Tag Archive for: #mcgregorhall

75-Member Cast Announced for “The Wizard of Oz”

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The Henderson Rec Players community theater organization has cast 75 local performers to present “The Wizard of Oz” at McGregor Performing Arts Center in July, according to Jo Ellen Nowell, director, and Mark Hopper, musical director.

Leading the cast will be 15-year-old Becky Hunt of Henderson as Dorothy, Andy Dickerson of Henderson as the Scarecrow, Justin Walker of Henderson as the Tin Man, and Dan Cerullo of Stem as the Cowardly Lion.

Accompanying the show will be a 15-piece orchestra conducted by Mark Hopper.

Performances are on July 7, 8 and 15 at 8 p.m. and on July 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.

Advance tickets and reserved seating are available through McGregor Hall, which offers box office hours Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. Also, tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.mcgregorhall.org. Tickets are priced at $15 each for all ages. For more information about tickets, contact Crystal Allen at the Aycock Recreation Center at 252-431-6091.

The Henderson Rec Players organization was founded in 1972 and is sponsored by the Henderson-Vance Parks and Recreation Department.

 

Cast – “The Wizard of Oz”

(In Order of Appearance)

 

Kansas

Dorothy Gale………………………………………………………. Becky Hunt

Toto………………………………………………………………. Harvey Hopper

Auntie Em……………………………………………………… Micheale Collie

Uncle Henry………………………………………………. Jonathan O’Geary

Hunk…………………………………………………………….. Andy Dickerson

Hickory…………………………………………………………….. Justin Walker

Zeke……………………………………………………………………. Dan Cerullo

Miss Gulch…………………………………………………………. Mary Pearce

Professor Marvel………………………………………………….. Bob Clarke

 

Munchkinland

Glinda, Witch of the North………………………………… Amber Jones

School Teachers…………………………. Jeanie James, Julia Tillotson

Mayor………………………………………………………………….. Noah Bean

Barrister……………………………………………………………….. Will White

City Father……………………………………………………… Wesley Carroll

Coroner………………………………………………………………… Katie Hunt

Munchkins………………………………………. Kendell Allen, Levi Bean,

Merritt Cloninger, Emerson Currin, Saylor Gray,

Grayson Greenway, Cailee Hansen, Lilly Hicks,

Eva Hopper, Lane Jackson, Elizabeth Joyner,

David Pendergrass, Kylie Stainback, Ella Stewardson,

Marie Scott White, Barbara Williams, Cecilia Williams

Wicked West of the West…………………………………… Mary Pearce

 

Along the Yellow Brick Road

Scarecrow…………………………………………………….. Andy Dickerson

Crows…………………………………………… Allison Hines, Lynn Patiky,

Hollie Powell, Sarah Stallsmith

Trees……………………………………………….. Jada Lewis, Erin Shelton,

Sarah Wheeler, Whitney Wicker

Tin Man……………………………………………………………. Justin Walker

Cowardly Lion……………………………………………………… Dan Cerullo

Poppies……………………………. Merritt Cloninger, Emerson Currin,

Eva Hopper, Elizabeth Joyner, Cecilia Williams

Snowflakes………………………………….. Saylor Gray, Cailee Hansen,

Lilly Hicks, Kylie Stainback, Ella Stewardson,

Marie Scott White, Barbara Williams

 

Emerald City

Guard……………………………………………………………… Clay Davidson

Manicurists………………………….. Trinity Ayscue, Samantha Hines,

Joyce Short, Natalie Stone

Beauticians…………………………….. Elly Boldizar, Angelica Bridges,

Mimi Johnston, Faith Orr

Straw Stuffers…………………………… Celia Boldizar, Emilee Boone,

Charity Norwood, Barbara Williams

Polishers…………………………………………. Blakely Bates, Ben Hicks,

Coleman Hines, Trace Kirby,

Chandler Stainback, Avery Thomas

Tap Dancers………………………………. Emily Hunt, Kathleen James,

Lexi Simmons, Sarah Young

Townspeople………………………… Gracie Barney, Savanna Carroll,

Kendall Collier, Cameron Eaton,

Rose Hilliard, Skylar McGhee, Paige Meadows

Wizard of Oz………………………………………………………… Bob Clarke

 

