit more age and stage experience under their habits.
Jackie Hill takes the stage as Sister Hubert for the second time, having played the character in the Lumberton Civic Center’s previous production of the show. One of the characters added to the extended Mega-Musical version is Sister Julia, Child of God, played by Kelly Whitback, who has been in a few Artist Village productions. Stephanie Bohn plays Sister Leo, the ballet dancing nun. Bohn currently works as a nurse, but is a classically trained ballerina and, as such, is taking care of her own ballet choreography. Angela Westmoreland plays Mother Superior, which follows her performance as Mother Abbess in Fayetteville Technical Community College’s recent production of The Sound of Music.
Led by director Jennifer Sell, the cast is reported to have great chemistry.
As explained by Westmoreland, “There is harmony, even in the comedy.”
Any play benefits from a cast with great chemistry, but for a show like Nunsense, it is essential and the Artist Village company has struck gold in that regard.
As the name of the company suggests, it takes a village to produce a play, and the Artist Village production of Nunsense is no different. The nuns’ costumes are on loan from FTCC’s theatre department, who recently used them in their production of The Sound of Music. Being able to stage the show without having to purchase such a volume of costumes means a lot to a company who is currently fully grant-funded, explains Davis. Additionally, performing the show at Arts XL means that the group is a guest in the home of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Davis says they “have been fantastic with their support” of the company who is currently a transient organization.
The Artist Village production of Nunsense is truly a shining example of what community theatre is all about: people from all backgrounds and walks of life coming together, with support from across the community, to tell a story that is full of humor, hope, and joy.
Performances will be held May 15 & 16 at 7 p.m. and May 16 & 17 at 3 p.m.
Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for students, and can be purchased ahead of time at artistvillagehm.com or bought at the door.

The Golden Hour: Move to your own rhythm

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026
Written by Lena Simmons

19The Golden Hour is a silent Dancing Without Sin dance experience. The sponsors for this event are Book Black Women Inc and 1910 Wine Nest. Feel the joy on May 16, at the Executive Room,230 Donaldson St., from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. The silent dance is the experience of line dancing, freestyle movement, and high energy with immersive headphones. The immersive wireless headphones are limited to fifty guests. Each guest will have a personalized music playlist and share the energy of the room. The dress code is yellow tops and denim bottoms. For more information, visit www.dancingwithoutsin.com
Book Black Women Inc is a cultural production company creating curated live experiences, signature programming, and artist-centered events.
“The heart of Book Black Women has not changed, but the vision has expanded,” shared Ayana Washington, Founder and Executive Director to the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal.
Dancing Without Sin Fitness was founded by Stephanie Brown Kegler in July 2015 and has hosted events throughout Fayetteville for the past few years. Kegler has been a trainer since 2009, and noticed during her classes that a group of people was missing. She calls them “The Forgotten Christians.” Dancing Without Sin was created to help give those Christians the space to dance and connect with their spirituality. The dance program focuses on gospel music, Christian hip hop, inspirational pieces and Afro beats. She also holds a session focusing on participants with standing disabilities or in wheelchairs. Kegler calls herself a “movement minister” and uses her dance and exercise classes to help others connect to God.
Experience your free-style dance at The Golden Hour with hosts of Dancing Without Sin, Book Black Women Inc and 1910 Wine Nest on May 16, at The Executive Room. Advanced registration is required, and tickets can be purchased at https://www.dancingwithoutsin.com/event-details-registration/the-golden-hour
Feel the joy, and find your frequency.

