Entertainment

Ballet magic at the Crown Complex: Cinderella

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Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Written by Anna White

Sparkles, vibrant costumes, graceful pirouettes and soaring melodies are all expected sights and sounds at a ballet—but uproarious laughter? The World Ballet Company’s performance of Cinderella is more than a show for dance aficionados, it’s an evening of classic storylines retold, darkest moments, witty comebacks, hope, and world-class artistry for everyone to enjoy. While the show won’t keep you up until midnight, it’ll keep you holding your breath as you wait for the clock to strike.
The Los Angeles based World Ballet Company has performed in 300 venues nationwide, and was most recently in Fayetteville for their performance of The Great Gatsby Ballet.
“We love coming to your city,” shared Gulya Hartwick, Executive Director of the World Ballet Company.
Anna Deaton Ricuard, Marketing Manager for the Crown Complex, said that previous World Ballet Company performances at the Crown Complex have been well-received.
“Every time people come to one of their performances, they are just enthralled by the quality,” she shared. “People say it’s a magical experience.”
“I dare people to show up and not walk away feeling like they’re part of that magic,” added Gary Rogers, Director of Marketing at the Crown Complex. “We’re always excited to have a variety of different shows and events that kind of encompass the variety of our community.”
He said the event is a chance to “appreciate not only a love fairy tale, but the incredible actors, dancers, athletes, and everything magical that the experience brings.”
While many people are familiar with the story of Cinderella, comparatively fewer have opted to attend a ballet. Hartwick says that because the performance is multifaceted, it is perfect for those who are unfamiliar with ballet or have never attended a performance before.
“I think it’s the perfect Ballet for first-timers because we all know the story,” she explained. She estimated that there are over 1,500 different interpretations of the Cinderella story worldwide, but thinks their choreography offers clarity that will appeal to a wide audience.
“The story is so clear, funny and vivid,” she explained.
The story of this choreography began as early as 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many were isolated.
“We want everyone here to feel the magic without having to fly to New York,” said Hartwick. She explained that choreographer Marina Kesler and others wanted to bring joy to those in isolation without sacrificing tradition, “It just seemed like such a good idea when the whole world was stuck at home, we wanted to create something funny and dynamic that would bring some happiness to the people, without losing the classical style, of course, and keeping traditions alive.”
Hartwick says Kesler’s signature style can be seen in the cinematic effects in the stagings.
The show blends traditional and modern elements, with sets being the main example of that fusion. Gilded pillars and creamsicle clouds are seen behind the dancers, drawing viewers into a surreal scene reminiscent of a palace.
“Traditions are important to us, but we make sure that it reads well on the traditional side. Even our scenery is hand painted, the way it was done 100 years ago. It's like a big canvas painted by hand. And then the modern side of it—we add projection to the show, which is quite an unusual combination.”
But according to Hartwick, the artistry of the dancers is the most enchanting element.
“The ballroom dance scene will give you goosebumps,” she said. With 40 professional dancers seen throughout the show and 150 hand-sewn costumes, viewers will be swept into the shimmer as the World Ballet Company’s troupe of international dancers delight viewers with their grace and charm.
Behind the scenes, Hartwick says it’s only a dedicated rehearsal schedule that makes this performance what it is.
“It’s rehearse, rehearse, rehearse and then perform,” she said of preparations. Rehearsal isn’t only about dance, though, as several characters repeatedly delight the audience with their humor. “They fall in love with the stepsisters and stepmother,” Hartwick said of the audience, “They’re just ridiculously funny and wonderful.”
The evening is perfect for a date night, family time, friends,
and more.
“Bring your kids, bring your friends, and expect to be entertained and amazed,” said Hartwick. Rogers emphasized how perfect the evening is for couples, adding that he’s about to celebrate 10 years of marriage and is always looking for ways to “win big” in marriage.
“A date night like this with a fine dinner?” he shared, “I feel like that’s a way for all men to achieve greatness in their marriage.”
Hartwick says that while tradition and artistry are important elements, she thinks the performance resonates on a deeper level with viewers.
“I think we all need more fairy tales in our lives,” she explained. “Hope, kindness, and courage never go out of style, and the story of Cinderella reminds us to keep dreaming and to meet the world with generosity even when it’s hard.”
The World Ballet Company’s Cinderella will be held on Sept. 26, 6 p.m. at the Crown Complex. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/world-ballet-company-cinderella