Witch’s Castle

General of the Winkies……………………………………. Camden Jones

Winkies………………….. Blakely Bates, Ben Hicks, Coleman Hines,

Trace Kirby, Chandler Stainback, Avery Thomas

Nikko……………………………………………………………. Jackson Hopper

Flying Monkeys……………………. Christian Bean, Joshua McGhee,

David Pendergrass, Bridger Stewardson

Miss Kerr Lake Festival Pageant Returns to Henderson

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by Jessica Todd

Henderson, NC – The Second Annual Miss Kerr Lake Festival pageant is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at the beautiful McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in downtown Henderson, North Carolina.  The current Miss Kerr Lake, Evan O’Geary of Henderson will be on hand to crown her successor.

Applications are currently being accepted for young women ages 18-24 who live, work, or attend school in Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Johnston, Nash, Northampton, Orange, Person, Wake, Warren, Wilson, or Vance County.  Contestants will compete in Lake Wear, Talent, On Stage Question, and Evening Gown and will have a 10 minute private interview with the panel of judges.

The winner of the pageant will be provided a prize package donated by area merchants.  She will spend her year working in and around the Tri-County as an ambassador for Henderson and Kerr Lake.  She will also have the opportunity to advance to the 2018 Miss North Carolina Pageant.

“Evan has done a tremendous job representing the area this year.  We are so excited for another young woman to have the opportunity to make this title her own”  said Jessica Burnette Todd, who serves as the pageant’s Executive Director.

Please contact Jessica Burnette Todd at 252-915-5097 or email MissKerrLake@gmail.com for information or applications.

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Vance County Schools Honors Latest Retirees

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

June 13, 2017

Vance County Schools held its annual Retirement Banquet for those educators and support staff members who retired during the 2016-2017 school year.

The event was held in the McGregor Hall Gallery with approximately 150 people in attendance.

There were 36 school system associates who were honored for their many years of dedicated service to our students and schools.

Dr. June Atkinson, former state superintendent of Public Instruction, was the keynote speaker for the evening. She encouraged all of the retirees to enjoy the time they have earned for their years of hard work. She also urged each of them to find new interests and not be afraid to take on new challenges.

Ethel Hunter, who retired from Vance County Schools last year as a long-time teacher at Eaton-Johnson Middle School, also spoke to the retirees and audience from a retiree’s perspective. She told them to truly treasure their additional free time and to occupy their time with things about which they are passionate.

Jaylen Webb, who just graduated from Northern Vance High School, sang a special musical tribute to the retirees and members of the Aycock Elementary School Chorus, under the direction of Jan Vaughan, entertained everyone in attendance by singing three songs.

Each retiree was recognized by their principal or department director and presented with a special gift.

Superintendent Anthony Jackson concluded the evening by recognizing the 36 retirees had a total of more than 900 years in working in education. He led everyone in giving the retirees a standing ovation and loud cheers.

