PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE

Proudly the oldest continually operating Summer theater in North Carolina

ON STAGE NEXT

OUR TOWN DRESSY REHEARSAL
Showing May 22, 2025

Join us for an exclusive Dressy Rehearsal, an elegant evening celebrating the magic of live theater! Your experience begins with light refreshments in the lobby, offering a chance to mingle with fellow theater enthusiasts and the director, Erika Tyner, in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Then, enjoy a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the theater, where you’ll explore the stage, backstage areas, and costume and set designs that bring Our Town to life. The evening culminates with a special viewing of the final dress rehearsal of Our Town, allowing you to witness the cast and crew’s final preparations before opening night. This unique opportunity offers an intimate look at the artistry and dedication behind this beloved production. Dress to impress and immerse yourself in an unforgettable night of theater!

OUR TOWN
Showing May 23-June 1, 2025

Written by Thornton Wilder
Directed by Erika Tyner

Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town presents the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager, the play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families.

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL
Showing June 20-July 6, 2025

Book by Dennis Kelly
Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Based on the book, Matilda by Roald Dahl
Directed by Jenny Martin

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s 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!

DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS
Showing July 18-20, 2025

Directed by Jenny Martin
Music Direction by Melanie Veazey

This show follows the children of famous Disney villains, like Maleficent and Cruella de Vil, who are given the opportunity to attend a prestigious school in Auradon, where they must choose whether to embrace their villainous heritage or forge a new path towards goodness, navigating the challenges of fitting in and proving themselves against the expectations of their parents and the kingdom.

TROUBLE IN DEADWOOD
Showing July 22, 2025

You’re Invited to an Evening of Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder… with a Side of Laughter! Parkway Playhouse proudly presents Trouble in Deadwood, a rollicking murder mystery dinner theater event at the historic NuWray Hotel!

Step back in time to the wild, wild West where secrets are plenty, tempers are short, and not everyone makes it out alive. Saddle up for a night of suspense, scandal, and side-splitting comedy as you help solve a murder in the infamous town of Deadwood. Trouble in Deadwood is more than just a show—it’s an interactive experience full of quirky characters, unexpected twists, and laugh-out-loud moments, all set against the charming backdrop of Burnsville’s most iconic hotel.

Your $60 ticket includes a delicious dinner (prix fixe menu to be announced soon!) and a hilarious live performance by the talented cast of Parkway Playhouse. Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or just along for the ride, this is one evening you won’t want to miss. Come hungry for mystery—and dessert. Limited seating—reserve your spot today!

BLOODLETTING IN THESE HILLS
Showing August 1-10, 2025

Written by Walter Thinnes
Directed by Elizabeth DeVault

The winner of our 2024 Appalachian Playwriting Festival. More than 7,500 strikers walked out of more than 90 mines in the Paint Creek and Cabin Creek coal fields of West Virginia during the bloody 1912-1914 labor war. Bloodletting in These Hills is the story of one family caught in the crosshairs of that struggle.

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE
Showing October 10-19, 2025

Written Joseph Kesselring
Directed by Daniel Moore

Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police—not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage—it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.

BEETLEJUICE JR
Showing November 7-15, 2025

Directed by Jenny Martin
Music Direction by Melanie Veazey

This show follows Lydia Deetz, a quirky teenager fascinated with death, who moves into a haunted house inhabited by the recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland. When Lydia accidentally summons the mischievous bio-exorcist Beetlejuice, chaos ensues as he tries to teach the Maitlands how to scare the living, leading to hilarious and spooky situations. Through her interactions with Beetlejuice, Lydia must confront her grief and learn to embrace the strange and unusual aspects of life and death.

ON STAGE NEXT

OUR TOWN DRESSY REHEARSAL

Join us for an exclusive Dressy Rehearsal, an elegant evening celebrating the magic of live theater! Your experience begins with light refreshments in the lobby, offering a chance to mingle with fellow theater enthusiasts and the director, Erika Tyner, in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Then, enjoy a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the theater, where you’ll explore the stage, backstage areas, and costume and set designs that bring Our Town to life. The evening culminates with a special viewing of the final dress rehearsal of Our Town, allowing you to witness the cast and crew’s final preparations before opening night. This unique opportunity offers an intimate look at the artistry and dedication behind this beloved production. Dress to impress and immerse yourself in an unforgettable night of theater!

Showing May 22, 2025

OUR TOWN

Written by Thornton Wilder
Directed by Erika Tyner

Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town presents the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager, the play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families.