A world in one city: Fayetteville's International Folk Festival

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Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Written by Amber Little

The images used for this article and the cover of our September 17 issue were taken by Stephanie Perez Rivera.

Fayetteville is a culturally rich and diverse city. Home to the nation's largest military installation and two universities, the city's residents each bring unique cultural backgrounds from around the world. Once a year, the community comes together to celebrate the colorful, flavorful, and beautiful people who make the city what it is.
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is proud to present the 47th Annual International Folk Festival on Sept. 26 and 27. This is a two-day festival of family and community-based events centered around unity and the nations that call Fayetteville and Cumberland County home. Normally, the festival runs the entire weekend, but this year, the decision was made to make it more powerful in a shorter amount of time.
“We have a pretty big change this year as far as scheduling goes. This year, we will contain the majority of our ‘festival’ activities to Saturday, Sept. 27. On Friday, Sept. 26, we will have the opening reception for ‘Multi-Faceted,’ and that will get us in the festival spirit as we celebrate this exhibit opening along with the rest of the Fourth Friday activities. Saturday will be a jam-packed day with the Parade of Nations kicking off at 10 a.m. and then the rest of the festival grounds opening at noon. We will close things out with a performance presented by Sandhills Jazz Society at 7 p.m. on our Main Stage in Festival Park,” said Miles McKeller-Smith, director of public relations, Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
This year’s festival theme, Celebrating Connections and Cultures in Our Community, coincides with the season’s art exhibit theme, Multi-Faceted: Mixed Media and Connected Identities. McKeller-Smith elaborated, “Multi-Faceted: Mixed Media and Connected Identities explores the idea of connected identities through various visual arts media. It’s an exhibit that challenges us to reflect on and embrace the complexities of our own identity. Scaling up on that theme, IFF is a space for us to share those identities with our community, and hopefully, use them as a means to connect with others.”
The celebration begins Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. with the exhibit opening reception at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, located downtown at 301 Hay Street. The exhibit features the work of visual artist Lady Natalia Perez Lozano, a Colombian-born transplant to Fayetteville. Her art is self-described as “exploring human emotion, nature, and internal conflict through expressive body language and symbolic elements. Using mediums such as oil painting, mixed media, and pastels, my work delves into themes of transformation, empowerment, and the interplay between inner and outer worlds.” This event is free to the public, and the exhibit runs through Nov. 9.
Saturday morning, grab a lawn chair and a blanket and find a spot on Hay Street for the family favorite, vibrant Parade of Nations, starting at 10 a.m. Watch as over 25 nations represent their homelands with music, traditional garb, extravagant floats, and plenty of smiles and energy. At noon, the rest of the festival grounds will open for live entertainment on two stages, with performances by Fayetteville Latin Dance, Aloha Ka’naka O Hula, and a host of other performers. Tire the kids out with a trip to the Kids Zone, featuring activities just for the little ones. Take in the whole festival-- sight, sound, and taste. This year’s festival features food vendors representing 30 nations.
“We have an assortment of food trucks attending, offering food from over 30 different countries. We’ve got some fan-favorites coming back, but we’re also excited to share that roughly one-third of the food trucks that will be in attendance are first-time IFF vendors. There will be something there for everyone!” McKeller-Smith said.
Ending the festivities on Saturday on the Main Stage is a performance featuring Pamela Williams and Marcus Johnson, presented by Sandhills Jazz Society. This year, attendees can purchase VIP tickets for the closing performance, giving access to a reserved hospitality area overlooking Festival Park, a curated international cuisine, and specially made drinks.
This year’s festival wouldn’t be possible without some amazing community sponsors and, of course, the community that continues to come out and make the festival a success year after year. Everyone has their favorite part of the IFF, whether it’s the parade, the food, the entertainment, shopping, or the culturally immersive experience itself.
McKeller Smith, who is passionate about this event and what it means and brings to the community, says, “My favorite part of IFF is seeing everyone come together to show their sense of cultural pride. I believe that making a space where our unique backgrounds can be celebrated is vital to elevating and educating our community. And…of course…THE FOOD!” McKeller-Smith is thankful for all the support, stating, “The people of Fayetteville are by far the most important group when it comes to this festival. Something like this doesn’t endure for nearly 50 years without support from the community. Beyond the community - we couldn’t do this without the gracious support of our sponsors and partners. This year’s festival sponsors are: the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, NC Arts Council, NC Education Lottery, T-Fiber, CBS17, Televisa/Univision, On3Build, Cumulus, Dogwood State Bank, Callahan & Rice Insurance Group, Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, Sun Asian Market, Systel Business Equipment, 143 Maxwell, and United Bank.”
The International Folk Festival has been successfully unifying the community for 47 years, which is something to be proud of. It is a community effort of organizations, business owners, city officials, and most importantly, the community that has continued to show up every year for the festival. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County has been an integral part of the festival and is excited to be celebrating another year.
“We want the community to know that we’re excited to see them later this month! Our staff, board, and event partners are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone has a fun, safe, and memorable experience at this year’s festival. If they have any questions about the festival, they should visit our IFF webpage, www.wearethearts.com/iff,” McKeller-Smith said.

