Brand-new senior readers theatre troupe makes its inaugural performance with a classic comedy
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce the debut of the Encore Players, a new senior readers theatre troupe, with matinee performances of Noël Coward’s beloved comedy Blithe Spirit on March 20 and 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Admission is free.
Prepare for an afternoon of wit, whimsy, and what Coward himself called “astral bigamy.” When a skeptical socialite invites a medium to his home for a séance, he gets considerably more than he bargained for — namely, the temperamental, jealous ghost of his first wife, who has decidedly strong opinions about his current marriage. The result is one of the most beloved farces of the 20th century, brimming with sharp dialogue and deliciously complicated romantic entanglements from beyond the grave.
The readers’ theatre format puts the spotlight squarely where it belongs: on the brilliant writing and the performers bringing it to life. In an intimate setting, audiences will experience the full comedic power of Coward’s dialogue delivered by some of the community’s most seasoned and talented performers.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both a classic of the theatrical canon and the remarkable talent within our senior community,” said John Hall, BMCA Interim Executive Director. “We couldn’t be more excited to launch the Encore Players with a production as lively and fun as Blithe Spirit.”
Both performances are free to attend, with donations gratefully accepted in support of BMCA’s senior arts programming.
Event Details What: Blithe Spirit — Senior Readers Theatre presented by the BMCA Encore Players and directed by Glenna Grant. Dates: Friday, March 20 & Saturday, March 21, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM (Matinee) Location: Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St, Black Mountain, NC Admission: Free (Donations welcome)
For more information, visit blackmountainarts.org/encoreplayers or call(828) 669 – 0930.
The Encore Players are supported by funding from Arts AVL, Buncombe County, and the National Endowment for the Arts
