Arts

Fayetteville’s Season of Monsters: "Frankenstein"

29This October, Fayetteville is about to become the beating heart of gothic horror. With stage performances, a groundbreaking new film and a return to the very origins of cinematic horror, audiences will have three distinct opportunities to step into Mary Shelley’s world of Frankenstein.
The season begins with live theatre. On Oct. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and again on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m., the Capitol Encore Academy’s high school theatre company, New Fire Theatre Company will present a gothic double bill: Frankenstein and Dracula at 200 Mason Street.
Known for its fearless approach to classic texts and fun, New Fire has chosen two of the most iconic horror tales ever written and will bring them to life with the immediacy only live performance can deliver. The audience will sit mere feet away as Victor Frankenstein dares to play God and as Count Dracula prowls in the shadows.
Pairing Frankenstein with Dracula highlights the extraordinary breadth of 19th-century gothic imagination. Mary Shelley’s novel, published in 1818, wrestled with questions of science, morality and loneliness. Frankenstein will be presented more on the dramatic side of storytelling. Bram Stoker’s Dracula, published in 1897, terrified readers with its mix of sensuality, but New Fire presents this production as comedic parody. Seeing the two back-to-back in one evening (or afternoon) promises a visceral, spine-tingling and hilarious experience. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.
Then, just two weeks later, Frankenstein rises again with in the hands of Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. The Cameo Art House Theatre will open the director’s long-awaited adaptation on October 24th.
Del Toro has described Shelley’s novel as one of his life’s touchstones and his new film is already being hailed as one of his most ambitious works. Starring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, Mia Goth as Elizabeth, and Jacob Elordi as the Creature, the movie is a 2-hour-and-29-minute descent into obsession, beauty and tragedy.
Unlike many past adaptations, del Toro’s film leans heavily into the novel’s emotional core. The Creature is not merely a monster but a tragic being, desperate for connection yet cast aside by his maker. In del Toro’s hands, expect lavish gothic imagery, aching humanity and the kind of haunting visuals that have defined his career.
As if a new blockbuster weren’t enough, the Cameo is also offering a chance to revisit the classic that defined horror cinema for generations. On Friday, Oct. 24 at 9:30 p.m., as part of the monthly Fourth Friday Fright Night, the theater will screen Frankenstein (1931), directed by James Whale and starring Boris Karloff.
This is the Frankenstein that set the template for nearly every horror film that followed. With Colin Clive as the tormented Dr. Henry Frankenstein and Karloff in his legendary turn as the Monster, the film captures both the terror and the pathos of Shelley’s tale. At just over an hour long, it remains eerie and remarkably powerful nearly a century after its release.
Audiences will once again watch as Frankenstein, aided by his hunchbacked assistant Fritz, assembles his Creature from stolen body parts and dares to bring it to life. The moment when Clive shouts, “It’s alive!” remains one of the most electrifying.
Seeing the film on the big screen is a rare opportunity to appreciate its groundbreaking makeup and Karloff’s unforgettable performance. It also provides the perfect counterpoint to del Toro’s new film: one shows us where the legend began, the other where it might go next.
Fayetteville has a history of telling the story of Frankenstein including live performances by Gilbert Theater’s Young Frankenstein and Yellow Beanie’s Frankenstein. Both productions were groundbreaking hits. So, if you missed them or just enjoy the story told in new ways, check them out this year. It’s a rare chance to see how legends are born, reborn and reimagined, right here in our own community.

