Arts

An Evening with Cross Creek Chorale at Trinity Episcopal

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and the upcoming Evening with the Cross Creek Chorale at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church promises an evening that will do just that.
On Saturday, March 21, the Cumberland Choral Arts will showcase the Cross Creek Chorale, a select chamber ensemble drawn from the organization’s larger chorus. The result is a performance designed to be both intimate and musically rich, offering audiences a chance to experience the power of choral music up close.
According to Curt Kinzey, Artistic Director for Cumberland Choral Arts, the upcoming concert was carefully designed to appeal to a wide audience while still highlighting the artistry and versatility of the ensemble.
“Audiences can look forward to a vibrant and eclectic program,” Kinzey said. “We’ve chosen music that spans centuries and styles, from the intricate beauty of Renaissance-style religious motets to contemporary art songs inspired by the theme of water. We’re also including recognizable favorites from Broadway and the silver screen, so there is truly something for everyone.”
While the program moves through a variety of musical eras and genres, the selections are connected by a deeper theme: the shared human experience.
“Our goal is to take the audience on a journey that inspires and entertains,” Kinzey explained. “Each section of the program highlights a different emotional perspective, reminding us of the common experiences that connect us all.”
The repertoire itself reflects a balance between familiar favorites and fresh material. Some selections revisit highlights from previous Cumberland Choral Arts concerts, while others introduce new pieces that challenge the ensemble and showcase the capabilities of a smaller vocal group.
Among the works Kinzey is particularly excited about is Johannes Brahms’ Geistliches Lied, Op. 30, a piece widely admired within the choral world for both its beauty and its technical brilliance.
“It is a true marvel of choral literature,” Kinzey said. “To the listener, it sounds serene and effortless, but the structure behind it is incredibly complex. Brahms wrote it as a strict double canon at the ninth, which means there are two simultaneous canons moving between the voice parts. It’s an extraordinary example of craftsmanship hidden beneath music that feels humble and comforting.”
Performing a piece like this highlights the strength of the Cross Creek Chorale as a chamber ensemble. While all its members also perform with the larger Cumberland Choral Arts chorus, this smaller group allows singers to explore repertoire that requires greater precision, agility, and vocal independence.
“Cross Creek Chorale is a select, auditioned ensemble,” Kinzey explained. “Working in a smaller group allows us to tackle music that demands a higher level of detail and focus. Every voice matters, and each singer plays an essential role in shaping the overall sound.”
“When everything aligns, tuning, rhythm, and expression, there is a kind of magic that happens,” Kinzey said. “It creates a performance that feels incredibly focused and emotionally cohesive.”
The concert also highlights the continued importance of community choral music in Cumberland County. Organizations like Cumberland Choral Arts provide opportunities for people from many backgrounds to come together through music while also offering audiences meaningful live cultural experiences.
“Choral music is a powerful bridge-builder,” Kinzey said. “It brings people together for a shared purpose and reminds us of our common humanity. In a world where so much of our entertainment happens through screens, there is something truly special about hearing voices blend together in the same space.” For those who may be attending their first choral concert, Kinzey offers a simple invitation. “There is something primal and powerful about the sound of human voices singing together,” he said. “Come experience it. It’s not just a concert it’s an opportunity to unplug, listen, and leave feeling more connected.”
With its diverse repertoire, intimate setting, and talented ensemble, the Cross Creek Chorale concert promises an evening where music tells stories, emotions resonate, and audiences are reminded of the enduring power of the human voice.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/4dgtJkv. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, located at 1601 Raeford Rd.

(Photo: The Cross Creek Chorale performs during Cumberland Choral Arts' Broadway show in 2024. The smaller chorale is an audition group within CCA. Photo courtesy of Sandy Cage, CCA)