Those retirees honored were Darlene Ayscue of E.M. Rollins Elementary; Fermon Bostic of Aycock Elementary; Johnny Bullock of L.B. Yancey Elementary; Vivian Bullock of Curriculum and Instruction; Gloria Burrell of Southern Vance High; Millie Camacho of Clarke Elementary; Mary Clements of Southern Vance High; Andrew Crews of Dabney Elementary; Shirley Duke of Southern Vance High; Nathaniel Elam of E.O. Young Jr. Elementary; Marilyn Faines of Zeb Vance Elementary; Jacquelyn Gill of Southern Vance High; Annette Gooch of Dabney Elementary; Grace Griffin of Henderson Middle; Ann Hancock of New Hope Elementary; Vicki Heath of Eaton-Johnson Middle; Susie Jordan of Zeb Vance Elementary; Anne Joyner of Curriculum and Instruction; Jill Kearney of Finance; Magaret Key of E.M. Rollins Elementary; Judith Long of Clarke Elementary; Trudy Lowry of Testing and Records; Wil McLean of Human Resources; Waverly Mills of Pinkston Street Elementary; Dorothy Moss of Eaton-Johnson Middle; Margaret Moss of Dabney Elementary; Clyda Nicholson of Zeb Vance Elementary; Brenda Poole of Eaton-Johnson Middle; Peggy Price of Pinkston Street Elementary; Suzanne Reeves of Eaton-Johnson Middle; Lillian Richardson of L.B. Yancey Elemenentary; Margaret Shupe of Eaton-Johnson Middle; Lola Turner of Southern Vance High; Sharon Turner of Eaton-Johnson Middle; Letitia Vass of Exceptional Children; and Ellaweed Yancey of E.M. Rollins Elementary.

“That Long Tobacco Road” Coming to McGregor Hall

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HENDERSON, N.C. (June 2, 2017) — Written and directed by regional Playwright Charley-John Smith, That Long Tobacco Road is making its way back to the stage after first being presented by the Louisburg (N.C.) College Players in 2001. Performed by local actors from Vance, Granville, Franklin and Wake counties, the 2017 musical will debut on the stage of McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center in downtown Henderson, N.C., on June 16th and 17th at 8 p.m. each evening.

As the former Artistic Director of Theatre at Louisburg College, a position he held for 32 years, Smith saw great success with the musical during the start of the millennium. Playing to sold out audiences in Louisburg, the show became a regional success and was performed at the Fletcher Opera Theatre in Raleigh, N.C., for a two-week run.

“Warming the hearts and souls of audiences,, the musical offers comedy, romance and music to create a nostalgic trip back to the 1940s and a different way of life,” said Mark Hopper of McGregor Hall. “The characters Smith has created bring laughter and tears as the show takes us back to life on the farm.”

“That Long Tobacco Road is the story of a North Carolina family of tobacco farmers,” Smith explained. “The Sturdivants are struggling to harvest their crops in the 1940s.. Beset by natural disasters, human error and a vindictive opponent, the family finds itself in danger of losing their farm. It is a timeless story that portrays the challenges of farming life, and a story that most of us from the Carolinas and Virginias can relate to in some manner.”

Music for the performance offers a soulful mix of Gospel, Country and Bluegrass, Smith added. “Local musician and Musical Director Wayne Kinton wrote most of the music for the show and his award-winning band GrassStreet from Vance County will perform for the show.”

Tickets are on sale at www.McGregorHall.org, by calling (252) 598-0662 or by visiting the Box Office at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, N.C. For more information, contact McGregor Hall’s Mark Hopper at (252) 598-0662 or email him at markhopper@mcgregorhall.org.

NOTE: For more information, contact McGregor Hall’s Mark Hopper at (252) 598-0662 or email him at markhopper@mcgregorhall.org.  For interviews with Charley-John Smith, the actors and to arrange a preview exclusive during a rehearsal, contact Smith at charley-john@nc.rr.com.

Matt Nowell named Interim Manager of McGregor Hall

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The McGregor Hall Board of Directors has named Matt Nowell as the interim manager of the performing arts center.  Mr. Nowell, serving as Technical Director since 2015, will assume the position recently vacated by Tommy Deadwyler, who has decided to pursue new projects outside the local area.   Mr. Deadwyler served as executive director of the hall since its opening in October 2015.

“The board is pleased to have someone of Mr. Nowell’s experience step into this leadership role,” said John Wester, chairman of the board of directors. “He has been with us since the beginning, working with the artists Mr. Deadwyler brought to our stage and the organizations that have used the facility.  We wish the best for Mr. Deadwyler in his new endeavors,” Mr. Wester said.