Showing May 23-June 1, 2025

ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL

Book by Dennis Kelly
Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Based on the book, Matilda by Roald Dahl
Directed by Jenny Martin

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s 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!

Showing June 20-July 6, 2025

DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS

Directed by Jenny Martin
Music Direction by Melanie Veazey

This show follows the children of famous Disney villains, like Maleficent and Cruella de Vil, who are given the opportunity to attend a prestigious school in Auradon, where they must choose whether to embrace their villainous heritage or forge a new path towards goodness, navigating the challenges of fitting in and proving themselves against the expectations of their parents and the kingdom.

Showing July 18-20, 2025

TROUBLE IN DEADWOOD

You’re Invited to an Evening of Mystery, Mayhem, and Murder… with a Side of Laughter! Parkway Playhouse proudly presents Trouble in Deadwood, a rollicking murder mystery dinner theater event at the historic NuWray Hotel!

Step back in time to the wild, wild West where secrets are plenty, tempers are short, and not everyone makes it out alive. Saddle up for a night of suspense, scandal, and side-splitting comedy as you help solve a murder in the infamous town of Deadwood. Trouble in Deadwood is more than just a show—it’s an interactive experience full of quirky characters, unexpected twists, and laugh-out-loud moments, all set against the charming backdrop of Burnsville’s most iconic hotel.

Your $60 ticket includes a delicious dinner (prix fixe menu to be announced soon!) and a hilarious live performance by the talented cast of Parkway Playhouse. Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or just along for the ride, this is one evening you won’t want to miss. Come hungry for mystery—and dessert. Limited seating—reserve your spot today!

Showing July 22, 2025

BLOODLETTING IN THESE HILLS

Written by Walter Thinnes
Directed by Elizabeth DeVault

The winner of our 2024 Appalachian Playwriting Festival. More than 7,500 strikers walked out of more than 90 mines in the Paint Creek and Cabin Creek coal fields of West Virginia during the bloody 1912-1914 labor war. Bloodletting in These Hills is the story of one family caught in the crosshairs of that struggle.

Showing August 1-10, 2025

ARSENIC AND OLD LACE

Written Joseph Kesselring
Directed by Daniel Moore

Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police—not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage—it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.

Showing October 10-19, 2025

BEETLEJUICE JR

Directed by Jenny Martin
Music Direction by Melanie Veazey

This show follows Lydia Deetz, a quirky teenager fascinated with death, who moves into a haunted house inhabited by the recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland. When Lydia accidentally summons the mischievous bio-exorcist Beetlejuice, chaos ensues as he tries to teach the Maitlands how to scare the living, leading to hilarious and spooky situations. Through her interactions with Beetlejuice, Lydia must confront her grief and learn to embrace the strange and unusual aspects of life and death.

Showing November 7-15, 2025

Actor Spotlight: Aster Norby

Our Town is showing here at Parkway Playhouse May 23-June 1, 2025! We reached out to actor Aster Norby, who is portraying Si Crowell, Joe Crowell, and understudying Emily, about their experience working on this production. What’s your favorite part of this show and...

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Actor Spotlight: Lily Bartleson

Our Town is showing here at Parkway Playhouse May 23-June 1, 2025! We reached out to actor Lily Bartleson, who is a part of our ensemble, about her experience working on this production. What’s your favorite part of this show and why? The creativity process - bouncing...

read more

This theatre is so cool! The building is beautiful inside. The sound system was clear and we could see perfectly even from the back! All the people we encountered were amazing and kind. Highly recommend visiting if you are into theatre!

Chantelle C.

Love going to the playhouse, when we’re in Burnsville. Everyone is so friendly. The casts are always great. They are all so talented. Such an asset for the area to have.

Janet S.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about this local theatre! I just went to see The Red Velvet Cake War and was blown away! The show was hilarious! I can’t believe the quality of the talent at this amazing playhouse right in the heart of Burnsville. The facility holds over 250 people and this show pulled in nearly that many each night!

Natalie H.

Where else can a mom and her 21-year-old daughter go and sit together, laugh together, and enjoy awesome entertainment in Burnsville?!? Parkway Playhouse is truly a gem in our little town!

Laura B.

AMAZON WISHLIST

Looking for new ways to support Parkway Playhouse this season? Check out our Amazon Wishlist and snag a few items for us next time you’re online shopping!

Parkway Playhouse Theatre

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TO ACCESS THE PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE MAINSTAGE HUB LOGIN HERE