CFRT brings "Driving Miss Daisy" to their stage

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Amanda Ransom

Some stories endure not because they belong to a specific moment in time, but because they reflect truths that remain part of the human experience. Driving Miss Daisy, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Alfred Uhry, is one of those stories. Coming to the stage at Cape Fear Regional Theatre at 1707 Owen Dr. from March 19 to April 4, the beloved production invites audiences to experience a quiet but powerful journey that spans decades, cultures and the slow transformation of relationships.
Set in Atlanta and unfolding over 25 years, Driving Miss Daisy follows the evolving relationship between Daisy Werthan, a strong-willed Jewish widow, and Hoke Coleburn, the Black chauffeur hired by her son Boolie after Daisy loses the ability to drive. What begins as a reluctant arrangement gradually grows into a meaningful friendship built through patience, humor and shared life experiences.
For director Laura Josepher, bringing the story to the stage now feels especially meaningful.
“I find this story so hopeful,” Josepher said. “It is a reminder that societal change is always possible.”
Although the play premiered in 1987, Josepher believes its themes remain strikingly relevant today.
“The themes of aging, loss of independence, and overcoming racial and social prejudices are timeless,” she said.
At its heart, Josepher describes the play as a gradual evolution.
“The journey moves from co-existence to acceptance to friendship,” she said.
Directing the production has also been especially rewarding because of the cast bringing these characters to life.
“All three of these actors are lovely humans as well as gifted actors,” Josepher said. “It is a joy to be in a room with them every day.”
Actor Marvin Bell takes on the role of Hoke Coleburn, a character whose history on stage and screen carries significant weight. Legendary performers such as Morgan Freeman and James Earl Jones have portrayed the role, something Bell recognizes as part of the character’s legacy.
“As a Pulitzer Prize-winning play with a history that includes names like Morgan Freeman, James Earl Jones and Angela Lansbury, the roles are as iconic to me as Hamlet, Othello and Cleopatra,” Bell said.
For Bell, preparing to portray Hoke began with a deep dive into the script itself.
“The layered complexity of these characters lies within the text,” Bell said. “Good preparation comes with reading, re-reading and reading some more.”
Hoke’s personality plays a central role in the relationship that develops throughout the play.
“My character has a very ingratiating personality,” Bell said. “The son of Daisy takes to him right away. Miss Daisy is slower to trust but eventually comes to trust him.”
One particularly meaningful moment in the play occurs when Hoke admits he cannot read. Daisy’s instincts as a teacher resurface, creating a turning point in their relationship.
“That moment brings the two closer together,” Bell said.
Actor Greg King portrays Boolie Werthan, Daisy’s son, who finds himself balancing concern for his mother with respect for her independence.
“Boolie is a good man just trying to do right by his mother, even when she makes it difficult,” King said. “He’s practical, a little exasperated, but deeply devoted to Daisy.”
To prepare for the role, King focused on the many pressures Boolie carries.
“I looked at the responsibilities he faces, running a business, caring for his mother, being a Southern Jew, and navigating a world where he sometimes feels he doesn’t quite fit,” King said.
Those pressures shape the complicated relationship between Boolie and his mother.
“Love in families isn’t always poetic,” he said. “Sometimes it looks like arguing with your mother while quietly trying to take care of her.”
Capturing that balance between patience and frustration became one of the most challenging parts of the role.
“Anyone who’s had a strong-willed parent knows that love can sometimes look like a negotiation,” King said. “Coloring those moments of negotiation is challenging but extremely rewarding as an actor.”
As the story moves through the decades, audiences witness not only the personal growth of the characters but also the changing landscape of American society.
“Covering a twenty-five-year period allows many generations to see themselves in this play,” Bell said.
Josepher hopes audiences leave the theater with a renewed sense of empathy and possibility.
“I want them to feel that societal change is possible,” she said. “And it starts with how we treat every other human we encounter.”
For those who have never seen Driving Miss Daisy, Josepher believes the experience speaks for itself.
“This show takes the audience on a real journey,” she said. “The characters travel through twenty-five years and pivotal moments in U.S. history. But they should come to see the incredible performances in this Pulitzer Prize-winning play.”
Tickets to Driving Miss Daisy can be found at https://www.cfrt.org/driving-miss-daisy/. CFRT will be holding military and teacher appreciation nights.

(Photo: Kim Zimmer plays Daisy Werthan. Photos courtesy of Ashley Owen, Cape Fear Regional Theatre)

"On Golden Pond" showing at the Gilbert Theater

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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Written by Amber Little