Local bookshop's new series welcomes debut author

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Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

On most days, City Center Gallery & Books is a quiet refuge on Hay Street, creaking floors, shelves of well-loved classics, the murmur of regulars swapping recommendations. On Saturday, Sept. 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the store becomes something else: a living room for conversation. Owners Hank and Diane Parfitt will launch “Chat with an Author,” an informal drop-in series, by hosting Fayetteville-based writer and soldier Dylan Nigh, whose debut, Fool’s Gear: A Completely Devastating Thing I’ll Probably Do Again, was published this spring.
“It’s simple,” Hank Parfitt said. “A bookstore should be a gathering place. Not a stage with a microphone, just a place where readers can pull up a chair and talk one-on-one with a writer.”
Unlike a traditional signing, there’s no program, no podium and no RSVP. People can wander in, meet Nigh, ask questions, and step back to let the next voice join. It’s free and open to the public, aimed at aspiring writers, avid readers and anyone curious about how a book gets made.
“We want to encourage reading and support writers,” said Diane Parfitt. “Those two missions go together. You can’t have one without the other.”
The Parfitts opened the downtown shop in 2003, and quickly learned that “used, comfortable and curated” could be a formula for staying power. Classics remain bestsellers, they said, because readers return to them with new eyes.
“People tell us, ‘I didn’t care about The Great Gatsby at 16, but I love it now,’” Diane said, laughing. “Life experience changes how you read.”
City Center hosts book clubs and a writers’ workshop, and Diane has organized Saturday story times for children with high-school volunteers and local children’s authors. The new “Chat with an Author” format is meant to lower the temperature further, no lines for signatures, no public speaking jitters.
“Writers and readers both need a little space to breathe,” Hank said. “If you’re working on a manuscript and you want to ask a published author, ‘How did you push through?’ this is your chance.”
The Parfitts are candid about what helps author events succeed. “We’ll promote hard,” Hank said, “but we also tell writers to bring their people—neighbors, church friends, book clubs. A crowd creates its own energy, whether every person buys a book or not.”
They are equally frank about the hard work of writing. “Good writing is hard,” Diane said. “You have to read widely, revise bravely, and invite feedback—even when it stings. The best writers have good editors and tough readers.”
Nigh’s memoir grew from a cross-country motorcycle trip he took after six months of Army training and as his marriage was ending. The only time he could go was in winter. He went anyway.
“I had the time and I needed to shake up the norm,” Nigh said. “It wasn’t about being reckless. It was about getting unstuck.”
The title’s wry punch line “a completely devastating thing I’ll probably do again” works two ways, he said. “It’s the trip in the dead of winter on an old bike,” he said. “And it’s love. Heartbreak can level you. Most of us still risk it again. That’s part of being human.”
On the road, he hit the expected hazards and a few he won’t forget. The hardest stretch, he said, was riding into Flagstaff at sunset as elevation rose, temperatures plunged, and sleet turned his pant legs to ice. The hardest night arrived later, in Amarillo, when sleep wouldn’t come and memories did.
