Announcing the 2026 Season!!
2026 SEASON
February 13 – 14: Love Letters
Through decades of heartfelt and candid letters, the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Love Letters reveals a deep connection that demonstrates the complexities of love, ambition, and personal growth. Melissa, a free-spirited artist, and Andrew, a successful lawyer and politician, share their innermost thoughts, dreams, and regrets from elementary school, through college, and into their careers. The play paints a vivid picture of two lives intertwined by the power of the written word. Often, fate is not on always their side.
February 19-22: Call of the Mummy
Call of the Mummy is a radio-drama presentation. Set in Egypt, just after the 1941 discovery of the tomb of Queen Hatshepsut and her advisor, Senmut, reporter Margo Mason arrives to cover the archaeological find. But she discovers the jar holding Hatshepsut’s heart is missing and the mummy of Senmut has risen and is committing a string of murders. The mummy is specifically targeting people associated with the expedition. A break in the case occurs when Ivy Chapman is possessed by Hatshepsut’s soul. Margo and rival reporter Jimmy, work together with his team to find Hatshepsut’s missing heart, defeat Senmut, and save Ivy. Call of the Mummy is an adventure story typical of a 40s radio drama where actors not only portray characters…but also create any needed sound effects.
March 6: 4th MAC Theater Awards
Please join us as we celebrate the outstanding performances of our 2025 season, which is also our 19th year bringing theater to Eastern North Carolina. Which musical will be named the Most Outstanding: “Songs for a New World”, “James and the Giant Peach”, “Urinetown, or “Into the Woods”? Which play will claim the top award: “The Glass Menagerie”, “Three Tall Women”, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, or “Art”? In addition, actor awards will be presented in the categories of Lead Roles, Supporting Roles, and Featured Roles. Vocalists will be recognized in the categories of Solo Performance and Group Performance. This is our 4th Magnolia Arts Awards, and we’d love for you to be a part of the celebration.
March 12-15 and 19-22: Little Women, the Musical
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, Little Women, the Musical follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested. Her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Guided by their mother Marmee, they grow from girls into women, through romance and courtship, illness and loss, loving and letting go. guided by their mother Marmee, grow from girls into women, through romance and courtship, illness and loss, loving and letting go. Jo reminds us that the fight to claim one’s voice and purpose is as important now as it ever was.
April 16-19 and 23-25: The Woman in Black
One of the most successful and longest running theater shows in the history of London’s West End, The Woman in Black is a brilliant study in atmosphere, illusion, and controlled horror. Now seen by over 8 million people worldwide, THE WOMAN IN BLACK continues to delight and terrify audiences of all generations.
A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the specter of a Woman in Black, engages a skeptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It all begins innocently enough, but then, as they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds.
May 9: Spotlight Kids Talent Extravaganza! (ages 16 and under)
Auditions for the Kids Spotlight Talent Show will be March 26, 27, and 28 (refer to “Auditions” tab). Eastern NC has so many talented young people, here is their chance to take a bow. We welcome all types of talent: singing, dancing, instrumentalist, baton, monolog, comedy, magic, poetry…the possibilities are endless. This is certain to be a unique and entertaining night for all who attend. This talent show will include an art and photography competition. (see auditions for details)
May 30: Greenville’s The Voice–Preliminary 1
MAC’s The Voice was a huge success last year. We have two preliminary rounds. For each preliminary, judges will advance four (from a field of ten) to the Finals. An audience favorite will also advance. Each contestant will perform two songs (of his or her choice). We had sold-out crowds for each of the two preliminaries.
June 14: Barbershop at the MAC
Join us in a welcoming back The Carolina Chord Connection to MAC as they provide an afternoon of entertainment with a cappella barbershop harmonies, songs in a variety of styles, and jokes! The Carolina Chord Connection, led by Stepehn Brand, is a chapter of the International Harmony Society and is always a crowd favorite here at MAC!
June 18-21 and 25-27: Matilda
Based on the 1988 novel Matilda by Roald Dahl, the musical centers on Matilda Wormwood, a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She is unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
July 11: Greenville’s The Voice–Preliminary 2
MAC’s The Voice was a huge success last year. We have two preliminary rounds. For each preliminary, judges will advance four (from a field of ten) to the Finals. An audience favorite will also advance. Each contestant will perform two songs (of his or her choice). We had sold-out crowds for each of the two preliminaries.
July 15-19: The Boys Next Door
In a communal residence, four men with varying degrees of mental issues live under the supervision of an increasingly burned-out young social worker named Jack. There is Arnold, the ringleader of the group, who is a hyperactive, compulsive chatterer, who suffers from deep anxiety. Norman who works in a doughnut shop carries a huge clip of keys that fit nothing and longs to have a date with Sheila. Lucien has the mind of a young boy but imagines that he can read and comprehend the weighty books he lugs about. And finally, Barry, a brilliant schizophrenic who fantasizes that he is a golf pro and tries to please his demanding father. Take this journey through the daily lives of these four men, where “little things” sometimes become momentous (and often very funny). This is a play with many moments of great poignancy and touching effectiveness, and we are reminded that the handicapped, like the rest of us, want only to love and laugh and find some meaning and purpose in life. This comedy is sure to bring you joy and challenge our humanity.
