The Ansonia welcomes back guests as “Prelude to a Kiss” premiers on May 14.
Liz O’Connell | Anson Record
Purchase your tickets online and come see an epic love story unfold on stage at the Ansonia.
Contributed Photo
WADESBORO — The Ansonia Theatre is preparing to open doors for this spring’s show, “Prelude to a Kiss,” which will run from May 14 through May 23.
This will be the second show to open at the theater during COVID-19 restrictions after a successful showing of Fruitcakes in December.
“We did it because we just wanted to press forward,” Director Tommy Wooten said. “We didn’t have huge numbers, but we are glad that we did it. We were glad that no one got sick and we were as safe as we possibly could be.”
Wooten expects “Prelude to a Kiss” to be a big show with more audience members as COVID cases have decreased and North Carolina inches back into a new normal.
The excitement within the community is evident from social media comments as Wooten markets the show. He said they can’t wait to get back to the theater after being quarantined for almost a year.
The theater will be opened at half capacity, roughly 140 seats per show. When purchasing your tickets, you are able to pick your seats. The Ansonia asks when choosing your seats, try to spread out from other groups to keep practicing social distancing.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at http://ansoniatheatre.com/.
Wooten encourages audience members to keep wearing their mask when they come to see the show. He will be wearing one during his curtain speech.
Prelude to a Kiss stars Carson Traywick and Amanda Moss and eight other cast members.
“A young couple meet and fall in love and they get married,” Wooten said describing the show. “On their wedding day there is an old gentleman…he asks if he can kiss the bride and she does and their souls switch in that instance.”
The show races to undue the switch between the bride and the 80-year-old man who is dying from cancer.
“It’s a love story like no other that’s for sure,” Wooten said.
Auditions for the next performance at the Ansonia are quickly approaching on May 18. The theater will be conducting Once on this Island, “an epic musical.”
“We are looking for fresh talent,” Wooten said. “Folks who can sing…all ages.”
Those who are interested in trying out need to come prepared with a song to sing. You can sing a capella, with sheet music or with a track.
The Ansonia is getting back on track with the upcoming performances and future shows. Throughout the difficult year, the Arts Council has been staying creative in order to raise money and keep the arts alive in Anson County.
The Arts Council held Bach Lunches sales, Mother’s Day dinners and even an art supply bag sales. Every sale from these fundraisers has supported the theater.
To keep supporting the Ansonia, purchase your tickets to Prelude to a Kiss and see the magic unfold this May.
