For more than 50 years, the Cape Fear Regional Theatre has brought quality theater to the Cumberland County/Fort Bragg community. If Tom Quaintance’s, the artistic director at the CFRT, vision for the upcoming season is realized, this season will not only continue that heritage, but will raise the bar for excellence at the CFRT.

“Last season was really excellent,” said Quaintance, who is entering his third season at the helm of the CFRT. “I felt really good about all of the shows, and we actually did much better than planned.”

Even as the season was ongoing, Quaintance gathered a group of individuals together to start planning for the 2014-2015 season.

“We met together and read about 25 plays and musicals,” explained Quaintance. “Planning for a season is an incredibly complicated process. We really have to look at performing a balancing act to ensure that we reach out to the broad spectrum of our community and our theatre patrons.”

Quaintance noted that the group read a broad range of plays and musicals, explaining that the most important factor in deciding on what plays would make this year’s season had to do with telling a good story. Once the story passed the test, the group worked to ensure that there was a fine balance between the styles of plays from contemporary to classical.

Quaintance believes the group got this season right and has chosen a season that offers a little something for everyone.

The season kicks-off in September with the cult-classic Monty Python’s Spamalot.

“I have never had more fun in a theatre than when I have worked on Spamalot,” said Quaintance. “I am dying to get into rehearsals for this play. I grew up with this play. All of my friends and I grew up quoting it.”

Quaintance is particular excited about the opportunity that Spamalot brings to showcase the talents of the local community. He noted that the show’s large cast is a perfect vehicle for local actors.

Spamalot, which is a musical, a new musical and is a take-off from the internationally famous comedy team’s most popular motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. The show won three 2005 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and Best Director (Mike Nichols), as well as the Drama Desk® and Outer Critics Circle® Awards for Best Musical. Book and Lyrics by Eric Idle.

In October and November, The Bluest Eye tells the story of the tragic life of a young girl in 1940,s Ohio. Eleven year-old Pecola Breedlove wants nothing more than to be loved by her family and schoolmates. Instead, she faces constant ridicule and abuse. Blaming her dark skin she prays for blue eyes, sure that love will follow.

Over Christmas, the theatre will once again stage the perennial Christmas favorite The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and the adult-themed Santa Land Diaries.

In January, Quaintance and company brings adventure to the stage with The Three Musketeers. This rousing story of heroism, treachery and honor is an action packed adventure for the entire family.

In March, be prepared to get some swing in your step as Ain’t Misbehavin’ brings two spirited hours of musical entertainment to the stage. This Tony Award-winning tour through the legendary Fats Waller songbook is one of the most popular musical revues of the century.

In April, Bo Thorpe will return to the CFRT stage for the first time in a couple of years in The Trip to Bountiful. “I have been looking for the perfect vehicle for Bo, and this is it,” said Quaintance. “She has not been on stage since On Golden Pond. I think this play will showcase her great talent.”

For the first time in its history, the theater will offer a six-show season. Quaintance believes the added show will give people more choices and will keep the theatre fully engaged with the community throughout the year. People purchasing season tickets can choose to purchase either a five- or six-show ticket, which gives them the freedom to pick the shows they want to come to. “Some plays aren’t for everyone,” said Quaintance. “This season is very ambitious, and we believe we have something for everybody in this season.”

Quaintance thinks people will agree once they see Avenue Q, which won the Triple Crown at the Tony’s taking Best Musical, Best Score and Best book. Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt and packed with heart. This unapologetically adult musical Avenue Q takes Sesame Street into the real world with hilarious results as recent grad Princeton navigates post-college life.

Along with bringing great plays to stage, Quaintance will also bring talented actors and directors to the mix.

For more information about the season or to purchase tickets, visit www.cfrt.org.