Entertainment

Two Sides of the coin: Sweet Tea Shakespeare presents "King John", "Robin Hood"

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Katie Herring

It has been said that there are three sides to every story: my side, your side, and the truth. We rarely get a chance to examine multiple perspectives of the same moment in history, especially when that moment happened hundreds of years ago in a land far away. However, we in the Fayetteville community have such an opportunity with Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s upcoming productions.
This June, the local theatre ensemble renowned for its distinctive storytelling, immersive staging, and the harmonious integration of music will embark on a theatrical endeavor unlike any other in its history. Sweet Tea Shakespeare will present two distinct yet intertwined productions in repertory: William Shakespeare's compelling history play, King John, and the beloved folk tale of Robin Hood.
These two narratives, seemingly disparate at first glance, will run concurrently, each playing on alternating nights on the intimate basement stage of the Arts Council building at 301 Hay Street. This ambitious approach to performance, presenting two full productions with significant overlap in cast and creative teams, marks a groundbreaking "in repertory" debut for Sweet Tea Shakespeare, promising a rich and multifaceted theatrical experience for local audiences.
King John, a lesser-known gem in Shakespeare's historical canon, takes us into a turbulent time in England’s history. The play grapples with the precarious legitimacy of King John's reign, a throne constantly threatened by internal betrayal and the looming specter of war. As the kingdom teeters on the brink, John must navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and personal vendettas to secure his crown and safeguard his realm. Sweet Tea Shakespeare's production of King John is led by a dynamic trio of directors: Jeremy Fiebig, Jennifer Pommerenke, and Jessica Osnoe, each bringing their unique vision to this complex historical drama.
Robin Hood is a familiar tale of the outlaw who steals from the rich to give to the poor. A figure of unwavering moral conviction, Robin Hood stands in stark opposition to the corrupt machinations of the King and his ruthless enforcers, most notably the infamous Sheriff of Nottingham. In a world rife with political corruption, Robin Hood and his Merry Men embody a spirit of rebellion and a commitment to rectifying societal imbalances. Sweet Tea’s production of Robin Hood is directed by Jessie Wise, who is also the company’s executive director and CEO.
The two productions employ mostly the same cast which presents some unique opportunities and challenges. When asked about the experience, Venus Bess, who plays Lady Verysdale in Robin Hood and Blanche in King John, as well as other small roles in both plays, said that she was worried about it in the beginning but as rehearsals have progressed, it was working out to be less stressful than initially expected.
Three directors leading one play is another unique aspect that is not often seen. Cast member Izaiah Zapata explained that the team of Fiebig, Pommerenke, and Osnoe is working together really effectively. They each bring a different perspective and expertise that helps to create a cohesive and robust production.
Performance dates are as follows:
• King John: June 5, 7, 13, 15, 19, and 21
• Robin Hood: June 6, 8, 12, 14, 20, and 22
Tickets are available at sweetteashakespeare.com. Discounts are available for students, military, and seniors.

Kiwanis Club brings families together for Family Fun Day

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Katie Herring

As the weather warms up, days get longer and the school year winds down. Many families will be on the lookout for fun ways to get outside. While there are a lot of options around Fayetteville and the surrounding area, one day in particular should be on families’ calendars: Sunday, June 8, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville will host their third annual Family Fun Day at the Kiwanis Recreation Center. This free event will have something for kids of all ages and their parents. It promises to be a great time to play, run, bounce, splash, and enjoy one of our city’s many fun parks.
On June 8, the park and splash pad at 352 Devers Street will be open as usual. But on this particular Saturday, there will be more fun activities going on. There will be a bounce house. There will be games, face painting, even a bubble station where children can try and create the biggest bubble. There will be fire trucks and police cars to see and explore, along with firefighters and police officers to meet and greet; there may even be an appearance from the Fayetteville Police Department’s K-9 unit. There will be popcorn, drinks, and snow cones. At last year’s Family Fun Day, over 600 snow cones were given away; this year, they are ready to give out even more.
Representatives from Cumberland County Library will be on hand with information about their summer reading programs, which always provide great incentives for kids and adults to read during the summer months. Also, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden will be there with information about their programs.
The Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center will host a blood drive during the event. The Blood Donor Center is our area’s only local blood donation center; all of the blood donated stays in our local community as Cape Fear Valley supports Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, and Bladen Counties. Family Fun Day provides a great way to possibly serve the local community as well as having a blast with the family.
Pint Sized Pasture, a family farm located in Sanford, NC, will also be in attendance. This local attraction is a traveling petting zoo. On June 8, they are travelling to Family Fun Day with bunnies, goats, maybe even some chickens.
This free, family-friendly event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville. The Kiwanis Club is a global service organization that is “dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time," according to the Kiwanis International Facebook page. The Fayetteville chapter of the Kiwanis Club sponsors the Terrific Kids program, a student-recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem, and perseverance for students. It reaches over 20,000 students in 44 schools and is the largest Terrific Kids program in the world. Kiwanis also provides over 4,000 books to Head Start and Chapter One programs each year as part of their Reading is Fun(damental) program, which works to promote early literacy.
For a club whose focus is service to children and families of our community, it is not hard to imagine that they would host a great event for families to enjoy time together, playing and exploring various organizations and services. All this excitement is free to enjoy at the Kiwanis Recreation Center at 352 Devers Street on June 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

