North Charleston Kicks off Dinner Theatre Series on Sept 14

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Another fabulous season of dinner theatre kicks off in North Charleston on Friday, September 14, with The Gentleman Pirate, presented by Rodney Lee Rogers of PURE Theatre. Dinner for the evening is catered by Embassy Suites and features an entrée of Grilled Cypress Chicken served with garlic infused tomato concasse and herb aioli.

Written and performed by PURE Theatre co-founder, Rodney Lee Rogers, The Gentleman Pirate is a one-of-a kind, interactive theatrical event that brings to life the trials and glories of Stede Bonnet, also known as “The Gentleman Pirate.” The play focuses on Bonnet's 1718 trial, in which he gave his own defense and was, in the end, sentenced to death. Rogers referenced the existing trial transcripts to inform the production’s script, filling any factual gaps in Bonnet’s story with his Shakespearean-influenced imagination. Patrons have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session following the performance, where Rogers answers questions in character. Charleston City Paper critic, Jon Santiago, gives the production an “A” rating, calling it “great fun, splendidly performed and exhaustively researched.” The show has been performed everywhere from school cafeterias to the deck of the USS Yorktown, and enjoyed two sold out Piccolo Spoleto runs.

Working in multiple disciplines of dramatic form over the past 24 years, writer/actor/filmmaker Rodney Lee Rogers received the SC Arts Commission’s Playwriting Fellowship in 2010 and was awarded a SC Film Commission grant for his short film Downturn. His plays and one-acts plays have been produced in New York City, Seattle, Charlotte, and Charleston and include HOGS, The Tragedian, Killing Chickens, Fairgrounds, What Comes Around, Tell, Cowboys, and A Waffle House Christmas. His feature film Steaming Milk won runner-up Best Actor and Best Director awards at the 1997 Seattle International Film Festival and was chosen as a “Best of the Fest” of both The Seattle Times and The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Theatre directing credits include Tell, Jesus Hopped the “A” Train, What Comes Around, HOGS, and The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Acting credits for the stage include The Pillowman, The Lonesome West, Cloud Tectonics, Underneath the Lintel, Eurydice, and The Tragedian. On television he has appeared on One Tree Hill, Medicine Ball, and Army Wives. He was voted Best Actor by Charleston City Paper for 2009 and 2010. Co-founders of PURE Theatre, he and his wife, artistic director Sharon Graci, live in Charleston with their five children.

The Dinner Theatre will be presented at the Charleston Area Convention Center Ballroom (adjacent to the North Charleston Performing Arts Center) at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. The ballroom doors open at 7:00pm for dinner. Tickets are $40 per person. Group discounts are available. Ticket price includes dinner, play, and gratuity. Parking is free. A cash bar will be available. To purchase tickets or to request more information, contact Pam Smith at 843.740.5847 or email culturalarts@northcharleston.org. For information on additional programs and events, visit the Cultural Arts section of the City’s website at www.northcharleston.org

Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Award winning cast to host special presentation on May 10.

Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina will host the North Charleston Arts Festival’s annual interactive murder mystery dinner theatre on Thursday, May 10, 2012.  The original production, titled The Ashley Alston Mystery, features award-winning film and stage actor, Clarence Felder, and an ensemble of top professional actors. Tickets are on sale until Monday, May 7.

Southern gentleman, Ashley Alston, is hosting a surprise party and the biggest surprise is yet to come. Chief Detective Rhett Rutledge, played by Felder, has solved some of the most infamous murders in the Lowcountry and will enlist the help of the audience to find the killer! Dinner, catered by Centerplate Catering and served buffet style, will include a garden salad, herb baked chicken, roasted red potatoes, a seasoned vegetable medley, and rolls. Dessert and coffee service will immediately follow.

The Ashley Alston Mystery will be presented at Montague Terrace, the newest addition to the Charleston Area Convention Center Campus located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston.  Doors open at 7:00pm for dinner.  Tickets are $37 per person, with group discounts available.  Ticket price includes dinner, play, and gratuity. Parking is free.  A cash bar will be available. Seating is limited.  To purchase tickets by Monday, May 7, contact Pam Smith with the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department at 843-740-5847.  For more information about the 2012 North Charleston Arts Festival, taking place May 4-12, visit www.NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com.

2011/12 North Charleston Dinner Theatre Series Tickets On Sale

Season and individual performance tickets available 

The North Charleston Cultural Arts Department is proud to present its 2011/12 Dinner Theater Series, featuring four fabulous performances accompanied by elegant dining.  Season ticket prices are $120 per person with group discounts are available. Those not wishing to purchase season tickets may purchase single performance tickets one month prior to each Dinner Theater.  Prices for individual performances are $37 per person, $34 per person for a party of 4-7, and $32 per person for a party of 8 or more.  

The series has proven to be a popular program for couples and groups. Productions take place in September, November, February, and March. Guests are served a candlelit dinner at 7:00pm, then sit back to watch lively, and often interactive, performances by professional actors while enjoying dessert and tea or coffee. All programs are scheduled to take place on Friday evenings in the elegant setting of the Embassy Ballroom at the Charleston Area Convention Center Complex, located at 5001 Coliseum Drive in North Charleston. Ticket price includes dinner, play, and gratuity. A cash bar is available. Parking is free.

Performance details and menus are listed below. Vegetarian alternatives may be requested in advance.

2011/12 North Charleston Dinner Theater Series Schedule

(subject to change)

Friday, September 23, 2011
The Flowertown Players Comedy Radio Hour performed by The Flowertown Players
The days of yesteryear come alive in a comedic evening of adventure, excitement, mystery, and mayhem.  Journey through the magic of old-time radio programming complete with musical scoring and sound effects.
Menu: Grilled Herb Chicken with andouille & tasso queso
   
Friday, November 4, 2011
Romeo & Juliet performed by The Baillie Players
Enjoy an abbreviated version of Shakespeare’s famous play with audience participation.
Menu: Drunken Pork Tenderloin with granny smith apple & red onion relish
   
Friday, February 10, 2012
Lowcountry Delights performed by Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina
Featuring wit, wisdom, and songs about romance in the Lowcountry, you'll meet Miss Magnolia, Mrs. Noah, and a bevy of babes who chat and sing about secrets of friendship and love.
Menu: Carolina Turkey Medallions with lemon & parmesan butter, marsala, and wild mushrooms
   
Friday, April 6, 2012
Mo’ Motown Magic performed by Remnant Productions
A fantastic evening filled with Motown greats that are sure to have you dancing in your seats!
Menu: Grilled Cypress Chicken with garlic-infused tomato concasse and herb aioli

Call 843-740-5847 for tickets or more information.  MasterCard, Visa, American Express, cash, or checks made payable to the City of North Charleston are accepted.