News - Mill Mountain Theatre

A Special Thank You to our Grantors

National and regional grantors have enabled Mill Mountain Theatre to begin a major upgrade of air ventilation and purification systems at the MMT Atelier, the facility that houses actors, directors, designers and other theatre professionals who work on our stage shows.

In 2021, MMT received a $38,000 grant from the Roanoke Women’s Foundation. Combined with an earlier award of $30,000 from the Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Charitable Trust, MMT this spring is replacing worn-out cooling and ventilation equipment at the Atelier, the former Shenandoah Hotel building at Williamson Road and Salem Avenue in downtown Roanoke.

The building is owned by the parent foundation of Center in the Square, which has a long-term lease with MMT for the second and third floors of the building. CITS also is a major financial partner in the renovation.

The Roanoke Women’s Foundation grant was awarded to MMT in November 2021 and the work has begun on replacing the building’s chiller. We anticipate this phase to be completed by mid-2022.

In addition, MMT received a $25,000 grant from the City of Roanoke Arts Commission distributing proceeds from the American Rescue Plan Act. This money is being used to assure the purity of air in occupied rooms at the Atelier. The equipment includes auto-cleaning units added to the fan inlets as air is cycled into rooms plus mobile air purifiers that can be moved easily to spaces with higher occupancy such as the Atelier’s dining and kitchen areas.

These two measures are critical to MMT’s status with Actor’s Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the U.S. AEA defines many standards for safety and quality of theatres that determine that they can accept contracts. In 2020, AEA added health standards to ensure its members are safe from COVID-19 and similar infectious diseases. MMT is proud to comply with AEA standards and be considered as a professional, regional theatre, drawing talented actors and others to Roanoke.

Mill Mountain Theatre Presents The Cake

Mill Mountain Theatre is kicking off its 2022 season with their, Friends of the Fringe Series! The show opening the season is The Cake by Bekah Brunstetter (NBC’s This is Us).

When Della, a North Carolina baker and devout Christian, is asked to bake a wedding cake for her best friend’s daughter, she is overjoyed – until she finds out that the bride’s intended is another bride. For the first time in her life, Della is forced to think for herself, examine her deeply-held belief in “traditional marriage,” and make a decision that may turn her entire life upside-down. Inspired by true events, this hilarious and delicious play by Bekah Brunstetter is proof that love is the key ingredient in creating common ground.

“The Fringe Series tackles challenging topics and shares different perspectives as we invite our audiences to step into someone else’s shoes.” Said Producing Artistic Director, Ginger Poole. “We later encourage our audiences to discuss these important topics and hope to shed light on these difficult subjects.”

This comedic drama will open to audiences on the Trinkle MainStage beginning February 24th and will conclude performances on March 6th.

The Cake is based on the hit Off-Broadway play of the same name. Additionally, The Cake stems from a story that many recall, which swept the nation six years ago generating discussions everywhere. These dialogues began when a bakery in Lakewood, CO. chose not to bake a cake for same-sex couple, Charlie Craig and David Mullins. After a strenuous battle in the Supreme Court, the court sided with the bakery.

The Cake at Mill Mountain Theatre features a stellar cast and crew. Returning to the Trinkle MainStage is, Amy Baldwin*, Cherise James* and J. Richey Nash. Making her MMT debut is Merrill Peiffer*.

MMT’s production of The Cake will be produced by MMT’s Producing Artistic Director Ginger Poole, Directed by Kerrie Seymour, Scenic Design by Jimmy Ray Ward, Lighting Design by David Wheeler and Hannah Mullins, Props Design by Matt Shields, Costumes by Tiffany Waters and Production Stage Management by Bill Muñoz* with Kailey Absher*.

*Appearing Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Cake begins performances on February 24th and runs through March 6th on the Trinkle MainStage. Tickets can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling the box office at 540-342-5740.
Sponsors for The Cake include Diane and Bill Elliot and Friends of the Fringe. Mill Mountain Theatre would like to extend thanks to Actors’ Equity Association, Blue Star Theatres, Center in the Square, The American Rescue Plan, Theatre Communications Group and Virginia Commission for the Arts.

2022 Spring Semester

Winter is here and Spring is near! Come join us this semester at Mill Mountain Theatre for our Spring Classes! Whether this is your first time stepping on stage or your 100th time, we have a class option for you!

