Tag Archive for: #mcgregorhallhendersonnc

Karen Peck & New River Bring A Spiritual ‘Revival’ To Henderson

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— courtesy of McGregor Hall

Karen Peck & New River Bring A Spiritual ‘Revival’ To Henderson

Southern Gospel Concert At McGregor Hall To Feature Songs From The Chart-Topping Album ‘REVIVAL’

HENDERSON, N.C. (FEBRUARY 20, 2018) —If you’ve heard their hit gospel song ‘Revival,’ then you know the power of Karen Peck and New River to spread the Southern Gospel message. This Friday at 7 p.m., the Christian Music group will bring their unique sound to McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center in Henderson, N.C.

Karen Peck and New River is a five-time Grammy Award nominated Southern Gospel Group. They have had over 18 No. 1 hits. In addition, the latest Grammy Nominated album “Hope For All Nations” has made a mark in the Christian community with the concept video filmed in Roatan, Honduras, of their title cut song “Hope For All Nations.”

Their previous album “Pray Now” featured three No. 1 songs, “Pray Now,” “Calling,” and including “I Am Blessed” as being the No. 1 Song of the Year in the top 100 songs of 2016 according to the Singing News Magazine. “Pray Now” garnered a Grammy Nomination and a Dove Award for Album of the Year.

Their previous album, “Revival,” has had two consecutive No. 1 songs with “Revival” and “Finish Well.” “Revival” won the 2014 GMA Dove Award for Southern Gospel Song of the Year, Song of the Year for the 2014 SGN Diamond Awards, Song of the Year and Progressive Song of the Year for the 2014 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.

Tickets are on sale for $25 or $22 plus sales tax and can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson or by phone at (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m.

“Join us to find out how Peck’s flawless, delightful soprano voice has made its way into the hearts of Gospel Music lovers across the country,” said Mark Hopper, VIce President of the McGregor Hall Board of Directors.

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(Press release courtesy of McGregor Hall.  McGregor Hall is an advertising client of WIZS.  This is not a paid advertisement.)

Henderson’s McGregor Hall Transforms Into A Winter Wonderland

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— courtesy mcgregorhall.org

Meet Santa & His High-Kicking Friends On December 5th For A ‘Branson-Styled’ Holiday Showcase

HENDERSON, N.C. — Get in the spirit of the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 5, as the McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center transforms into the North Pole to present CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND, a holiday spectacular.

On tour from its year-round performances at The King’s Castle Theater in Branson, Mo., CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND features a highly acclaimed song and dance troupe produced by Spirit Productions and David King of the mega-hit-musical Spirit of the Dance.

Doors will open for this family-family event at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.

For this one-night-only show, the production will bring its full cast, sets and scenery to McGregor Hall’s stage. This includes 24 singers and dancers who will present more than 1,000 glittering costumes and more than a dozen holiday tunes.

Guest will enjoy more than a dozen holiday songs, including all the favorites from “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland” to “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

“This is the type of high-quality, grand-scale production that McGregor Hall was built for,” said Mark Hopper, Vice President of the McGregor Hall Board of Directors.

“CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND is quite simply one of the most delightful and enchanting shows coming to this region during the holidays,” Hopper added. “From the glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the Mason-Dixon Line, your entire family can start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take you on an unforgettable nostalgic journey.”

Hopper also advised that seats are limited, suggesting that patrons purchase tickets in advance as the theater is expected to sell out.

Tickets are on sale for $35 or $30 plus sales tax. Group and student rates are available.

Tickets can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Box Office is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The Box Office can also be reached by phone by calling (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix. Online fees apply.

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(McGregor Hall is an advertising client of WIZS.)

“Hairspray”

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Big, Local Cast & Crew Takes To The McGregor Hall Stage To Bring You The Rockin’ Broadway Hit ‘Hairspray’

This Tony-Winning Musical Is Based On The Popular 1988 Silver Screen Comedy That Was Adapted Again In The 2007 Hit Film

HENDERSON, N.C. (OCTOBER 23, 2017) — McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center will roll back the clock to the 1960s with a rocking production of the Broadway hit “Hairspray” for two weekends in a row.

A cast and crew of nearly 100 will present six performances of the musical: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28, at 8 p.m. each evening; Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m.

Set in Baltimore in 1962, “Hairspray” tells the story of a spunky and lovable plus-size teenage girl who earns a spot to dance on a local television show. After becoming an overnight celebrity and meeting a colorful array of characters, Tracy Turnblad helps to lead her city to social change.

“The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Hairspray is full of laughter, romance, and music and dancing that never seems to stop,” said Mark Hopper, vice president on the Board of Directors for McGregor Hall, who is also the director of the show. The musical brings back the 1960s in nearly 20 songs that will offer melodies to please everyone as Hopper leads a live 15-piece orchestra.

McGregor Hall’s “Hairspray” brings together familiar faces from among the area’s strong theater talent and introduces new young actors and actresses to the big stage, Hopper added.

The show stars Sarah Young of Henderson as Tracy Turnblad, Jonathan O’Geary of Henderson as Edna Turnblad, Brian Westbrook of Durham as Corny Collins, Elsa Wansink of Chapel Hill as Penny Pingleton, and Karen-Leigh Allen of Raleigh as “Motormouth” Maybelle Stubbs.

“We’re fortunate to have so much talent in this region,” Hopper added. “We’ll have veterans of the Henderson Rec Players in the show, and we’re happy to be joined by some of the area’s best from other theater groups. To have so many new young people joining us for the first time is making for a meaningful experience.”

