Front Stage in February

You may have already known that Martinsville-Henry County (MHC) is home to many exciting recreational opportunities including the Smithsonian-affiliated Virginia Museum of Natural History, the state-of-the-art Smith River Sports Complex, the gorgeous Philpott Lake and the historic Martinsville Speedway, but did you know that MHC is also home to two theatre groups?

Both the TheatreWorks Community Players and the Patrick Henry Community College Patriot Players have been entertaining audiences for several years now! Not only do the groups continue to amaze the locals, but they also are growing their regional fan base from all over the region and North Carolina. Though MHC isn’t Broadway, these two theatre groups make Broadway feel a little closer to home. 

The TheatreWorks Community Players, who perform at the BlackBox Theatre in Uptown Martinsville, have delivered fantastic productions for over 10 years. TheatreWorks Community Players was established in 2004 by a group of individuals who recognized what Community Theatre can mean to this area, including economic development, partnerships and a showcase for local talent. They strive to enrich and change lives by engaging the people of the MHC community in high-quality theatrical productions and life-long educational opportunities. Past shows include An Evening of Carol Burnett, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Les Miserables, Hairspray, A Raisin in the Sun and more! 

The Walker Fine Arts Center at Patrick Henry Community College comes to life several times a year with performances from the PHCC Patriot Players. They are currently in their fourth season of amazing productions that they bring to Martinsville-Henry County. PHCC Patriot Players is a performing troupe that strives to offer local students and community members the opportunity to engage in a structured performing arts environment and broaden artistic talents while taking advantage of education and elective credits. Past shows include The Color Purple, Mary Poppins, Tarzan, Legally Blonde, The Addams Family and more!

This February, both groups have wonderful performances planned that are sure to delight audiences. Both shows also have a strong tie in to African-American music history.

The TheatreWorks Community Players will present Doo Wop, Motown & More on February 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th & 18th at 7:00 p.m. and on February 12th at 2:00 p.m. The wildly popular, audience favorite music revue show is back! The show focuses on sounds and favorites from Doo Wop groups, Motown groups and others from days gone by. Audiences will sing, dance and enjoy a wonderful performance of music entertainment. Doo wop is a genre of music that was developed in African-Americans communities in the 1940s, achieving mainstream popularity in the 1950s and early 1960s. In the 1960s, Motown and its subsidiary labels were the most successful proponents of what came to be known as the Motown Sound, a style of soul music with a distinct pop influence. Showing Next: Mama Won’t Fly. 

The PHCC Patriot Players will present Dreamgirls the Musical on February 23rd, 24th & 25th at 7:00 p.m., February 26th at 2:00 p.m. and on March 2nd, 3rd & 4th at 7:00 p.m. and on March 5th at 2:00 p.m. Dreamgirls is a show about a time in American musical history when rhythm and blues blended with other styles of popular music creating a new American sound. Dreamgirls follows the story of a black, all-girl singing trio from Chicago called "The Dreams" and the behind-the-scenes reality of the entertainment industry. The show is a work of fiction taking strong inspiration from the history of the Motown record label and one of its acts, The Supremes. Showing Next: CATS the Musical.

Tickets for both shows are available for purchase at the state-certified Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center, located at 191 Fayette Street, Martinsville. Dreamgirls the Musical tickets may also be purchased online at www.VisitMartinsville.com/gift-shop.

Both companies have been experiencing sold-out shows, so be sure to get your tickets early so that you don’t miss these wonderful productions!

To stay up to date on all theatre performances, concerts, festivals and special events, check out our website at www.VisitMartinsville.com/events-calendar.