This Spring, Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory is offering in-person classes for students Pre-K through Adult! Classes will meet once a week beginning January 31st and will run through March 31st.

“MMTC allows students of all ages to learn new theatre skills and hone old ones, and helps them learn important life skills, improve their confidence and reach their full potential,” said Victoria Buck, Director of Education at Mill Mountain Theatre.

Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory is offering 11 classes this semester that cover a broad span of interests. This Spring, you can be a part of Elementary Music Theatre, Middle & High School Music Theatre, Technical Theatre: Props and Paint, Pre-K to 2nd Grade Acting & Creative Movement, Elementary Acting, Playwriting, Middle & High School Acting & Improv, and Beginner/Intermediate Tap, Jazz, & Ballet. MMTC is also continuing its audition-only programs which include Acting Conservatory, Dance Conservatory, and Music Theatre Conservatory.

We want to see you at Mill Mountain Theatre next semester! If you are interested in joining us this Spring, sign up today at millmountain.org/class, or find us on Facebook at Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory and Instagram @mmtconservatory!

Street Closures in Downtown Roanoke

Roanoke, VA – November 30, 2021

We’re in the holiday spirit at Mill Mountain Theatre and we hope you are too! As holiday festivities begin to shine bright in Downtown Roanoke, we want to make our patrons aware of the increased traffic and parking difficulties that may occur due to Dickens of a Christmas.

Street closures will be in effect from 12/17 through 12/19 in Downtown Roanoke. On December 17th, beginning at 3 p.m. portions of Market Street, Wall Street, Kirk Avenue and Church Avenue will be closed. Luck Avenue will be closed beginning at 4:00 p.m. followed by Campbell Avenue at 5:30 p.m. The closure of Kirk Avenue between Williamson Road and Campbell Avenue on 12/17 will not affect access to and from the Premier Lot access points.

Market Street between Norfolk Avenue and Salem Avenue will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday, December 18th. Beginning Sunday, December 19th, 2nd Street SW between Luck Avenue and Church Avenue will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. We strongly disadvise parking on any of these streets from 12/17 through 12/19 to prevent getting ticketed or towed. For more information on which street sections will be closed, please visit Downtown Roanoke’s website here.

The city of Roanoke has partnered with Waze, a GPS Service available on iOS and Android. Waze navigation will keep you up-to-date on street closures in Downtown Roanoke during this event and will navigate your route accordingly.

Street closures in Downtown Roanoke vary from week to week due to the Dickens of a Christmas. To stay up to date on street closures, please visit this interactive map. Mill Mountain Theatre recommends you plan your route and encourage you to arrive at the theatre early.

For additional resources and information, please call Park Roanoke at 540.343.0585 or the Center in the Square Box Office at 540.342.5740.
Mill Mountain Theatre apologizes for any inconveniences caused by the event. We hope you will enjoy A Christmas Story and join in on the holiday spirit here at MMT!

Updated on 12/17/21

A Christmas Story is BACK at Mill Mountain Theatre

Get your Christmas lists together and join 9-year-old Ralphie this holiday season! Returning from Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2017 season is, A Christmas Story!

Celebrate the holiday season with Mill Mountain Theatre! Based on the popular movie of the same name, A Christmas Story is the perfect way to kick off your holiday spirit!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! A Christmas Story returns to the Trinkle MainStage for the 2021 holiday season. This play is a witty adaptation of the classic movie we all know and love. All 9-year-old Ralphie Parker wants for Christmas is a genuine Red Ryder BB gun. But mother, teacher, and even the Santa Claus at Higbee’s Department Store tell him the same thing: “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.” Follow Ralphie’s quest for the gift of his dreams, all while enjoying some favorite elements from the movie: Scut Farkas, the school bully, the Bumpus hounds and the turkey, Flick’s tongue on the icy lamppost, and the Old Man’s leg lamp. Don’t miss this sensational holiday hit on the Trinkle MainStage from December 1st – 23rd.

A Christmas Story will bring back local favorites including, Timothy Booth*, Scott Watson* and Julia VanderVeen*. Additionally, filling the younger roles in this production includes Mill Mountain Theatre’s Conservatory students, Calan Johnson, Kayla Ryan Walsh, Belle McNamara, Jack Swank, Emily Mower, Drew D’Allasendro, Eve McLoney Will McLoney and Griffin Shaver.