The next production in the season lineup for Gilbert Theater is On Golden Pond, a tale of an aging couple in their forty-eighth year at their summer house. This summer will prove to be unlike any other, with a visit from their daughter, a new teenage grandchild inherited through the daughter's new marriage, and the lessons they all learn living together over the course of those few blissful months.
Opening night is Friday, March 20, and the show is every weekend, with the last show on April 5. Tickets can be purchased at the Gilbert Theater box office located at 116 Green Street or online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36002/production/1236960.
This season’s lineup has been incredible, packed with shows that have made theater-goers laugh, cry and think, reaching audiences of all ages and demographics. On Golden Pond is no exception, bringing together a cast of seasoned actors to breathe this beautiful story of age, mortality, and generational living to life. On Golden Pond, a 5-scene, 2-act play, follows Ethel and Norman Thayer, a couple who have been together a lifetime.
Norman’s health is slowly withering, and so is his mind. Ethel, ten years his junior, is faced with the possibility of life without him, while also creating new memories with him and their soon-to-be grandchild. While their daughter and fiancé head to Europe for a summer of new love, they leave behind his son with the elderly couple. Norman and the teen form a multigenerational bond, leaving a lasting impact on all of them; a tale of the duality of life, a summer of newness with an underlying sense
of uncertainty.
The cast is full of Gilbert regulars, a vibrant and still sassy group with decades of experience to bring to the stage. Evan Bridenstine is directing this production, his second one at the Gilbert. When asked what drew him to this particular production, he explained, “There’s a humanity here in the story that I like, and it ties to the same kind of humanity that I found in Rabbit Holes (his directorial debut).”
Leading the small but stellar cast are two theater legends, Rhonda Brocki, playing Ethel Thayer, and James Dean, playing Norman Thayer. Fresh off the stage from Cabaret, Brocki is looking forward to bringing this lively character to life, noting, “On Golden Pond has been a favorite movie of mine, and it’s something I was really interested in doing when it came out. So, I’m really excited about that.”
Dean has been acting since 1976 and is a Gilbert Theater staple, having performed in around 40 productions. While not a fan of the movie like Brocki, Dean saw something in the play that he couldn’t resist.
“I like the play… The play is much more interesting for me because we’ve really been digging into it,” adding, “I’m very happy to have Evan as a director because I’ve never worked with him before. And he’s proven himself to be a listener. An adaptor.”
On Golden Pond addresses age and what that looks like and means from the eyes of those aging, a unique perspective that definitely had the actors channeling real life to capture the essence of the story.
“[It’s] definitely relatable to my life and to some people that I know or in my family. I’m not going to say it’s easy, but I can understand it,” Brocki explained.
But the play isn’t all serious.
“I would love for everyone to realize, don’t come thinking that you’re going to be boohooing and have to sit through a drama. There is a lot of humor and fun in this play. And I think it will resonate with everyone. You’ll be able to relate to it whether you’re young or old,” said Brocki.
Dean, whose real-life wit fits perfectly with his character, has enjoyed exploring the depths of On Golden Pond.
“It’s also about their child, who the mother loves very much, but the father is rather estranged from, and the family dynamics and finding their way through. My character, Norman, talks about death a lot. He’s about to turn 80 in the first scene, so he’s prepared to die at some point, but then these other people arrive. He’s a very witty and funny guy.”
Opening night for On Golden Pond will be extra special with the announcement of the 2026-2027 main stage season.
When the house opens at 7:30 p.m., staff and AD, Matt Lamb, will greet patrons and reveal their 5 shows for the upcoming season. While the show titles are being kept a secret for now, the theme for next year is something Lamb is excited about: Home is Where the Heart Is.
For more information on Gilbert Theater and the last two shows of the season, visit https://www.gilberttheater.com/.

(Image courtesy of Gilbert Theater Facebook Page)

FSO's Side-by-Side Concert celebrates student musicians

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Tuesday, 03 March 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Side-by-Side Concert on Sunday, March 15, at Methodist University’s Huff Concert Hall. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the performance beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets are affordably priced at $8 for all attendees and can be purchased online at fayettevillesymphony.org, by calling the FSO office at 910-433-4690, or at the door on the day of the concert.
A highlight of the symphony’s education initiatives, the Side-by-Side Concert brings together members of the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and professional FSO musicians for a shared performance experience. The event celebrates both the dedication of young musicians and the educators who mentor them while showcasing the vibrant musical community in Fayetteville.
Throughout the academic year, FSYO students rehearse weekly under the guidance of experienced instructors — many of whom also perform with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. These rehearsals prepare students not only for this collaborative concert but also for other performances that build their technical skills, confidence, and ensemble experience. During the Side-by-Side Concert, those same teachers and professional musicians perform alongside the students, creating a rare opportunity for emerging artists to experience orchestral performance at a professional level.
Daniel McCloud, conductor of the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra, emphasizes the significance of the event for young performers.
“The opportunity for our students to perform side-by-side with masterful musicians is a profound bridge between education and artistry,” McCloud said. “It moves the learning process beyond the rehearsal room and into a live experience where students don’t just hear excellence in performance — they participate in it. This collaboration highlights the FSO’s commitment to high-level mentorship, building the next generation of musical artists.”
The concert will open with selections performed independently by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, giving youth orchestra members and audience members a chance to hear the professional ensemble before the joint performance begins. The program promises an engaging musical afternoon designed to inspire listeners of all ages.
This event forms part of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s broader education and community outreach programs, which aim to foster a lifelong appreciation for music while providing meaningful learning opportunities for young performers. Community support plays a vital role in sustaining these initiatives. The concert is made possible in part through grants from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council, along with support from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal.
The March 15 concert also marks an important moment in the orchestra’s season as Music Director Stefan Sanders continues his tenure with the FSO. Additional information regarding Sanders’ upcoming departure can be found on the symphony’s website. Looking ahead, the orchestra’s final concert of the 2025–2026 season will feature the beloved film music of John Williams, and Sanders will also conduct a special performance at Cape Fear Botanical Garden on March 22, with further details expected soon.
For Fayetteville residents and music lovers alike, the Side-by-Side Concert offers an inspiring afternoon of collaboration, mentorship, and community celebration through the power of live orchestral music.