Fit for a Queen: CFRT presents "Crowns"

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026
Written by Katie Herring

16As Cape Fear Regional Theatre winds down its 2025-2026 season, it is going out with a bang, presenting the high-energy, hilarious, and heartfelt musical Crowns. This gospel musical is full of familiar songs and new ones alike, with a small cast of characters telling a timeless story of community, heritage, and identity.
Crowns tells the story of Yolanda, a young woman who moves back to her family’s home in Darlington, South Carolina, from New York City. She moves in with her grandmother after experiencing a tragic loss. She soon finds herself rooted in the culture of the Black church, where she begins to find, through songs and stories, belonging and hope, even healing.
The show’s director, Allyson Tucker, sings the praises of the small, tight-knit cast. She says that there are “no words” for the vocal power and blending that the group is able to achieve. Among the 7 principal actors, and alongside a strong cohort of understudies, there is a combination of local Fayetteville talent and some who come from a bit farther away. There are some familiar faces to those in the audience who frequent the theatre, while others are making their CFRT debut. The play focuses primarily on the female characters, with one man playing all the men in the story. Randy A. Davis, who also serves as the show’s choreographer, plays The Man and represents husbands, brothers, and the preacher.
The crowns referenced in the title refer to the big, beautiful hats that are a staple of Black church culture. A significant aspect of Black church culture is the belief that you appear before God as best as you can, and for the ladies, that includes your hat. As explained by Tuckers, women’s hats are a source of pride without being boastful, and represent a leveling up, that a young woman has earned her place in the community and her right to wear her crown. For performances of Crowns at CFRT, audience members are welcome and encouraged to wear their crowns. Make sure your crown won’t block the view of the other queens (or kings) behind you.
This season finale show is for everyone. While the focus of the story is on Black history and culture, the core themes of the story are universal: the importance of community and belonging. Tucker says, “We all need to belong, whether it is in a biological family or a chosen one.” She invites everyone, regardless of background, to “come with an open heart and tissues; know that [you] belong; leave the real world outside and imagine a better world.”
While the story is emotional and has a serious message, it tells the story in a way that is “hilarious, sassy, and unapologetically female.”
Cape Fear Regional Theatre rates this show as PG. According to their website, “this musical contains themes of grief, racial and cultural identity, and emotionally charged gospel moments; suitable for teens and adults, with parental guidance under 11.”
Crowns will be performed at 1707 Owen Drive, as the theatre’s renovation project on Hay Street is still ongoing. Tickets are available through the theatre’s website at cfrt.org or by calling the box office at 910-323-4233. Audiences are reminded that CFRT tickets are only sold through their website; tickets sold through third-party sites could be invalid or overpriced. Don’t wait to get your tickets, as performances are already selling out.

Cumberland Choral Arts celebrates "USA 250"

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026
Written by Amanda Ransom

17There is something powerful about voices raised together in song, especially when those voices are telling the story of a nation. This spring, Cumberland Choral Arts invites the community to experience that power with its “USA 250” concert, honoring America’s 250th anniversary through music and celebration.
Cumberland Choral Arts traces its roots to 1991, when music director Alan Porter brought together singers from the campus and the surrounding community to perform Mozart’s Requiem during a tribute to the composer. The experience sparked something lasting, laying the foundation for what would become CCA. The organization has grown into a thriving nonprofit with three ensembles. Today, the organization includes a 100-voice symphonic chorus, the auditioned Cross Creek Chorale and the Campbellton Youth Chorus. Sandy Cage, President of the CCA Board of Directors, shared the updated mission “enriches and connects our diverse community through the transformative power of song,” grounded in the values of community, connection, artistry and joy.
That mission is central to the upcoming performance. While many refer to the anniversary as “America 250,” CCA has chosen “USA 250,” highlighting the language of the Declaration of Independence and grounding the program in the nation’s origins. Cage describes the concert as “part history, remembrance and joyful celebration,” while Artistic Director Curt Kinzey adds that it will feature “a variety of patriotic music celebrating America’s 250th birthday” in collaboration with the Fayetteville Symphonic Band.
“We selected a variety of music to celebrate the occasion,” Kinzey said. “You will hear Randall Thompson’s 'Testament of Freedom' and Aaron Copland’s 'Lincoln Portrait,'” alongside familiar favorites like “God Bless America,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “This Land Is Your Land” and “God Bless the USA.” The selections span from the Revolutionary era to modern day, reflecting “parts of American history” through music.
The experience extends beyond the stage. As attendees arrive at Methodist University, they will pass 250 American flags lining the entrance, each placed in honor or memory of military members, first responders and others who have served. Inside, displays will recognize those honorees, adding a personal layer to the evening.
The concert opens with a color guard from the Sons of the American Revolution and “The Star-Spangled Banner,” setting the tone for a program that blends performance with tribute. A salute to the Armed Forces and an audience sing-along will further engage the community in the experience.
Kinzey hopes the performance leaves the audience feeling more connected and reflective. Music, he says, has a way of reaching the heart, serving as a soundtrack to a nation’s story and its continued growth. For Cage, the concert carries personal meaning. From childhood memories of 4th of July parades to life as a military spouse, the performance is seen both as a tribute and celebration.
“There is so much to celebrate as we look back and as we look to the future,” Cage says. “I’m just happy to have a small part in this momentous celebration.”
CCAs’ “USA 250” concert will take place Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Huff Concert Hall, 5400 Ramsey St., at Methodist University. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $5 for students, and are available online at https://www.cumberlandchoralarts.org/2025/09/30/usa250-may-16-2026-730pm/ and at the door.