Broadway’s Timothy Booth returns to Roanoke after Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2019 production of Mamma Mia! and reprises his role in A Christmas Story after MMT’s 2017 production. His Broadway credit includes various roles in Mamma Mia! Mr. Booth has also toured the United States of America in the national tours of Mamma Mia! and She Loves Me.

Griffin Shaver also returns from the 2017 production of A Christmas Story. This time around, he will serve as the Junior Associate Director and as the male swing for this production. Mr. Shaver is also a member of Mill Mountain Theatre’s Conservatory program, which teaches performers of all ages theatrical arts through a wide range of courses.

This cast is backed by an all-star creative team with Director and Producing Artistic Director, Ginger Poole. Junior Associate Director Griffin Shaver, Stage Management by Bill Muñoz*, Assistant Stage Management by Kailey Absher*, Scenic Design by Jimmy Ray Ward, Lighting Design by Bill Webb, Props and Technical Direction by Matt Shields, Costume Designs by Jessica Gaffney and Sound Engineering by Savannah Woodruff.

Don’t get your tongue stuck, and make sure you secure your tickets to this show the entire family will be sure to enjoy! A Christmas Story will be the final show in Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2021 season and will certainly be a show you will not want to miss!

*Appearing Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

Sponsors for A Christmas Story at Mill Mountain Theatre include American National Bank & Trust Company, Avis Construction, Better Sofas, Business Solutions, The Candy Story, Claytor/Wirt and Associates, Elk Hill Advisors, FreedomFirst, Gentry Locke Attorneys, Lunsford, A Trustpoint Company; Mast General Store, MemberOne, Miller, Long & Associates, Inc., Oakey’s Funeral Home, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Roanoke Animal Hospital, B.J. Preas, Roanoke Valley Orthodontics, Rutherfoord, A Marsh & Lennan Agency; Skyline National Bank and Steel Dynamics. Grantors include National Endowment for the Arts, Virginia Commission for the Arts, Center in the Square, Radio IQ WVTF, Theatre Communications Group, Actors’ Equity Association and Blue Star Theatres.

A Christmas Story will be performed in-person on the Trinkle MainStage from December 1st – 23rd. Tickets are $20-38 for performances and $15-25 for preview performances. Tickets can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740.

Awarding Young Artists With Ginger Morris

Our twenty-fourth official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Ginger Morris, from Austin, Texas. In this episode, learn how Ginger got her start in the industry after college and how she became a co-founder of Summer Stock Austin.

Ginger Morris, having graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BFA in Theatre in 1998, is now a theatre producer, director, choreographer, and educator. For her first six years after college, Ginger worked as an Equity Stage Manager and the Academy Director for Austin Musical Theatre. She has directed and/or choreographed productions with various universities, professional, community, and youth theatres across central Texas. She is the co-founder of Summer Stock Austin, where she has directed and choreographed 13 musicals garnering the B. Iden Payne Award for Best Choreography. Ginger has directed and/or choreographed over 40 musicals and has worked on several original musicals from Austin to New York City. She is the Executive Director of a nonprofit theatre education company called Impact Arts, Producing Director for the Heller Awards for Young Artists with the Long Center for the Performing Arts, Artistic Director/Producer for Summer Stock Austin in partnership with Texas Performing Arts, and is also the program director of Texas Arts Project with St. Stephen’s School. She is fiercely devoted to seeing young people come alive through the arts.

Mill Mountain Theatre strives to inspire, entertain, enrich, educate, and challenge audiences of Southwest Virginia through high-quality, professional theatrical productions and experiences. Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast explores all of the buzz words in Mill Mountain Theatre’s mission statement.

Cultivating a Career with Leonela Hernandez

Our twenty-third official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Leonela Hernandez, Mill Mountain Theatre’s Education Associate. Join Ginger Poole, the Producing Artistic Director of Mill Mountain Theatre as she learns about Leonela’s interesting past as Leonela Hernandez goes on a deep dive into how she discovered her love for the performing arts and overcoming various challenges.