“I finally took the bike out for a night ride just to clear my head,” he said.
Nigh didn’t plan to write a book. He carried a blank journal, then began dictating notes into his phone at gas stops.
“It was just me and the helmet,” he said. “Hours to think.”
Midway through the trip, he started expanding those notes each night. The story took shape after he reached San Diego and spent a month talking it through with family and friends. Back in Fayetteville, he turned those conversations and notes into a first draft, then several more, with help from “tough, honest readers.”
Agents told him his niche, a literary, true-to-life travel memoir from an unknown, would be a tough commercial fit. He self-published, keeping control of the voice, cover and layout. Sales came first from Amazon; then, after connecting with City Center, from word of mouth. “Hank and Diane have been incredible,” Nigh said. “They love books, culture and people. That shows.”
The Parfitts say the format matters.
“Some folks freeze at a microphone,” Hank said. “But sit them at a table in the shop, let people come and go, and the conversation becomes natural.”
The idea, he said, is to make it easier to ask the real questions—about process, fear, rejection, revision and why the work matters.
Diane sees another benefit.
“A lot of people are journaling now,” she said. “Some of those journals become books. Some shouldn’t and that’s fine. But everyone can learn to read like a writer: What makes this book work? How does this sentence move me? That’s how you find your own voice.”
As for younger readers and writers, the Parfitts plan to keep children’s programming in the mix.
“Parents have a responsibility to foster reading,” Diane said. “A strong children’s section, a read-aloud on Saturday, that can change a home.”
Nigh says the book is less about mileage than perspective.
“The irony of a cross-country trip is learning you don’t have to go far to change,” he said. “There’s magic in your own backyard if you look for it. You can meet someone extraordinary next door.”
One of his clearest memories is not from the bike, but a sunset paddle on the Pacific in Santa Barbara.
“That was a turning point,” he said. “Letting go of the past. Feeling grateful for the bruises and the beauty.”
Would he do it again?
“Absolutely,” he said, grinning. “Maybe with an equally questionable bike. Maybe north through New England and Canada, then back down the West Coast. But I won’t take a trip just to write a book. I’ll take a great trip, and if it becomes a book, it’ll let me know.”
He’s already drafting a new project, personal essays about growing up religious in America. Whether he self-publishes again or goes the traditional route will depend on the work, he said.
“I learned a lot about both paths. The heart of the book matters most.”
“Chat with an Author: Dylan Nigh” runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at City Center Gallery & Books, downtown Fayetteville. No appointments or RSVPs. Just drop in. Free and open to the public. Hank and Diane Parfitt will be on hand to talk books, reading and the store’s plans to keep building a place where stories and the people who tell and love them belong.
“We’re here seven days a week,” Hank said. “Because readers deserve a place to gather. That’s not going away.”
“And writers,” Diane added. “We’ll keep supporting them one conversation at a time.”