In addition to the six shows for McGregor audiences, a daytime performance of the musical will be staged for area schools on Thursday, Oct. 26.

“We’re appreciative of the support for this production we have received through a grant from the North Carolina Community Foundation,” Hopper said, “and we certainly are thankful for the many supporters who are helping us for the 2017-2018 season.”

Tickets are on sale for $25 or $20 plus sales tax. Group and student rates are available. Tickets can be purchased directly at the McGregor Hall Box office, which is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Box Office is located at 201 Breckenridge Street in downtown Henderson. The Box Office can also be reached by phone by calling (252) 598-0662. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.McGregorHall.org by using the secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix. Online fees apply.

“Hairspray” is the second act of the McGregor Live! and Heritage! performance series packages. Upcoming shows in the McGregor Live! series are the Christmas Wonderland holiday spectacular, Dec. 5; world-renowned magician and mentalist Joshua Lozoff, Jan. 6; Al Stewart, known for the Top 10 hits “Year of the Cat” and “Time Passages,” and his band, the Empty Pockets, Feb. 17; and the original Eagles tribute band, Hotel California, on March 16.
The Heritage! series will feature a new stage play, “Daddy’s Boys,” by North Carolina African-American playwright Garrett Davis, Jan. 13; the Masters of Soul Motown Revue, March 3; and Rod of God with comedian Roderick Allison, April 14.

Individual tickets are available for each of the shows in the Live! and Heritage! series.

Discounted series package tickets are still on sale for McGregor Hall’s Joy! series, featuring three shows with five well-known Christian artists and groups: Dove- and Grammy-award winning Jason Crabb, Nov. 12; Karen Peck with New River, Feb. 23; and the Talleys with Tribute, April 7. With a regular ticket price of $75, the three-show Joy! package will be reduced to $50. Those purchasing the Joy! series can also add on the Christmas Wonderland show for a reduced price of $20.

For more information on this and other series packages, visit www.McGregorHall.org.

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— press release courtesy of McGregor Hall

(McGregor Hall is a paying advertising client of WIZS.)

McGregor Hall Announces Acts, Introduces Series Packages for 2017-2018

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McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center is introducing discounted series packages with more than a dozen shows scheduled for the 2017-2018 season.

Series tickets go on sale Monday, July 31, with Grammy-winning Country Artist Lorrie Morgan, a Motown revue, a new stage play by a renown African-American playwright, four Christian acts, a Christmas “spectacular” and a local production of the Tony-winning musical “Hairspray” highlighting performances.

“This season, McGregor Hall gives patrons the option to purchase packages in order to save money and enjoy more entertaining experiences,” said John Wester, chairman of the center’s board of directors. “Our board has worked with the community to schedule monthly performances for every taste.”

Three series have been scheduled:

McGregor Live! will feature six shows: Lorrie Morgan, with 14 Top 10 Country music hits, on Oct. 8; “Hairspray,” performed and produced with local talent, on Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5; the Christmas Wonderland holiday spectacular, Dec. 5; world-renowned magician and mentalist Joshua Lozoff, Jan. 6; Al Stewart, known for the Top 10 hits “Year of the Cat” and “Time Passages,” and his band, the Empty Pockets, Feb. 17; and the original Eagles tribute band, Hotel California, March 16. The six-show package, with a regular price of $160 if purchased individually, is priced at $125.

Heritage! will offer five shows: the Gulf Coast soul-band The Suffers, Sept. 21; “Hairspray,” Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5; a new stage play, “Daddy’s Boys,” by North Carolina African-American playwright Garrett Davis, Jan. 13; the Masters of Soul Motown Revue, March 3; and Rod of God with comedian Roderick Allison, April 14. The five shows will be available for a package price of $100, which is $25 off regular ticket prices.

Joy! will feature three shows featuring five well-known Christian artists and groups: Dove- and Grammy-award winning Jason Crabb, Nov. 12; Karen Peck with New River, Feb. 23; and the Talleys with Tribute, April 7. With a regular ticket price of $75, the three-show package will be reduced to $50. Those purchasing the Joy! series can also add on the Christmas Wonderland show for a reduced price of $20.

All three series will have the option for spreading payments over four quarterly installments.

The series packages can be purchased online at any time at www.McGregorHall.org, by calling the Box Office at (252) 598-0662, or by visiting the Box Office at 201 Breckenridge Street in Henderson. When purchasing tickets online, patrons should make sure they are purchasing tickets through McGregor’s secure and trusted purchasing platform, eTix. The Box Office is open on Tuesdays through Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. Patrons can save online fees when ordering directly with the Box Office staff.

McGregor Hall plans to bring back the popular Music at McGregor! series later in the season for patrons who enjoy classical and chamber music.

As additional entertainment options become available during the season, McGregor will be adding shows to the performance lineup. Individual tickets will be available for sale during the season, too.

Patrons will be given the opportunity to become “Friends of McGregor” with donations above and beyond the cost of series packages. “These gifts help McGregor Hall with such projects as educational outreach to area schools,” said Wester.

McGregor Hall volunteers will also be reaching out to area businesses and organizations for sponsorship opportunities through the center’s “Performances” magazine and other promotional initiatives.

“The strength of McGregor Hall is community support,” said Wester. “This support comes in many ways — attendance at events, donations, sponsorships and volunteering, among just a few. We are excited to offer these series and discounts to help more patrons be able to enjoy the great entertainment McGregor is bringing to our community.”

McGregor also offers facility rental options. The theater and the gallery are available for hosting special events for businesses, schools, civic groups, churches and other organizations.

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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“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

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.