CFRT brings "Little Shop of Horrors" to life

14Cape Fear Regional Theatre is heading downtown, down to Skid Row. No, they aren’t moving to a new location-they are still holding court at 1707 Owen Drive as their home building on Hay Street is undergoing extensive renovations. They are taking us to Mushnik’s Flower Shop in the cult favorite musical, Little Shop of Horrors. From Oct. 23 through Nov. 16, make your way to the theatre to experience the thrilling tale of the alien, man-eating plant, and a love story that blooms in an unlikely place.
This production features a phenomenally talented cast of familiar faces and new friends. Deon Releford-Lee stars as Seymour Krelborn, the orphan whose love of strange plants gets him in some sticky situations. Releford-Lee got his start on the Cape Fear Regional stage in the 2014 production of Return to the Forbidden Planet. Since then, he has done theatre all over the world, including on Broadway as the understudy for Ike in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. He says that “coming here [to CFRT] feels like a homecoming.”
Seymour has three significant relationships in the play: with the cranky yet lovable Mr. Mushnik; with his co-worker and not-so-secret crush, Audrey; and with the mysterious plant that appears after a “total eclipse of the sun” that he affectionately names Audrey II.
It is clear that Seymour has had a tough life; Mr. Mushnik found him in an orphanage and isn’t exactly the most ideal example of what a loving father should be. But, according to Marc de la Concha, CFRT’s Education Director and frequent stage presence, Mushnik clearly has a soft spot for both his employees, Audrey and Seymour. He has given Seymour a home and a purpose and a sense of what a family might be like.
Audrey (the human one) is more than just an object of Seymour’s fancy. He looks out for her; he wants her to be safe and happy. He has fallen in love with her, but is also inspired by her. In Audrey, Seymour sees what life could be beyond Skid Row. She is a shop assistant alongside Seymour, and Mr. Mushnik has a soft spot for her as well. Plagued by a string of bad relationships, Audrey finds herself attached to an abusive boyfriend, a dentist who loves nothing more than to inflict pain. The story of Seymour and Audrey’s blossoming love is the tender center point of an otherwise darkly hilarious tale.
Then there is Audrey II. Very different in every way from its namesake, Audrey II is the villain we all love to hate and hate to love. Traditionally, the plant is represented by puppets of varying sizes, indicating how it grows throughout the show; the final version is massive. CFRT’s iteration of Audrey II will be different from what has been seen in past productions on film and onstage. Director Mary Kate Burke didn’t give any more details so as not to ruin the surprise. But there is no doubt that the Audrey II we will encounter in this production will be hilariously manipulative, nasty, but oh-so-entertaining.
Another feature of CFRT’s production that audiences will love is the choreography by Tyce Diorio. Returning to CFRT for his fourth project, Diorio is as accomplished as he is talented. His stellar career kicked off by touring with Janet Jackson and appearing in several of her videos and projects. He has also worked as a dancer and choreographer with the likes of Taylor Swift and Brandon Urie. Burke states that she loves working with Tyce because he is “kind and discerning while being exacting at the same time. He could do other things, but he loves it here so much; he makes the time to come from LA to Fayetteville to tell really incredible stories.”
14aThe talented people are reason enough to make plans to see Little Shop of Horrors at CFRT, but the stage will do some heavy lifting in this show as well. Burke shares the space at 1707 Owen Drive is really well-suited for this show in particular. Having the whole audience so close to the stage provides a unique vantage point and will feel almost immersive. The proximity of the audience to the stage allows the director to incorporate some elements into Little Shop that will lend to its horror-movie aesthetic, not in a way that is truly scary, but in a way that intensifies its thrilling elements. No specific details are provided, as there will be lots of surprises in store. Even if you have seen Little Shop of Horrors recently, this production promises to be unique. To quote Burke, “it’s not your mama’s Little Shop!”
The timing of the production is intentional as well, with the show running right in the middle of the spooky season. While the show certainly has horror-movie elements — human-eating monster, a sadistic dentist, need we say more? — it is also full of funny moments, high-energy music, and campy nostalgia.
The theatre is offering a special discount for certain seats at this performance. The theatre’s temporary home in a former ballroom is arranged in a less traditional way, referred to as a thrust stage. In a thrust, the audience is arranged on three sides of the stage, instead of all on one side as is CFRT’s home stage. This arrangement provides great, unique perspectives of the action onstage. In an effort to help those who are less familiar with this arrangement appreciate its benefits, CFRT is offering those seats at a discount. Fear not, though; you are still guaranteed a great experience, whether you sit to the side or at the center of the audience.
As always, CFRT works to make theatre accessible to as many people as possible. The schedule includes Military and Educator Appreciation nights (Oct. 29 and Oct. 31, respectively), with a 25% discount for those who apply. Discounts are offered for military, educators, students, and seniors at every performance. Tickets can be purchased at cfrt.org or by calling the box office at 910-323-4233. Don’t wait, though; tickets for this show are selling fast!

(Top Photo: Emily Norah Samuelson plays Audrey in the upcoming Cape Fear Regional Theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors.
Bottom Photo: Jasmyne Simpkins, who plays the character Ronnette, practices during a table read for Little Shop of Horrors. Photos courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s Facebook page)

Images of earlier times: Evenings with Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers

