Flat Rock Playhouse's THEATRE WITH THE STARS Returns

Curtain up! Light the lights! Flat Rock Playhouse announced today plans for the second annual Theatre with the Stars! Due to the overwhelming success of the 2015 fundraiser, the State Theatre of North Carolina has decided to make this exciting afternoon of song, dance and theatre an annual event, whereby eight local "stars" will partner with Flat Rock Playhouse "pros" and compete with the hopes of raising the most votes to win the title as well as $1000 for their selected non-profit of choice.

The "stars" competing for Theatre with the Stars will be:

Erica Allison of Allison Development Group competing for the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County
Tanya Blackford of Safelight, formerly known as Mainstay competing for her organization

John Bryant of Henderson County Public Schools competing for Children & Family Resource Center

Jay Kirby of Pardee Hospital competing for Pardee Hospital Foundation
Lutrelle O'Cain of Blue Ridge Humane Society competing for her organization
Dan Poeta of Horizon Heating & Air Conditioning competing for Vocational Solutions
Sandie Salvaggio-Walker competing for Believe Child Advocacy Center
Mayor Bob Staton of the Village of Flat Rock competing for the Salvation Army

Flat Rock Playhouse "pros" lined up for Theatre with the Stars include Steve Carlisle, Ryan Guerra, Amy Jones, Lynn Penny, Paige Posey, Brian Robinson, Scott Treadway and Dane Whitlock.

Hosted by WTZQ's Mark Warwick with "Color Commentary" by Tiffany Ervin, Theatre with the Stars will be directed by Flat Rock Playhouse Artistic Director Lisa K. Bryant with Lindsey A. Moss as Stage Manager. Entertainment will be provided by the Theatre with the Stars Trio (George Wilkins on piano, Paul Babelay on drums and Charles Holland on bass) as well as professional vocalist and recording artist Wendy Jones.

Beginning Monday, February 1st the public is invited to log on to www.frpstars.org to peruse the library of videos featuring the eight contestants. There, they will also have the option of casting a vote for their chosen celebrity by making a donation under the star's name. The star with the most donations combined with highest judges' score wins $1000 for their selected charity. Online pre-voting will end midnight February 19th.

Those who wish to vote in person can cast their votes at the Playhouse Downtown on 125 South Main Street by making a donation under the celebrity's name in the theatre lobby.

On February 20th at 3:00 PM, all of the stars will convene at the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown to present the acts they have prepared in front of a live audience as well as a panel of distinguished judges.

Judges for Theatre with the Stars 2016 include McCray Benson (Community Foundation of Henderson County), Dr. Scott Donaldson (Pardee Hospital), Victoria Dunkle (Park Ridge Health) and Sheriff Charlie McDonald (Henderson County and 2015 Theatre with the Stars Champion).

"We are thrilled to be able to bring this exciting fundraiser back for 2016," says Flat Rock Playhouse Artistic Director Lisa K. Bryant. "We are proud and grateful to offer this platform for so many amazing local non profits, as well as these leaders in our community who do so much to support them."

Bryant continues, "Everyone associated with this event has been so giving with their time and their talents, and we are honored to showcase their limitless abilities in such a fun and festive afternoon."

A preshow reception will take place in the Playhouse Downtown lobby beginning at 2:00 PM. Catering is to be provided by Ingles, the Chef's Kitchen with floral arrangements by Flowers by Larry.

Flat Rock Playhouse Theatre with the Stars will perform February 20th at the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown at 3 PM. Tickets are $50 which includes food, festivities and reserved seating. There will also be a cash bar. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Playhouse box office at 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008.

The Flat Rock Playhouse downtown is located at 125 South Main Street in Hendersonville, NC.

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