Leonela Hernandez graduated from Belhaven University with a BFA in Musical Theatre in May 2020. Leonela became a part of the MMT family during the Summer of 2019 performing as Mama/Thomasina in their production of “Peter Rabbit: The Musical and acting as Assistant Director for “Next to Normal” and Assistant Choreographer for “The Little Mermaid.” Leonela has trained with ZACH Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Joffrey Ballet School, Broadway Dance Center, Mill Mountain Theatre, and more. Leonela is excited to come back and join MMT as the new Education Associate! leonelahernandez.com

Mill Mountain Music Returns: Music of the Crooners

Fly with us to the moon and experience Mill Mountain Theatre’s Music of the Crooners! This fun show is kicking off the Mill Mountain Concert Series on the Trinkle MainStage.

Experience the glitz and glamour of classic music icons such as Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Michael Bublè and many more legends! This show is one that will make you want to get out of your seat and dance with us during an unforgettable night. Music of the Crooners will be on the Trinkle MainStage for three shows only from October 29th – 30th with a matinee Saturday afternoon.

The Mill Mountain Music Series is uplifted by nostalgic and iconic songs of the past and present that have been curated by MMT’s Resident Music Director and music maestro, Seth Davis. “So much of this music is truly part of the “Great American Songbook” and has been covered by some of the greatest performers of the past 100 years. Everyone in the audience will find themselves humming along to many of these favorite songs – and we’ve got a really great group of dynamic musicians that always deliver some stunning musical performances!”

Remember some of the most celebrated entertainers of our time at our Music of the Crooners concert. Sit back and enjoy tunes originated by the velvety voices of singers like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, and more. Pop standards from the Great American Songbook will leave you humming all the way home. Featuring a live band and singers, this concert is produced by MMT in just one week, and plays for three performances only!

“Music of the Crooners will bring all of the joy our audiences felt during Million Dollar Quartet and will make you want to snap and sing along throughout the night.” Says Ginger Poole, Mill Mountain Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director and Director of Music of the Crooners. “This will be the perfect show to bring your friends and family together and enjoy live music with songs we all know and love!”

Returning to MMT to cover these classic artists are Devin Altizer, Maddie Mae Walker, Nick Jones, Leonela Hernandez and Larry Kufel.

MMT’s production of Music of the Crooners will be produced and directed by MMT’s Producing Artistic Director, Ginger Poole with Music Direction and arrangement by MMT’s Resident Music Director Seth Davis, Sound and Lighting design by Savannah Woodruff and Production Management by Matt Shields.

Music of the Crooners begins performances on October 29th and runs through October 30th on the Trinkle MainStage for 3 performances only. Tickets can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling the box office at 540-342-5740

Sponsors for Music of the Crooners include Skyline National Bank and Woods Rogers Attorneys at Law. Grantors consist of Actors’ Equity Association, Blue Star Theatres, Center in the Square, National Endowment for the Arts, Radio IQ WVTF, Theatre Communications Group and Virginia Commission for the Arts.

No More 10 out of 12’s at MMT

Mill Mountain Theatre is committed to taking care of its artists and staff members. We changed our operational practices for our entire 2021 season to eliminate the 10 out of 12 workdays during the tech process. We have shifted our tech process over three days and not two, allowing everyone to be released after a regular eight-hour day. MMT continues scheduling meals at appropriate times throughout the day and getting adequate rest before the next. MMT is committed to sticking with this cultural shift and has implemented this new way of approaching opening shows to our 2022 season calendar and beyond.

For more information please visit https://nomore10outof12s.com/

A Message Regarding COVID-19 at Mill Mountain Theatre

Roanoke, VA – October 14, 2021

Since the start of Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2021 Season, the safety of our audience, staff, crew, volunteers and cast has been of the utmost importance. On Wednesday, October 13th, those practices were tested. We implemented policies based on current best practices to contain COVID-19 transmission that work to keep Mill Mountain Theatre a safe environment for everyone.

The theatre requires all members of its staff, cast, crew and volunteers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Secondly, the staff, crew, volunteers and audience members have all been required to wear masks throughout the duration of the performance, with cast members wearing their masks at all times when offstage. For additional safety, Mill Mountain Theatre’s creative team and the cast are tested weekly for COVID-19 using PCR tests with the highest possible accuracy. The results are reviewed by the theatre staff including our trained COVID-19 safety officers—performers as well as crew members who are in the theatre at all times to ensure the safety of all.