August 1: Senior Showtime Talent Show
It’s Senior Showtime! MAC is excited to offer the talented seniors in eastern North Carolina a chance to show what they can do. Over the years, we have had many wonderful performances by those 50 and older. All talents are welcomed: dancing, singing, comedy, instrumentalist, monologues, poetry/spoken word, juggling…and who knows what else? This talent show will include an art and photography competition. (See Auditions for details)
August 13-16 and 20-22: Sordid Lives
Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her married lover’s wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts for two days in Winters, Texas. Peggy’s colorful family is forced to come together. The betrayed wife is out for revenge. Her daughters argue over whether Mama should be buried in her fur coat. Her sister is desperately trying to quit smoking. Chaos erupts over the release of “Brother Boy”, a Tammy Wynette impersonating drag queen, currently confined to a mental institution simply for being gay, and who is also trying to escape the sexually frustrated Dr. Eve. Meanwhile, grandson Ty, a West Hollywood actor, struggles with the decision to return home and face his dysfunctional family. G.W., feeling awful that his wooden legs caused Peggy’s death, sits in a bar trying to talk his way out of his guilt. As the funeral approaches, all of the family’s “sordid lives” are exposed, and unconditional love is put to the Texan test! This wonderful black comedy is the winner of 14 Drama-Logue Awards and 13 Critics’ Choice Awards.
August 29: Greenville’s The Voice–Finale
MAC’s The Voice was a huge success last year. The Finals will feature the eight contestant who judges advance from the two preliminaries, the audience favorite from each preliminary, and the two “wild cards”. Those twelve contestants will perform two songs each (of their own choice). Last year, first place wen to the incredible Tim Messina. Who will it be this year? There is only one way to find out. The twelve will be narrowed to the top five. First prize is $400, second is $250, third is $100, fourth place is $100, fifth place is $75.
September 12: Outspoken–Spoken Word Event
We look forward to hearing you – or seeing you – at our first spoken word event. Newcomer to this type of entertainment? Welcome! Experienced at this type of entertainment? Welcome! Something on your mind that you need to express? This is the event for you. OUTSPOKEN is a mix of slam poetry and storytelling. There is no specific theme for this event. Each speaker can perform two pieces (perhaps three depending on the turnout). Each piece can last up to four minutes. No subject is off-limits. Language will not be monitored. Topics can range from serious to comedic. If you’re not certain what constitutes slam poetry, please look at some examples on YouTube. $100 goes to the top participant – as judged by several guests.
September 17-20 and 24-26: 12 Angry Men
It is 1957, and twelve men have been led into a jury room to decide the verdict in the case of a young man accused of killing his father and who faces the death penalty if found guilty. They gather around a long table to begin discussions about the case. After a preliminary vote, all but one of the jurors presume he is guilty. Because they must come to a unanimous decision, debates begin. Most of the men are upset and very vocal about the dissenting vote. They heatedly discuss the known facts of the case, and little by little, the personalities, opinions, and biases of each juror become evident.
October 3: 4th Annual Miss-Cast Womanless Beauty Pageant
It’s that time again…the Miss Cast Womanless Beauty (loosely speaking) Pageant. This is our 4th yearly event. We have sell-out crowds, so get your ticket early. Where else can you see some of the most enticing (sort of), delectable (kind of), talented (depending on your idea of talent) and downright ridiculous contestants compete in talent, evening gown, interview…and even a surprise category this year. Last year’s winner, Delta Bulk, will be on-hand to crown the lucky contestant chosen as Miss Cast 2027.
October 10: 16th Annual 10-Minute Play Contest
After a couple of years’ absence, we welcome back MAC’s 10-Minute Play Contest. This will be the 12th year of this event. MAC receives play scripts from across the nation…and occasionally internationally. In years past, we have received upwards of 250 scripts. Invited judges narrow the field to the top ten 10-minute plays. Those plays are then performed on the MAC stage. The audience will decide on the top three winners who will receive a cash prize. This event usually sells out, so you will want to get your seat now.
October 15-18: What Happened After Once Upon a Time
What really happened after all the once upon a times? You’ll find out in this fun, fractured fairy tale! A substitute narrator is called in on short notice to present stories from a stack of fairy tale books. But just as each tale begins its ”once upon a time,” the main characters show up to interrupt and correct the newbie narrator’s telling of their story. Turns out, these characters have backstories nobody could have predicted: Rapunzel is an insufferable diva, Cinderella is a clean freak, the Three Little Pigs are hypochondriacs, Little Red Riding Hood is a lawyer defending the Wolf, and more! The chaos continues until the frustrated narrator finally breaks down. It’s up to the characters to comfort the narrator and explain what really happened after “once upon a time.”
November 12-15 and 19-21: Rent
Rent follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and activists dealing with poverty, health issues, and social injustice. The story begins on Christmas Eve, 1989. Mark Cohen, an aspiring filmmaker, is the show’s narrator. He lives in an industrial loft with his roommate, Roger Davis, an HIV-positive musician who is recovering from a substance abuse disorder and the suicide of his girlfriend. Their former roommate, Benjamin Coffin, III has married into a rich family and is now their landlord To persuade them to pay their rent, Benny turns off the heat. Roger meets Mimi, a nightclub stripper who is addicted to heroin and is HIV-positive. Roger and Mimi are attracted to each other, but Roger is afraid to reveal that he is HIV-positive. Tom Collins, a former roommate, teacher and computer whiz, is mugged but is found and patched up by Angel, a street drummer. As the group of friends move through the year, they encounter the breakups of relationships, illnesses, and death but also love, friendship, and hope.