The board of directors is preparing the 2017-2018 season.  “Opening and operating a facility such as McGregor Hall requires many different elements that work together. McGregor Hall has an engaged board of directors and a tremendously loyal group of volunteers and patrons,” Mr. Wester continued. “I have no doubt these committed groups will continue to be important elements that make us successful.”

John Wester
Chairman, McGregor Hall Board of Directors

Vance County High School Graduation Times and Locations Announced

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Vance County Schools

For Immediate Release

May 19, 2017

The graduation ceremonies for all of the Class of 2017 members in our four high schools begin next Friday, May 26, with the commencement for graduates at the Vance County Early College High School.

All four of the high school graduation ceremonies can be viewed live on the school system’s website at www.vcs.k12.nc.us.

The Early College commencement will begin at 6 p.m. and will be held in the Civic Center on the campus of Vance-Granville Community College near Henderson.

Our other graduation ceremonies include:

Friday, June 9, at 7 p.m. at McGregor Hall in Henderson for graduates of the AdVANCE Academy at Western Vance High School

Saturday, June 10, at 8 a.m. at McGregor Hall in Henderson for graduates of Northern Vance High School

Saturday, June 10, at 12 p.m. at McGregor Hall in Henderson for graduates of Southern Vance High School

The seating capacity of the McGregor Hall auditorium is approximately 960 people. The number of people admitted for each ceremony will not exceed the number of seats. For the ceremonies for Northern Vance and Southern Vance high schools, tickets will be given to graduates for their family members to attend. Only those people with tickets will be admitted for the ceremony. Only young children will be allowed to sit in the laps of adults. There will be overflow seating for people in the McGregor Hall Gallery. However, these people also must have a ticket for admission.

The doors to McGregor Hall will be opened one hour prior to the beginning of each graduation ceremony.

No types of noise makers, signs, posters, banners, balloons, confetti or any other similar materials will be permitted at any of the graduation ceremonies.

Parking for the graduation ceremonies at McGregor Hall will be available along any of the surrounding streets, as well as the Perry Memorial Library parking lot, the city parking lot in front of the Henderson Police Department along Chestnut Street and the PNC Bank parking lot on Chestnut Street.

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra Comes to McGregor Hall

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HENDERSON, N.C. (April 27, 2017)—On May 5th, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, a 17-piece Big Band from Savannah starring Jeremy Davis Clay Johnson, will perform live on the stage of McGregor Hall Performing Arts & Learning Center in Henderson, N.C.

“All across America, audiences have fallen in love with these two sophisticated Southern gentleman and the high-energy show that is Davis & Johnson Present the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra,” said Tommy Deadwyler, Executive Director of McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center. “We are honored that they are making a stop here in North Carolina.”

Along with the greatest songs, the best original arrangements and phenomenal musicianship, these two bring their rich friendship and charm to the stage. Fashioned in the style and swagger of the legendary entertainers lead by Frank Sinatra, Davis and Johnson are putting their own stamp on the Great American songbook, graced with a touch of Motown, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Elvis and more, offering a freshness and relevance that speaks to every soul.

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra performs at McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center on Friday, May 5th at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale at www.McGregorHall.org, by calling (252) 598-0662 or by visiting the Box Office at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, N.C.

Press Release: ‘Beatlemania’ Comes To McGregor Hall

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HENDERSON, N.C. (April 17, 2017)— The fanfare of The Beatles—often called “Beatlemania”—is coming to downtown Henderson, N.C., on Thursday, April 20th when Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience performs live at McGregor Hall Performing Arts and Learning Center at 8 p.m.

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience has been dubbed “the nation’s most innovative and unique show utilizing the works of The Beatles,” by music industry insiders. The band includes brothers Billy, Ryan and Matthew McGuigan, who have united their musical talents, charms and passion for performing to create a show that does away the worn out tribute format. No bad wigs and fake accents. Instead, they perform as themselves and leave the song choices completely in the hands of the audience. This is done through request cards that audience members fill out prior to the show as well as through the Yesterday and Today app available on iTunes.