Unfortunately, even with all of those precautions in place, during Mill Mountain Theatre’s 7:30 p.m. performance on Wednesday, October 13th there was an individual positive test result. This report came from a test done at a facility different from the lab used routinely for testing the entire cast and crew. When MMT’s production team received this news during Act I of Wednesday’s performance, one of MMT’s COVID-19 Safety Compliance Officers promptly tested the cast member with three over-the-counter testing kits. All of those tests read as negative. Without having another PCR negative (considered the most reliable) test, MMT, out of an abundance of caution and concern for all, made the decision to protect the rest of the cast, crew, volunteers and our audience based upon the available information. During intermission, Mill Mountain Theatre made the official announcement that Legally Blonde The Musical would not continue its performance for Wednesday night and the show ended after the intermission.

On Thursday, October 14th, A second PCR test at the standard MMT testing facility was scheduled. Our decision is based upon the results of a retest of the individual company member performed this morning at the Diagnostic Laboratory of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, the largest COVID-19 testing laboratory in the region, using an FDA approved PCR test. This decision was made in consultation with health professionals on our board of directors. The results of the test this morning were negative proving that the initial test was a false positive test result.

In the interim, the entire theatre will be sanitized thoroughly before allowing audiences, crew members, staff and volunteers back into the theatre. Mill Mountain Theatre will continue its current COVID-19 practices for our cast and crew of testing weekly, offstage mask-wearing during rehearsals or performances, and routine temperature checks/daily wellness surveys. The theatre will continue to take an active stance on the safety of our patrons, including thorough cleaning and sanitizing of the theatre prior to each performance, masking for our audiences at performances, touchless ticketing, and digital programs. We will continue to consult with experts to maintain best practices to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved. Mill Mountain Theatre will continue being in close contact with health officials on MMT’s board as we strive to be proactive against the COVID-19 virus and MMT’s safety practices.

Mill Mountain Theatre thanks those who were with us Wednesday night as we navigated through a whirlwind of 30 minutes. We appreciated the audience’s patience and understanding. We look forward to a safe continuation of our final five performances of Legally Blonde The Musical.

Patrons who attended the October 13th performance and would like tickets to another show in our season or a refund should contact the box office at 540.342.5740.

The theatre thanks everyone for continued support.

We look forward to having you back at Mill Mountain Theatre!

Legally Blonde The Musical | Parking Update

If you plan on seeing Legally Blonde The Musical at Mill Mountain Theatre between 10/14 through 10/17 please plan your trip to the theatre accordingly.

Due to GO Fest taking place in Downtown Roanoke this year, parking will be limited. Beginning at 6 p.m. on 10/14 access to the Center in the Square Garage will be limited with congestion nearby. Road closures will also be in effect with Campbell Avenue, portions of Williamson Road, Franklin Road and Market Street Southeast will be closed. Due to these closures, we highly recommend that you arrive early and plan your route.

Mill Mountain Theatre has been working closely with Park Roanoke for alternative parking solutions. Available parking locations include the Tower Garage, Market Parking Garage, Church Avenue Garage, Premier Parking Lots and available street parking.

For additional resources and information, please call Park Roanoke at 540.343.0585 or the Center in the Square Box Office at 540.342.5740. Here is a guide to view where GO Fest events will be taking place, which includes street closures.

Mill Mountain Theatre apologizes for any inconveniences caused by the event. We hope you will enjoy the spectacular, Legally Blonde The Musical and celebrate the perky, poignant and most importantly, PINK, Elle Woods!

Falling Into Acting with Tiffany Waters

Our twenty-second official episode of Meet Me At Mill Mountain: The Podcast features Tiffany Waters, Mill Mountain Theatre’s newest Teaching Artist. Join Ginger Poole, the Producing Artistic Director of Mill Mountain Theatre, as she discusses Tiffany’s journey throughout her career in the performing arts.

Tiffany joined Mill Mountain Theatre’s education team in the summer of 2022 and is officially a Roanoker after leaving her hometown of Washington D.C. to continue her career in education. In this episode, learn about Tiffany’s journey and how she decided she wanted to become a teacher in the realm of performing arts. Currently, she is directing the Botetourt Project, a devised theatre piece as well as teaching Fall Classes here at Mill Mountain Theatre.