The joy of shared experiences and interests is a treasure sought by many. The Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers not only facilitate such connections, but they’ve seen it bridge generational gaps in surprising ways, with dancers of all ages coming together to enjoy evenings of socialization, food, music, and best of all, their favorite steps with friends new and old.
While dances are always open to visitors, CFBC functions like a club, with a president, board, and dues-paying members. Visitors simply pay a slightly higher entrance fee than members. All their events are suitable for dancers of all experience levels, and start with a lesson, so that everyone can brush up on their skills.
14Drew Zeigler, president of the Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers, says that experience level doesn’t change how much people enjoy themselves.
“A lot of folks have had no training at all, and they have just as much fun as everyone else,” he shared.
Zeigler, a retired 20-year Army veteran, said he and his wife wanted to learn how to dance for a long time. At military events, they’d watch people who knew what they were doing and think, “We should try that.” It wasn’t until after his retirement that the two stepped out and decided to take lessons together. From there, they fell in love with the experience and couldn’t get enough.
In addition to helping plan and host CFBD events, the couple often host people who travel longer distances to attend the events—opening their home so those who have now become friends have a place to crash and sleep before heading home the next day. Zeigler says they see people traveling from Raleigh, Laurinburg, Clinton, Cary, and even Virginia.
“It’s really amazing how far these people come,” he said.
With social connection being a highlight of the group, they consider opening their house, “another chance to get to know each other.”
With monthly dances, quarterly dinner dances, holiday dances, community demos, and occasional trips to attend events hosted by other nearby dance communities, the group makes it easy for members and visitors to get their fill of all things ballroom dancing throughout the year.
Monthly dances are held at Roland’s Dance Studio at 310 Hope Mills Road. Members pay $15, and non-members pay $20. The evening starts with a lesson from one of several members who have previously worked as professional dance instructors. Zeigler says they typically see 30-40 people at these events.
Quarterly dinner dances are an elevated experience, and the price varies from $50-75 for members versus non-members. These dances feature a special catered dinner, a live band, and the chance to show off your formal attire.
“People like to get dressed up and put on a tuxedo,” Zeigler said.
They’ve also held community demos at locations such as the Kiwanis Club and the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in collaboration with a local art club.
Zeigler says that, much to the delight of long-standing members, they’ve seen an influx of young members recently.
“Within the last two years have had a real infusion of young people in their mid-twenties,” he shared. The influx began when his wife extended an invitation to a young man and his sister, “They had a great time and invited their church youth group, which added 3,4, and 5 more young people, and then they invited even more,” he recounted.
Recently added to the mix were young army officers and medical professionals, all of whom went on to invite more friends.
“It’s just been fun,” Zeigler shared, “If we had photos from 4-5 years ago, you’d see we didn’t have very many young people at all.” He described it as changing the complexion of the club from a retirement community to a social event, adding, “We’re thrilled.”
When monthly dances fall close to a holiday, they are often themed accordingly; wear red at Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick's Day, and something spooky for Halloween. Other monthly dances have themes independent of holidays, like an upcoming 1950s tribute dance on Sept. 13. Zeigler says dancers can don poodle skirts and other ‘50s attire. “I’m so impressed with how crazy the costumes are,” he said of past events.
When asked about favorite memories made with Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers, Zeigler responded, “Just the friends we’ve made.” The events evoke images of an earlier time, according to him. “If you’re looking for a low-cost, fun evening, check us out!”

(Photo: Members of Cape Fear Ballroom Dancers dance during a Halloween event. Photo courtesy of Drew Zeigler)