Once the requests are collected, minutes before the show begins, a set list is created based upon the songs chosen by that particular audience. As an added treat, the reasons that the audience members chose those songs make up the narrative of the evening.

What the McGuigan boys have overwhelmingly found, since debuting the show in 2007, is that not only do people have a story to tell, but they are absolutely ready and willing to tell that story when being able to tie it to their favorite Beatles song. On some level, it goes beyond sheer entertainment, and perhaps becomes a hint of music therapy.

Tickets are on sale at www.McGregorHall.org, by calling (252) 598-0662 or by visiting the Box Office at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson, N.C. For more information, contact McGregor Hall’s Executive Director Tommy Deadwyler at (252) 598-0662 or email him at tommydeadwyler@mcgregorhall.org. For interviews with the McGuigans or more information, contact Kate Whitecotton, production manager at KateWhitecotton@Gmail.com or (402) 682-2868.

 

Yesterday and Today Coming to McGregor Hall

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Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the 1960s and the most important music of a generation as the British invasion of The Beatles returns. Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience is a foot-stomping, sing-along sensational night of your favorite Beatles songs.

Billy McGuigan, his brothers and his band bring back songs that are woven into the tapestry of our lives, with a set list compiled according to the audience’s requests and performed with no wigs, no faked accents, no pretense, just the wonderful music exactly as it was recorded. Visit www.McGregorHall.org to learn more.

Vance-Granville Community Band presents free spring concert on May 1st at McGregor Hall

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The Vance-Granville Community Band will hold its annual spring concert on Monday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. at McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in historic downtown Henderson. Admission is free of charge.

This will be the second time that the Community Band has held a concert at the 1,000-seat venue, located at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson.

The concert is set to feature some classics of band literature, including the original transcription of the famous overture to “The Barber of Seville” by Rossini; two classic Sousa marches, “Hands Across the Sea” and “The Black Horse Troop“; as well as two additional traditional marches, “Free Spirit” and the 1911 “Ringling Brothers Grand Entry March.”

According to Community Band director Brian D. Miller, “bands should always play the classics of literature. No concert is complete without several marches, and Sousa wrote marches better than anybody else! Marches are the all-time greatest music written for band, and we have certainly had a lot of fun learning these.”

Miller noted that it is of local interest that John Philip Sousa himself vacationed in Henderson in 1920. He went hunting with the mayor of Henderson and spent the night at the mayor’s home while here.

The band will also perform a transcription of music from the 1949 Broadway musical, “South Pacific.” Other selections include the “Finale” from Dvorak’s Ninth Symphony and an entr’acte from the seldom-heard Romantic-era opera, “King Manfred,” which is “a beautiful composition,” according to Miller.

The band will feature its star tuba player, Justin Bare, on a tuba solo with band accompaniment entitled “The Grumbly Old Bear,” written by Julius Fucik, better known for his popular circus march, “Entry of the Gladiators.” Finally, for lighter fare, the band will pay tribute to the Beach Boys and the Eagles with medleys of those groups’ greatest hits.

“It’s a concert for everybody,” quipped Miller. “We want everybody to come and appreciate the work of these musicians. The ensemble is truly representative of our four-county service area. Nothing beats an old-fashioned band concert!”

Miller retired as band director at Louisburg High School and now teaches for VGCC and Crosscreek Charter School.

The Community Band, which is sponsored by the VGCC Division of Arts and Sciences, includes people of all ages, from all walks of life, and from throughout the region. No auditions are required. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center, on the Main Campus in Henderson, at Exit 209 on Interstate 85 (Poplar Creek Road). For more information, contact Brian Miller at (919) 496-5877 or at bmiller9302@vgcc.edu or Betsy Henderson at hendersonb@vgcc.edu.

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