Tiffany is joining the Mill Mountain team from Washington, D.C., where she works primarily as an actor and educator. She is a graduate of Mary Baldwin University’s Shakespeare and Performance MLitt/MFA program in partnership with the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, V.A. Most recently, Tiffany has worked with Moonlit Wings Productions as a teaching artist educating and directing young performers ages 8-14 and is a troupe member of the Rude Mechanicals in D.C., where she made her directorial debut with a zoom production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and has appeared as Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, the Duchess in Revenger’s Tragedy, and the Jailor’s Daughter in Two Noble Kinsmen. She is so grateful to once again have the opportunity to exist within the four walls of a theatre and is eager to welcome back our students and audiences!

Mill Mountain Theatre Unveils Its 2022 Season

Get ready for an exciting year of live theatre in 2022! Mill Mountain Theatre unveiled its 2022 season on September 9, 2021, in front of a live audience both in-person and virtually through Facebook Live.

The 2022 season lineup is filled with exciting, challenging and joyful shows for the community to fall in love with. Offering four MainStage shows, two Fringe Series shows, two Concert Series shows and four shows a part of Mill Mountain Theatre’s Young Audience Series.

Kicking off the Trinkle MainStage series is, In The Heights which was recently a box office hit this past summer in Movie Theatres and on HBO Max. The second MainStage show is The Diary of Anne Frank, which was originally supposed to be on the Trinkle MainStage in 2020. Next, conservatory students return to the Trinkle MainStage with Disney’s High School Musical: One Act Edition. Lastly, coming next Winter is Holiday Inn which was also originally in MMT’s 2020 season.

MMT’s Fringe Series has returned once again with two more challenging and heartwarming shows. Launching the series is The Cake. When Della, a North Carolina baker and devout Christian, is asked to bake a wedding cake for her best friend’s daughter, she is overjoyed – until she finds out that the bride’s intended bride is another bride. The second show within the Fringe Series is the Tony® Award-winning musical, Fun Home. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to explore the intersection of her father’s life and her own unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home.

Mill Mountain Theatre is also excited to have two concerts this year that we know the community will enjoy. Opening the series is Boy Bands Through The Ages. This concert will take the audience through the evolution of boy bands from The Beatles, The Jackson Five, The Backstreet Boys, One Direction, BTS and many more! Secondly, is The Ladies of the 80s which follows iconic women in music throughout the 1980s including Whitney Houston, Cyndi Lauper, Stevie Nicks, Madonna and more!

Our Young Audience Series is going to be filled with even more fun shows in 2022. Write Stuff! MMT’s young playwright festival will be returning for the sixth year! The second show within the series will be Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Then, touring around the valley is Curious George: The Golden Meatball. Then returning from the 2020 season is the classic tale of Peter & Wendy.

Mill Mountain Theatre looks forward to producing its 2022 season. We cannot wait to fill our seats again with a live audience. MMT applauds you for supporting us over the past two seasons.

For those looking to renew their season tickets, you may do so by visiting millmountain.org, calling the box office at 540.342.5740 or in person at Center In The Square. New-season subscriptions will be available to purchase starting October 1, 2021. Single tickets will be available to purchase beginning November 1, 2021.

Mill Mountain Theatre’s Fall Classes

It’s our favorite time of year again! Come join us this fall at Mill Mountain Theatre for our Fall Classes! Whether this is your first time stepping on stage or your 100th time, we have the class options for you!

This fall, we are offering classes for ages Pre-K through Adult, and all classes will be held in person. Classes meet once a week from September 7th to November 1st.

We have fourteen exciting class offerings this semester! Our elementary-aged and younger students can join us in Elementary Acting, Pre-K to 1st Grade Disney Clubhouse, Elementary Music Theatre, and K-2 Acting & Creative Movement, or Beginner/Intermediate Musical Theatre Dance. Middle and High School students can participate in Devised Theatre: The Botetourt Project, Dance Conservatory (Audition Only), Technical Theatre: Props and Paint, Acting Conservatory (Audition Only), Beginner/Intermediate Hip Hop Contemporary Dance, Middle School & High School Acting & Improv, Middle & High School Music Theatre, Music Theatre Conservatory (Audition Only) or Beginner Tap Dance. Adult students can join us for Devised Theatre: The Botetourt Project, Beginner/Intermediate Hip Hop Contemporary Dance, or Beginner Tap Dance. New this year is Dance Conservatory (Audition Only). This class will teach advanced dance techniques in tap, jazz, and ballet.

