Home base for all things entertaining, Wayne Theatre in Waynesboro, Virginia is known for its year ‘round plays and concerts by both youth and seasoned adult actors and musicians. Classic movies of the silver screen make their appearances from time to time as do art exhibits. In short, Wayne Theatre is an escape for entertainment in the Shenandoah Valley.
The Ross Performing Arts Center is at home within Wayne Theatre. Since 2016, more than 14,000 students of all ages (pre-K through adult) have participated in the Arts Education program. Be a witness to the fruit of the youngest actors by catching an upcoming performance.
Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS is a stage adaptation for kids based on the Disney classic film. Revisit the tale of Pongo and Perdita scrambling to save their puppies from the evil Cruella De Vil. Performances are November 6 and 7.
Who doesn’t love the stinky, swamp-loving ogre, Shrek? Venture along the path with Shrek, Donkey, and the rest of the fairytale misfits as they seek to rescue Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical JR. Catch this kid-filled cast November 13, 14, and 15.
There will never be another Johnny Cash, can we all agree? However, CashBack is one of the best representations of the Man in Black, and they’re taking the stage November 5 for a one-night-only performance. Keep an eye peeled and an ear open for the June Carter tribute artist, Lannette Brasher, as she joins the band to get those favorite Johnny and June duets covered.
Making a return appearance to Wayne Theatre is Tom Rush, original singer and songwriter of the oft recreated “No Regrets.” He’s joined by “modern day troubadour” Matt Nakoa, an award-winning songwriter, singer, and instrumentalist himself. Catch this duo November 12.
Bluegrass lovers, your attention please. Welcome warmly Caleb Bailey & Paine’s Run to the stage on November 19. This local group from Grottoes, Virginia performs some of your bluegrass favorites as well as their own originals.
Closing out November’s musical performances are Grand Ole Opry members Dailey & Vincent. To their credit are GRAMMY awards, DOVE awards, and 35 IBMA awards. Get your tickets for the November 22 performance before they’re sold out.
Christmas isn’t Christmas without a showing of A Christmas Story: The Musical. You know, the one where Ralphie is repeatedly told “you’ll shoot your eye out” with the Red Ryder BB gun he so desires. Relive your favorite parts, including the “fra-gee-lay” leg lamp award and a tongue stuck to a frozen flagpole. It’s all there and it’s happening December 9-12 and 16-19.
Don’t stop there! Check the Calendar of Events to catch classic movies in the Monday at the Movies series.
A vaudeville house dating to 1926, Wayne Theatre took the turn so many theatres of its time did: it upgraded technology to keep pace with the times. By 1949 much of the unique character of Wayne was gone. By 2000 it was eyed for demolition. Enter the concerned citizens who created the Wayne Theatre Alliance, a non-profit organization keen to save and renovate the historic building. Funds were raised, the Wayne was saved and renovated, and on March 1, 2016, the doors were re-opened to showcase a new space and entertain the public as it had so long ago.
Header image courtesy of Wayne Theatre.