Fayetteville History Museum celebrates America 250

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026
Written by Jamie Bishop

15The Fayetteville History Museum is preparing to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary with a series of exhibits and public programs designed to connect local history with the broader American story.
The celebration is part of the lead-up to the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In Fayetteville, the museum’s efforts will highlight the city’s colonial roots and its ongoing role in shaping the cultural and civic identity of the region.
Located at 325 Franklin St. in downtown Fayetteville, the museum will feature rotating exhibits and special programming expected to begin in late spring and continue throughout the year. Admission is free, and the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it an accessible destination for residents, visitors and school groups alike.
The exhibit lineup will explore key themes tied to early American history, including the Revolutionary War era, the formation of local government and the everyday lives of people who lived through the nation’s earliest years. Organizers say the displays will include historical artifacts, documents and interactive elements designed to bring the past into focus for modern audiences.
In addition to exhibits, the museum plans to host a range of community events, including guided tours, educational workshops and family-friendly activities. These programs aim to foster deeper engagement with the material, encouraging visitors to consider how national events have shaped Fayetteville’s development over time. The initiative also reflects a broader effort to present a more inclusive view of history. By incorporating multiple perspectives, the museum aims to offer a fuller understanding of the people and experiences that contributed to the nation’s founding and evolution.
Fayetteville’s historical significance provides a strong foundation for the commemoration. Established in the 18th century, the city played a role in early political and economic life in North Carolina and continues to serve as a hub for military and civic communities. That layered identity allows the museum to draw connections between the past and present, particularly as the nation approaches a milestone anniversary.
Organizers say the programming is designed to appeal to a wide audience, from students learning about American history for the first time to longtime residents interested in exploring the city’s heritage in greater depth. The museum is also encouraging visitors to engage beyond the exhibits by reflecting on their own family histories and connections to the broader American narrative. Community participation is expected to be a central component of the celebration. By creating opportunities for dialogue and shared experiences, the museum hopes to foster a sense of connection and reflection as the country prepares to mark 250 years of independence.
The Fayetteville History Museum’s involvement in the semiquincentennial underscores the importance of local institutions in preserving and interpreting history. Through its exhibits and programming, the museum serves as both a repository of the past and a space for ongoing conversation about the meaning of that history today.
For additional information about exhibit schedules, group visits or upcoming events, community members can contact the museum directly at HattiePresnell@fayettevilleNC.gov or by calling 910-433-1458. As Fayetteville joins communities across the country in preparing for the nation’s 250th anniversary, the museum’s efforts offer a reminder that history is not only something to be remembered, but something to be explored, questioned and carried forward into the future.

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