Some even more exciting news for our audition-only conservatory students is that we have a brand new intensive program for our advanced students and students who want to challenge themselves coming this summer! Separate auditions will be held in the spring semester for the MMTC Company Intensive, however, students who audition for and enroll in all three of our audition-only classes at least once during the academic year will automatically be accepted into the MMT Conservatory Company and the summer intensive. Participants in the summer intensive are guaranteed a role in MMT’s summer mainstage musical.

Curious what MMTC is all about, want to meet the teachers and see the theatre, or just want to come hang out before fall classes start? Join us on Saturday, August 28th for our FREE Shakespeare Masterclass and/or our FREE Ice Cream & Coffee Social event. To learn more about these upcoming events, our Fall Classes, and the MMT Conservatory Company, visit millmountain.org/class.

2022 Season Announcement

We’re applauding you for our 2022 season! Mill Mountain Theatre is ready to unveil its 2022 season lineup! Join the staff, board and students of Mill Mountain Theatre in this special season presentation.

This fun-filled night will take place on September 9th and include live performances from staff members and conservatory students throughout the night. Celebrate the resilience of live theatre with your friends and family on the Trinkle MainStage!

The 2022 Season Announcement will take place on Thursday, September 9th with food and drinks available from Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen and Brewing beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the Center in the Square Rooftop, and attendees will be invited downstairs to the Trinkle MainStage at 6:00 p.m. The announcement will begin shortly afterward at 6:30 p.m. Admission to the event is free.

“Thank you to our community, sponsors and individual donors for all of the continued support during this season. This season has been one of planning, strategizing, trusting and at times making our best-educated guess.” Said Ginger Poole, Mill Mountain Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director since 2009. “We have planned this season with the safe return to our community at the top of our list. It is our responsibility to bring live theatre to Roanoke in the safest way we can. Thank you again for trusting us and thank you for returning to your seats, Roanoke!”

Come celebrate with us as we unveil our 2022 season! We have loads in store for you on this special night filled with live performances and loads of excitement! We want to extend a special thank you to Three Notch’d Brewery and Craft Kitchen for their support throughout our 2021 season and during our 2022 Season Announcement!

Broadway Star to Direct Million Dollar Quartet at Mill Mountain Theatre

For the first time since the Sound of Music in December 2019, MainStage Musicals are back at Mill Mountain Theatre.

Roanoke’s professional regional theatre is kicking off its 2021 Trinkle MainStage series with the “rockin’” story of America’s rock’n’roll icons.

Million Dollar Quartet is the smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins together for one unforgettable night. Million Dollar Quartet features a glorious score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country hits, performed live onstage by world-class actors and musicians. Songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog,” and more.

Bringing the true story of this “million dollar quartet” to life is Broadway’s own James Moye. With more than ten Broadway productions including Million Dollar Quartet, Dear Evan Hansen, Aladdin, and Tootsie under his belt, Moye leads Mill Mountain Theatre’s cast of Million Dollar Quartet with experience and passion.

Moye, who played Sam Phillips in the original Broadway cast of Million Dollar Quartet, views this production as a homecoming. As a native of Christiansburg, Virginia, Mill Mountain Theatre acts as the perfect backdrop to revisit this iconic musical.

“I’m thrilled to make my artistic debut at Mill Mountain since I have always considered it my hometown theater,” said James Moye, Director of Million Dollar Quartet. “Growing up in Christiansburg and going to school at JMU, I saw many productions at Mill Mountain. I know the audiences will love this show, and I am overjoyed that my first theatrical endeavor post-Covid is back home.”

The star-studded cast of Million Dollar Quartet includes Tyler M. Breeding (Johnny Cash), Edward La Cardo (Elvis Presley), Taylor Cobb (Fluke), Patrick Halley (Sam), Katie Horner (Dyanne), Ross Neal (Brother Jay), Michael Perrie Jr. (Carl Perkins), Brady Wease (Jerry Lee Lewis), and Payton Moledor (Dance Captain and Dyanne Understudy).

The hit musical is Directed by James Moye with Music Direction by Seth Davis, Production Stage Management by Bill Muñoz, Scenic Design by Jimmy Ray Ward, Costume Design by Jennie Ruhland, Lighting Design by Bill Webb, Props Design by Matt Shields, Sound Design by Savannah Woodruff, Technical Direction by Matt Shields and Produced by Producing Artistic Director Ginger Poole.

