This season at Court Square Theater promises an exhilarating lineup of shows that cater to diverse tastes and interests. From the intense courtroom drama of '12 Angry Jurors' to the comedic flair of the FWAF Show's 'Home for the Holidays,' the theater is set to deliver unforgettable performances. The calendar also features high-energy concerts, heartfelt tributes, and vibrant family-friendly musicals like the ever-popular 'Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.' Join us in celebrating the power of live performance as we dive into a world of creativity and storytelling through an eclectic mix of theatrical offerings.

Court Square Theater: A Season of Theatrical Wonders

Court Square Theater is set to become a cultural haven with a series of events featuring 'The Lion King, Jr,' Rocktown Improv, and Friendly City Fables. These events promise a mix of theatrical brilliance, improvisational humor, and audience-driven storytelling, offering something for everyone. From the heartwarming tale of Simba's journey in 'The Lion King, Jr' to the unpredictable hilarity of Rocktown Improv and the fantasy adventures of Friendly City Fables, each event is crafted to entertain and inspire. Join us to experience the diverse offerings that highlight local talent and creativity.

A Cultural Extravaganza: Unveiling the Magic at Court Square Theater

Court Square Theater is set to captivate audiences with a series of unforgettable performances. From the heartwarming story of 'The Lion King, Jr' that explores themes of identity and responsibility, to the unpredictable hilarity of 'Rocktown Improv,' and the fantasy-filled tales of 'Friendly City Fables,' each show promises a unique blend of creativity and artistry. With a talented cast and engaging narratives, attendees are in for an enriching experience that transcends traditional theater. Join us as we explore the highlights and behind-the-scenes of these exceptional productions.

Unveiling Artistic Brilliance: A Journey Through Unique Performances at Court Square Theater

This season at Court Square Theater, audiences are invited to embark on a variety of breathtaking journeys. From the African savanna with Disney’s 'The Lion King, Jr' to nights filled with spontaneous humor at Rocktown Improv, and the fantasy escapades of 'Friendly City Fables,' there's something to captivate everyone. Each performance offers a unique experience, whether it's the heartwarming tale of Simba’s journey to kinghood, the unpredictable hilarity of improv, or the interactive fantasy stories that encourage audience participation. Here’s a closer look at what’s happening on stage.

Step into the World of Stories: Live Theater and Improv at Court Square Theater

The Court Square Theater is setting the stage for an electrifying blend of fantasy and improv with two captivating events: Friendly City Fables and Rocktown Improv. Whether you're a fan of interactive storytelling or spontaneous humor, these performances promise engaging experiences driven by audience suggestions. With Friendly City Fables bringing a dose of fantasy adventure and Rocktown Improv delivering unscripted comedy, there's something for everyone to enjoy this spring. Dive into the world of creative expression and let your imagination run wild with these unique theatrical shows.

Interactive Theatrical Adventures Await at Court Square Theater

Court Square Theater is set to host a series of unique performances that promise to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. From the spontaneous creations of Rocktown Improv to the fantasy-filled journey of Friendly City Fables, these shows will harness audience suggestions to craft unforgettable experiences. Prepare for an unorthodox theater experience where every show is a new adventure, whether you're a fan of improv or fantasy, or simply in search of some lively entertainment.

Dive into the Unexpected: Rocktown Improv and Friendly City Fables at Court Square Theater

Kick off a new month
or wind down from your First Friday Gallery Tour
with something unexpected!
Rocktown Improv is a collective of local actors and improvists
creating unscripted scenes through games and audience suggestion.
Each performance is unique, you won’t want to miss this show!

Rocktown Improv

Court Square Theater

Knowledge of D&D and Role-Playing Games isn’t necessary to enjoy this raucous fantasy-themed show!
The story is guided by Audience Suggestions and acted out by the Friendly City Fables characters before your very eyes.

Friendly City Fables

Kick off a new month
or wind down from your First Friday Gallery Tour
with something unexpected!
Rocktown Improv is a collective of local actors and improvists
creating unscripted scenes through games and audience suggestion.

Knowledge of D&D and Role-Playing Games isn’t necessary to enjoy this raucous fantasy-themed show!
The story is guided by Audience Suggestions and acted out by the Friendly City Fables characters before your very eyes. 

Based on the 1994 Disney animated feature film of the same name and William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, The Lion King is the story of Simba, an adventurous and energetic lion cub who is next in line to be king of the Pride Lands, a thriving and beautiful region in the African savanna. When Simba’s father Mufasa is killed by his uncle Scar, though, Simba is led to believe that his father’s death is his fault, and he is encouraged to run away forever. Scar seizes power and with his already unstable mind deteriorating, the Pride Lands experiences a darkness and desolation from which only Simba can save the animals of the kingdom. Featuring classic songs from the film such as “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” The Lion King is a story and a spectacle about identity, family, and responsibility that is enjoyed worldwide by people of all ages.