(Photo: Dylan Nigh sits on his new motorcycle, a 650 Interceptor. Nigh will be the first author at City Center Gallery & Books' "Chat with an Author" series. Nigh's debut book, "A Completely Devastating Thing I'll Probably Do Again," is available at the bookstore. Photo courtesy of Hank Parfitt)

Fayetteville Ukulele Club jams out in September

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Tuesday, 16 September 2025

Written by Katie Herring

On any given Thursday afternoon, the Sweet Palette bakery at 101 Person Street comes alive with the sounds of ukulele music. The Fayetteville Ukulele Club gathers there from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every week to jam. At their weekly jams, anywhere from 10-35+ people gather with ukuleles of all shapes and sizes to play, sing, and enjoy “kanikapila,” Hawaiian for ukulele joy.
Anyone who is interested in playing is welcome to join in the fun of playing and singing, enjoying music and great company (and of course a sweet treat, if you are so inclined).
Those brand new to playing the instrument, worry not; as they will partner newcomers with someone who is more experienced, who will teach a few simple chords. They even have loaner ukuleles for those who want to give it a try before purchasing one of their own. Or people can just listen and enjoy.
On Thursday, Sept. 18, the regular club meeting will move to Arran Lakes Baptist Church at 1130 Bingham Drive in Fayetteville; as always, anyone is welcome to join the jam for free on Thursday. The reason for the one-time move is that it kicks off a weekend of ukulele fun in the second annual Ukulele JAMboree, which begins on Friday for those who have pre-registered.
The JAMboree will be two days of workshops and jam sessions, each with various musical styles to play and learn. The workshops will be led by Bob Guz, an Austin, Texas-based ukulele player and educator.
According to Guz’s biography, “he has performed and taught ukulele workshops at the Kerrville Folk Festival, as well as the Lone Star, Midwest, and New York City ukulele festivals. Bob has also enjoyed playing and performing with bands that include Shorty Long and The Pine Beetles…He is President and Music Director of the Austin Ukulele Society, which he co-founded in 2011. For the Society, he has led workshops, live streams, open mics, jam sessions, and monthly gatherings of over 120 to 150 strummers and singers.”
The JAMboree weekend will feature two workshops. In each one, Bob will break down one song, exploring its structure and musical intricacies. Bob will guide the participants through a series of exercises aimed at getting everyone comfortable with the strum patterns, chord progressions, picking parts, and vocal harmonizing of the song.
By the end of each workshop, the group will play that workshop’s song together and create a video recording, which will be shared on the Austin Ukulele Society's YouTube channel, along with all of Bob’s workshop recordings.
The workshops are limited to registered participants and registration is no longer available. However, there is still an opportunity for the general public to get in on the fun of the JAMboree by being part of the “peanut gallery,” as co-founder and organizer Mary Hill calls it.
The weekend will have several jam sessions, and anyone is welcome to attend those. Times when the general public can come and enjoy the sounds of a wide variety of music with different performers are as follows:
Friday 9/19: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Beatlemania JAM with Margaret and Rick D.; 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Open Mic Various performers from around NC; 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. After Hours with Ukes JAM with Jacqui, Ginger and Danny.
Saturday 9/20: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Old Time Rock & Roll JAM with Rick H. & Nell; 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Music That Makes You Smile JAM with Lynn & Mary Lou.
Event organizer Mary Hill shares that the event is intended to promote and share the love and joy of playing ukulele music in our region. Other similar events around the country tend to cost upwards of $150 or more, while registration for this event was much less expensive.
The goal is simply to cover the cost of the event itself, not to raise money for anything else or to make a profit.
This project is supported by a Grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County and, in part, by contributions from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and other community partners.
Whether you are an expert who is looking for a place to plug in and JAM with others, or you’ve never touched a stringed instrument before but would like to learn, the Fayetteville Ukulele Club has a way for you to do just that.
Join in on the regular Thursday Jam Sessions at Sweet Palette downtown; join the Jam Session on Thursday, September 18 at Arran Lakes Baptist Church; and come listen as part of the Peanut Gallery during the JAMboree on September 19 and 20, also at Arran Lakes Baptist Church. As Hill shares, the primary focus of the Fayetteville Ukulele Club and everything they do: “We play better, together!”

(Photo courtesy of the Fayetteville Ukulele Club)