Lees-McRae Summer Theatre returns to the stage for its 40th season with a bright spotlight on the extraordinary people of the High Country – past and present. For more than three decades, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre has been providing high-quality, professional theatre to the community and summer visitors of the area. Referred to as the “Gem of the High Country,” the company produces a variety of theatre, but specializes in musicals—Golden Age classics to the newest Broadway hits, and even original works. Each summer the productions are brought to life by the hard work of a 150+ member company who join us in the mountains from all over the country to share their talents.
June 1-4, 2025: Nunsense
When tragedy strikes the Little Sisters of Hoboken, they hit the stage to raise funds for their convent. An international phenomenon, Nunsense is a heavenly delight, with over 5,000 productions!
Nunsense, presented in partnership with and performed at the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, is a “pay-what-you-will” production, with all proceeds benefitting Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. Donations for this production are taken at the door only. Get info and buy tickets.
Shows run on June 1st at 2 pm, June 3 and 4 at 7 pm.
June 22 – 28, 2025: The Cottage
An uproarious hit on Broadway, we’re excited to welcome you to The Cottage, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre’s first play offering in over a decade! When two lovers secretly meet at their favorite countryside English cottage in 1923 for their yearly tryst, they expect nothing but bliss…but then the doorbell starts ringing. As their spouses arrive, a hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous, potentially murderous comedy. This Carol-Burnett-meets-Downton-Abbey comedy is perfect for a date night or a girls’ night out!
The Cottage contains alcohol and cigarette use, discussions of infidelity, bawdy humor, gunshots, and a very, very large soup ladle. Not suitable for children. Get a babysitter and have a laugh! Get info and buy tickets.
Shows run on June 22, 25, and 28 at 2 p.m. June 24, 26, and 27 at 7 p.m.
July 18-24, 2025: A New Musical
It is 1940. The Depression has ended and Hitler is making noise in Europe. But at the Mast General Store, storytellers and musicians from the back of Beech Mountain gather to spin a yarn or a song. They are a hearty lot, able to withstand a major flood and the ravages of the depression, yet maintain their charm, their humor, and their willingness to impart wisdom needed to be heard in today’s world. A fresh mountain musical full of friendly faces and familiar places from creators Janet Barton Speer, John Thomas Oaks, and Tommy Oaks! Get info and buy tickets.
Shows run on July 20, 23, and 24 at 2 p.m. July 18, 19, and 22 at 7 p.m.