Mill Mountain Theatre has been working tirelessly to ensure your safe return to the Trinkle MainStage. The entire cast and crew of Million Dollar Quartet have received the COVID-19 vaccine, and six MMT staff members are certified, COVID-19 Compliance Officers. We look forward to welcoming you safely back to the Trinkle MainStage.

Sponsors and grantors of Million Dollar Quartet include Frith Anderson + Peake, Dixon, Hubard, Feinour, & Brown, Inc., B.J. Preas, The John H. and Michelle S. Higginbotham Family Foundation and Pinnacle Financial Partners. Mill Mountain Theatre would also like to thank Center in the Square, Actors Equity Association, The Parents of the Fringe, Parents Conservatory Guild, Blue Star Theatres, City of Roanoke Arts Commission, City of Salem, Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, Sam and Marion Golden Helping Hand Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, The Louise R. Lester Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Helen S. and Charles G. Patterson Jr. Charitable Foundation Trust, Radio IQ/WVTF, Southeastern Theatre Conference, Theatre Communications Group and Virginia Commission for the Arts.
Million Dollar Quartet will be performed in-person on the Trinkle MainStage from July 28th – August 22nd. Tickets are $20-38 for performances and $15-25 for preview performances. Tickets can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740.

Join Book City Roanoke Following the June 26th Performance of “Tomás and the Library Lady”

By: Douglas Jackson at Book City Roanoke

Books can do all kinds of things. Well, books and the people who love them. Take Roanoke’s stance as a welcoming community. What might books have to do with that? Let’s ask Mill Mountain Theatre.

Roanoke’s Mill Mountain Theatre has long connected theatre and reading. This year, their outreach performance is of the children’s book Tomás and the Library Lady, adapted by José Cruz González from the book by Pat Mora.

This bilingual play with music follows the story of Tomás Rivera, the son of an immigrant farmworker, as he discovers a surprising world of possibility inside his local library, thanks to a special librarian.

Tomás Rivera was born to a family of migrant farm workers in the South Texas town of Crystal City. In spite of moving constantly to work the crops, he managed to graduate from high school. He went on to obtain a degree in English from Southwest Texas State University, and then earned a master’s degree in Spanish literature and a doctorate in Romance languages and literatures. Rivera became a university administrator, and in 1979 he was appointed chancellor of UC Riverside, a position he held until his sudden death in 1984.

Tomás and the Library Lady is an inspirational, theatrical biography that proves that reading and respect can make anything possible. MMT will perform this free production across the valley to delight families and will distribute free books to student audience members as part of our initiative connecting theatre to literacy.

Rivera himself wrote of a young migrant in a short novel that is available in Spanish and English. “…y no se lo trago la tierra,” or “…And the Earth Did Not Devour Him.” This story depicts the exploitation of a migrant working family and the challenges of faith in the face of suffering. The themes are more appropriate for adults or older teens.

I read the short work and am interested in seeing the MMT performance on Saturday, June 26th, and having a discussion with others about the themes after the performance. Want to join me?

The performance will take place on Saturday, June 26, at 10:30 at the Heights Community Church amphitheater at the heart of Grandin Village (2014 Memorial Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA 24015). The conversation will take place immediately following.

Mill Mountain Theatre Presents the Cast of “Tomás and the Library Lady”

We are excited to give our 2021 Apprentice Company a warm welcome to the Roanoke Valley! This company has traveled across the country to spend a portion of their summer nestled in the Blue Ridge. Our 2021 Apprentice Company comes from across the United States to perform in Mill Mountain Theatre’s upcoming touring Tomás and the Library Lady production. The company consists of Nicole Frothingham, Chris Browne Valenzuela, Ricardo Lozano and Brenda Ortiz.

“Tomás and the Library Lady is adapted from the beloved book by the same name, this charming bilingual play with music follows the story of Tomás Rivera, the son of an immigrant farmworker, as he discovers a surprising world of possibility inside his local library, thanks to a special librarian.” Said Victoria Buck, director of Education. “This inspirational, theatrical biography proves that reading and respect can make anything possible. MMT will perform this free production across the valley to delight families and will distribute free books to student audience members as part of our initiative connecting theatre to literacy.”

Tomás and the Library Lady are following the closing of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and will mark the season finale for Mill Mountain Theatre’s Young Audience series and touring across the Roanoke Valley. For more information visit Mill Mountain Theatre’s website or call the box office at (540)-342-5740.

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