Cameo Art House becomes non-profit CAMEO Collective

11For the past quarter-century, the Cameo Art House Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone in downtown Fayetteville. It has been a gathering place, an artistic haven and a cherished home for lovers of cinema. The Cameo will officially enter a new chapter in its celebrated history in January 2026, a nonprofit organization under a new name: CAMEO Collective.
This transformation not only ensures the preservation of the theater’s legacy but also lays the groundwork for a bold new vision. A vision that embraces live performances, arts education, community programming and inclusive access to the arts.
“The three founders didn’t just open the doors of the Cameo, they set a standard of excellence through their leadership and stewardship and kept it growing for 25 years,” said Brian Adam Kline, Artistic Director of the new CAMEO Collective. “The spirit of the Cameo is still very much alive and now it has room to grow in many creative directions.”
The Cameo’s Legacy: A 25-Year Love Letter to Fayetteville
Since its founding in 2000 by Chris and Nasim Kuenzel, with support from Eric Lindstrom, the Cameo Art House Theatre has provided something rare and irreplaceable in southeastern North Carolina: a space dedicated to independent and international cinema. In an age of megaplexes and blockbusters, the Cameo stood for stories that were quiet, bold, weird, human and always thoughtful.
Under the Kuenzels’ guardianship, the Cameo became more than just a movie house. It was a conversation space, a date night destination or a place where new generations watched the classics. Film festivals like Indigo Moon and Local Shorts found a natural home here and local filmmakers saw their work on the big screen..
From Art House to Art Hub
With the introduction of CAMEO Collective, the building at 225 Hay Street is evolving into something broader and more multifaceted: a nonprofit arts center with a mission to inspire through storytelling, performance and education.
“We’re building something Fayetteville has never quite had before, a true arts collective in the heart of downtown,” said Kline. “Film will always be our foundation along with community favorites like live music, comedy and now we’re thinking about immersive theater, live music, visual art and education all under one roof.”
A Partnership with the Capitol Encore Academy High School’s all new Department of Cinematic and Theatrical Arts has been established.
“This program will give students the opportunity for hands-on filmmaking classes in acting, directing, cinematography, editing and film theory. Students will have the opportunity to show their films on the big screen. We plan to offer Saturday classes for adults and summer camps in the future as well,” said Kline.
“When I was a teenager, I learned to edit on borrowed cameras from my school library and made movies in my backyard,” said Kline. “Imagine what today’s kids could do with access to gear, training and a screening venue like Cameo Collective.”
Cameo Collective will continue to host live performances including concerts, stand-up comedy, local theater productions and open mic nights.
Why Non-Profit?
For years, the Cameo operated as a private enterprise, supported almost entirely by ticket sales, concessions and the devotion of its patrons. But the shifting economics of independent cinema, especially post-pandemic, combined with the rising cost of operations led Kline to found Cameo Collective with seven founding board members including Jenny DeViere, Gerard Falls, Ashanti Bennett, Adrienne Trego, Ayana Washington, Michelle Downey and Angela Williams. James Throssel serves as Managing Director with Kline as AD.
“Becoming a nonprofit means we can dream bigger and serve wider,” said Kline. “It allows us to apply for grants, accept tax-deductible donations and focus on our mission.”
The Launch Fundraiser
To celebrate the Cameo Collective’s official launch, a special fundraiser event is in the works. The evening will provide themed entertainment, elegant refreshments, silent auction items and opportunities to become a founding donor.
The date and details will be announced soon. Tickets will be available online and at the box office.
How to Support
For those eager to help immediately, donations are already being accepted through multiple channels:
In Person: Speak to a staff member in the Cameo lobby at 225 Hay Street.
By Mail: Send checks payable to CAMEO Collective, 225 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Online: Visit www.cameoarthouse.com or email brian@cameoarthouse.com
Donors will receive special acknowledgments and updates and larger gifts may include recognition in the theater’s donor wall and promotional materials.
“Every small contribution helps big,” said Kline. “They help keep the lights on and the screen and events rolling. They help us say yes to ideas we couldn’t have considered before.”
The Road Ahead
As the curtain rises on this new phase, the message is clear: CAMEO Collective belongs to the community now more than ever. It is a gift from the past and a promise to the future.
“For a quarter-century, the Cameo has helped us see the world differently—through light and shadow, through laughter and tears,” said Kline. “Now, as CAMEO Collective, we’re inviting everyone to be part of the story.”
For updates on the Launch Fundraiser Event, programming, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.cameoarthouse.com or follow @cameoarthouse on social media.
About CAMEO Collective:
CAMEO Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in downtown Fayetteville, NC. Its mission is to foster creativity and community through film, live performance, education and the visual arts. Located at 225 Hay Street.

(Photo by James Throssel)