First fishing derby to be held at Hope Mills Lake

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Lena Simmons

Cast your line at the Hope Mills Fishing Derby at Hope Mills Lake, 5766 Rockfish Rd. The event is Saturday, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Anglers of all ages are welcome to compete for prizes for the biggest catch. Registration began on May 18. The registration fee is $25, which includes a free T-shirt. Permit fees for boaters are waived. For more information, contact Town of Hope Mills Commissioner Joanne Scarola by phone at 910-308-1808.
Fishing eco-tourism offers a way to integrate economic development by attracting tourists who value sustainable practices and the natural environment. The approach can benefit both the environment and communities, creating jobs, promoting responsible fishing, and raising awareness about the importance of conservation. Ecotourism can help reduce the pressure on fish stocks that can be caused by unsustainable fishing practices. Ecotourism can bring revenue to local communities, which can be used to fund conservation efforts and improve the quality of life for residents. Ecotourism encourages stewardship of aquatic ecosystems, ensuring they remain unspoiled for future generations. Fishing can be a key attraction for visitors, promoting local seafood and a unique tourism experience.
Fishing provides multiple health benefits for physical and mental well-being. It can boost cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, improve balance, and enhance cognitive functions.
“The Fishing Derby displays Hope Mills Lake as a recreational and ecological asset, drawing attention to the town’s beauty. By holding an annual Fishing Derby, I hope it can become a signature event that will enhance community pride and help define Hope Mills as a destination for nature-focused recreation and sustainable tourism. More importantly, all proceeds from the derby go towards Artist Village, one of our non-profits,” Scarola said.
Scarola has a personal passion for fishing.
“I grew up on Long Island, New York and my dad was a clam boat fisherman on the Long Island Sound. I loved fishing! I always wanted to have a derby to share my love for the sport and hope other people can get the same pleasure I feel when I am out on the water with a fishing pole. This event is going to be a fun event. I was able to get a lot of donations for prizes and raffles so everyone will have an opportunity to win something. The prizes include kayaks, fishing poles, tackle boxes and other goodies.”
Join in on the fun at the first Hope Mills Fishing Derby, June 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Commissioner Scarola at 910-308-1808, or visit https://bit.ly/4kaVCew

CFRT's "Once On This Island"

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Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Written by Kathleen Ramsey

“Oh, it's just a couple of steps," Breon Arzell says, laughing. "Dance is how we tell stories. That's how stories are told within our community. There's a fair bit of movement."
Arzell is both the director and choreographer for Cape Fear Regional Theatre's upcoming production, Once On This Island. Arzell is outspoken and full of laughs. He jokes around with the actors beside him and always seems to be smiling. Arzell has done many productions before, but usually as the choreographer.
"I stop and say, 'Oh right, it's my vision. Leading the ship,’" Azrzell laughs again, pretending to look behind him.
He says he always choreographed numbers that aren't usually choreographed. For him, movement is the story. He says he loves taking final numbers that don't include movement and figures out how to do it a little differently.
"Most people do a park and bark. Me being extra, I wanted to add some extra body and movement."
Beside Arzell is Kendall Stewart, who plays Ti Moune, the main character, and Gerard Williams who plays Agwe, a god in the production. This production is a sort of retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen version of The Little Mermaid but set in Haiti with deep roots in Haitian and Creole culture. For Stewart, she says she didn't know much about the culture before being cast.
"A lot of this process has been unlearning a lot of things about Haitian culture. The way Breon has set up this process with so much care ... It is such a beautiful representation of Haitian culture," Stewart says.
Arzell can't help but break into this part of the conversation. The smile that has sat plumly across his face softens and fades into a more serious look.
"That has been a challenge for a lot of our actors,” Arzell says. "Taking away the Western ideas of what this culture is."
They say Arzell will often tell them to remove their Western ideas and understand that something doesn't mean what they think it does in this culture.
Kendall believes this is the perfect production and message for the residents of Cumberland County.
"I'm hoping they are going to take in a lot of learning about a place and people that they might not have known before. It spans and connects to everyone. This community seems like a very connected town. This community seems very connected. It will inspire them to feel love, compassion, family and community. I think it will hit home."
And of course, they say, the community will get time away from the cares of the world. Attendees will get a moment to be transported into a different story and fall in love with the culture, music and movement.
"I love audience members getting to depart from whatever is happening in the world at the moment," Williams says. "They'll get something extraordinary in this experience. It’s going to be a new discovery. They think they have an idea of what they are coming to see, but they are gonna get so much more. Just being a part of the island."
Once On This Island began May 15 and will run through June at CFRT’s temporary location at 1707 Owen Drive. Tickets range from $19 to $37. For more information, visit cfrt.org.
"It's one of the most beautiful scripts I have witnessed," says CFRT’s marketing director, Ashley Owen. "I have a visceral response to the music. You feel it in your bones and in your soul. It's exactly what everyone needs right now. It's so rich and vibrant and healing in a way."

(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre)