From Staff Reports 

FLAT ROCK, N.C. —Flat Rock Playhouse’s musical version of Neil Simon’s “Sister Act” will open at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 on the FRP’s mainstage, 2661 Greenville Highway, here.

 The show will be performed Oct. 2-25, with varying starting times. 

The hit stage musical, based on the 1992 comedy film, features an original score by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. 

Key differences from the movie are as follows:

• Setting: Moved from the 1990s to the 1970s disco era.

• Music: Features an entirely new, original score rather than the Motown cover songs used in the film.

Regarding “Sister Act,” an FRP promotion stated, “When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a crime, she hides out in the last place anyone would look — a convent. 

“Suddenly, the sequins are swapped for habits, and the nightclub turns into a nave. But when Deloris brings her unholy amount of soul to the choir loft, heaven gets a whole new groove. 

“‘Sister Act’ is a holy-rolling, soul-lifting celebration of sisterhood, second chances and songs that raise the roof. As Deloris helps the sisters find their voices, they just might change her heart in return. 

“Part divine comedy, part disco revival, it’s proof that a little funk — and a lot of faith — can turn any sanctuary into a showstopper.” 

For tickets, which start at $60, visit online at www.FlatRockPlayhouse.org. 

From Staff Reports 

ASHEVILLE, N.C. —The Montford Park Players will perform “The Hope of Oz,” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 in the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St., (Montford neighborhood), here.

The stage play, written by playwright Will Storrs, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2-24 — on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. However, no Sunday performance is scheduled for the last weekend of the show.

The show is MPP’s last of the 2026 season.

Regarding the production, a promotion stated, “Set a decade after Dorothy’s defeat of the Wicked Witch of the West and her subsequent departure, ‘The Hope of Oz’ brings us to a newly invigorated Capital, where the Wizard’s power has grown immensely with constant systematic oppression on his denizens and waging a drug-fueled war with the new cadre of Witches that brings its citizens to their knees. 

“The story follows Gale, an investigative ‘Witch-hunter,’ on the trail of East’s assassination. Trapped in a bar with a synthetic (known as mimics), surrounded by encroaching revolutionaries, Witches, and the Wizard’s ever watchful eyes, Gale must survive the night if Oz will see its dawn. But in an empire of extremes, who can survive?”

AI Overview added, “‘The Hope of Oz’ is a dark, reimagined adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic universe. It is set a decade after Dorothy defeats the Wicked Witch of the West. The plot follows an investigative ‘Witch-hunter’ named Gale, who is trying to survive a dystopian, oppressed Emerald City caught between the Wizard’s tight control and encroaching revolutionaries.”

Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. General admission is free. For premium seating tickets, visit online at www.MontfordParkPlayers.org. “Your continuous, generous donations help keep our ticket price as pay-what-you-can,” MPP noted.