Cape Fear Regional Theatre brings Dolly to Fayetteville stage

“Tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of ambition, and yawn and stretch and try to come to life.”
If you read those words and started tapping your toes and imagined the sound of typewriter keys, then you will definitely want to make plans to see Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s season opener 9 to 5: The Musical, running from September 4-28. Described by director Robert Schneider as a “two-and-a-half-hour party” that is a celebration of life, courage, friendship, and coming into yourself, 9 to 5 is as thought-provoking and poignant as it is funny, irreverent, and uplifting.
12The Play
Based on the hit film from 1980 that featured the powerhouse trio of Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda, 9 to 5 tells the story of three women working in the big city corporate world who have had enough of their boss’s misogynistic bullying and sexual harassment. They take matters into their own hands to teach him a lesson.
The musical features all the same beloved characters, along with those we love to hate; it tells the same story, just with song and dance added to the mix.
Fans of the film will recognize a lot of the script, as much of the dialogue is taken straight from the movie. Patricia Resnick, who wrote the screenplay, also wrote the book (the spoken dialogue) for the musical. The music and lyrics were written by Dolly Parton herself. But, if you’ve never seen the film, worry not! The musical stands on its own with an empowering story, relatable characters, and non-stop laughs.
The three leading ladies are very different from one another, but share a commonality: they have been told in some way they can’t do something, and they decide to do it anyway.
Judy Bernly, played by Jodi Bluestein, is a recently divorced housewife who is trying to navigate her first job ever. Bluestein points out that Judy “is learning to walk in literal [and figurative] new shoes.”
Doralee Rhodes, played by Livi Rose, is constantly underestimated, judged, and isolated due to being the “pretty young thing” that is the object of the boss’s flirtation. She is courageous and has a fiery side, and decides she is not going to take it anymore.
Violet Newstead, played by Heather Setzler, is the brains behind the office’s operation, who is constantly overlooked for promotions and recognition, simply because she is a woman. They have a common nemesis, their boss Franklin Hart Jr., played by Robert Newman, the Vice President of their company, who is known for his bullying and womanizing.
Throughout the play, we get glimpses into their inner lives and thoughts, as Judy, Doralee, and Violet put their heads together to put Mr. Hart in his place and show him and everyone else what they’re made of. While the ladies’ treatment of Mr. Hart might be better described as justice, their treatment of each other and those around them is characterized by kindness.
While the play is set in the 1980s, the ideas and the characters are still relevant
and relatable.
“For better or worse,” says Livi Rose, “I think we’ve all lived versions of these characters in some way.”
The three leading ladies are shining examples of courage. They show how one can decide to “keep finding the sun,” even in dark times, decide to stand up for oneself, and not just take what the world hands out. It is a story with an important, thought-provoking, and empowering message, wrapped up in a high-energy, hilarious package.
13The People
As is the case with any play, a great story, script, and music need a great company to bring it all to life onstage, and this production of 9 to 5 certainly has that! The 18-person cast is a combination of local talent and actors from “out of town,” newcomers making their CFRT debut and familiar faces to the CFRT audience. The cast is led by the equally talented and accomplished creative team, including director Robert W. Schneider, music director James Clark Jr, and choreographer Antionette DiPietropolo.
Robert Newman and Jodi Bluestein were both in CFRT’s 2019 production of Annie as Daddy Warbucks and Lilly St. Regis (respectively). When asked what brought them back to Fayetteville and Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Bluestein, who is from Manhattan, said part of what brought her back to this theatre is that she “felt very cared for by the theatre and everyone that works here. It was also just artistically fulfilling…and the quality of what we did was great.”
Newman was slated to be in the 2020 production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime that was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, echoes Bluestein’s sentiments. He said he’s been waiting for a chance to come back and added that Mary Kate Burke, CFRT’s artistic director, had a lot to do with his desire to return.
“I work in theatres all over the country and…she’s really special…she has really done some extraordinary things for this theatre. Sometimes you work with somebody and you’re like, boy, I can’t wait to work with them again.”
They all, including director Robert Schneider and Livi Rose, point to the helpful and efficient staff, including a “wonderful stage manager,” who, through thorough planning and efficient communication, who helps everything run smoothly.
Schneider also pointed to another unique attribute of CFRT: the community.
“I’ve got to work in a lot of theatres. I’ve not found a community that takes such pride in their theatre, the way this community does…it’s incredible.” His insight was shared by other cast members who are from “out of town.” They echoed the sentiment that we, in the Fayetteville area, are well aware of what a special institution we have in Cape Fear Regional Theatre.
The show is scheduled to run for most of the month of September. Tickets are on sale now, and they are going quickly. As with all CFRT shows, they host audience outreach nights that offer a discount for certain members of the community: Military Appreciation Night on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Educator Appreciation Night on Friday, Sept. 12.
Opening weekend features two special events: Thursday, Sept. 4, the first preview performance is the “Welcome Back Bash” to celebrate the first show of the 25-26 season. This event starts at 6:45 and features complimentary snacks and signature Dolly-Style cocktails.
Friday, September 5, is “Tumble Out of Bed Night” and the audience is invited to wear their pajamas and “tumble out of bed and stumble to the theatre for our cozy preview night, featuring coffee cocktails, snacks, and a whole lot of 9-to-5 energy-just the jolt your weekend needs!”
This high-energy, fun-filled season opener is not to be missed. Tickets can be purchased online at cfrt.org or by calling the box office at 910-323-4234.

(Photos courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre)

Latest Articles

  • Folk school operates a time machine
  • Dealing with Post Tarheel Sisyphus Disorder
  • Government Watch: Fayetteville primary results; Consolidation of 911 center
  • E.E. Smith High students killed in Fayetteville car crash
  • Police Foundation reignites historic Hope Mill’s festival
  • Run, Sip & Spook: Cape Fear Haunted Wine Run 5K returns
Up & Coming Weekly Calendar
  

Login/Subscribe