Disney’s “The Lion King, Jr”

Kicking off the 2025 Court Square Theater Bluegrass Series
with Grammy Award winning artist
Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys,
who will perform old-time favorites, bluegrass hits and new original material.

Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys

Kick off a new month
or wind down from your First Friday Gallery Tour
with something unexpected!

Regarded as one of the most significant and influential American singers and songwriters of the 20th century, Hank Williams’ is known for iconic hits like “Your Cheatin’ Heart”, “Hey, Good Lookin'”, and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”

Hank Williams Tribute Show

The Upbeat Downtown Series welcomes two of the Valley’s high-spirited alternative rock bands,
Drägön Wägön and Mothman Rodeo.

Drägön Wägön and Mothman Rodeo

Join us for a festive evening of stand-up featuring a hilarious showcase of local comedians, including The Funny Womacks, Chris Cabral, Margie Clement, Kacey Damaty, Dennis Lee, Lightning Lucas, Dawn Mast, Kyle Remnant, Sam Spears, Erin Staebell, Travis Valle and local comedy legend Jay Zehr!

FWAF Show – Home for the Holidays

The jury in a murder trial is frustrated by a single member whose skeptical caution forces them to more carefully consider the evidence before jumping to a hasty verdict.

12 Angry Jurors

Music is often a family affair in the Appalachians; Singer-Songwriter Dori Freeman will be joined by her father, Scott Freeman on mandolin, and her grandfather, Willard Gayheart on guitar. When asked about their music, Willard and Dori talk mainly about each other.

“Dori is in charge, I think,” Willard said. “The last time we played together, they used my name upfront, but she’s the one who puts it all together.”

An Evening with Dori Freeman and Family

This Class is FREE but Registration is required. Spaces limited, click the red “GET TICKETS” button on the event webpage to register today!
 

Class Description
Try Improvised Theater for the First Time or Hone your Improv Skills, Learn a New Game, Make New Friends!

Master Class with Rocktown Improv

Wes currently works at resorts, country clubs, theatres, trade shows, company picnics, and high school auditoriums all over the East Coast. He still enjoys doing the smaller shows such as private parties and family reunions. He couldn’t think of a better career choice; it never gets old performing all over and entertaining thousands of people each month.

Wes Iseli’s Magic Show

The award-winning Larry Stephenson Band has been entertaining audiences for 30 years including their numerous performances on the Grand Ole Opry, RFD-TV and headlining festivals and concerts all across the US and Canada. The group is led by Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame member and 5-time Society for The Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) Male Vocalist of the year. They also inducted Stephenson into their Hall Of Greats in 2018.

Larry Stephenson Band

Celebrate Friendly City Fables’ One Year Anniversary
with a One Night Only adventure into the Future!


*Future* City Fables

Since its formation decades ago, Lonesome River Band continues its reputation as one of the most respected names in bluegrass music. Five-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Banjo Player of the Year, and winner of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, Sammy Shelor leads the group that is constantly breaking new ground in acoustic music. With two stellar lead vocalists, Jesse Smathers (guitar) and Adam Miller (mandolin), and the impressive talents of Mike Hartgrove (fiddle) and Kameron Keller (bass), the band seamlessly comes together, performing the trademark sound that fans continue to embrace.


Lonesome River Band

Students auditioning do not need to prepare a monologue, they will be reading sides (selections from the script) with other students auditioning. We recommend getting familiar with the musical’s songs with “The Lion King, Jr” Soundtrack YouTube channel.

The Lion King, Jr AUDITIONS

“Can’t Feel at Home” tells the story of families displaced from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1930’s to allow for the construction of Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive. This original play was written by Dr John T Glick and adapted for the stage by Stanley W Swartz.

Can’t Feel at Home

Join Big Daddy and Bianca Blake Starr for the
OFFICIAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY PRIDE AFTER PARTY,
presented by the Gay United States Foundation.

Shenandoah Valley Pride AFTER PARTY

Larry Efaw has become known as one of the most respectable bluegrass musicians in the business. He’s not only incredibly talented but also one of the nicest, most fan-friendly artists around. Larry is like a walking history book of bluegrass music.

Larry Efaw and The Bluegrass Mountaineers hold a rich history in the bluegrass music industry, with decades of experience in performing, entertaining, promoting, preserving this iconic genre. Their passion for Traditional Bluegrass Music drives them to connect enthusiasts with the best of bluegrass.

Larry Efaw and the Bluegrass Mountaineers

Robert Jospé Quartet offers an exciting instrumental mix of jazz, rock, pop and Latin styles. Featuring Robert Jospé on drums, with Daniel Clarke on piano/keyboard, Paul Langosch on bass, and Chris Whiteman on guitar. Their repertoire consists of original works, standards from the American Song Book, pop and classic covers by Herbie Hancock, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Leonard Bernstein, James Taylor along with other well-known composers.

Court Square Theater

May 22, 2025

Rocktown Improv

May 22, 2025

Friendly City Fables

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