“The Cottage” is Back Tonight; Will Add a Show due to Covid Cancellation
Show runs through Sept. 27 at Davidson Community Players’ Armour Street Theater
Last night, Davidson Community Players had to cancel their production of “The Cottage,” but the show is back on tonight. Additionally, DCP has added an additional show on Saturday, September 26 at 2 PM with lots of tickets currently available.
The production has been an example of the resilience and tenacity of local artists; when the air conditioning at Armour Street Theatre went out during rehearsals, the company had to resort to an “undress” rehearsal out of costume to beat the heat as the tech crew sweltered along with the actors.
Then, last night’s show was canceled due to a bout of Covid.
Now, the air conditioning is on full blast, the actors are healthy, and Davidson Community Players is ready to welcome back theatergoers for a production that “offers a perfect showcase for six actors with endless laughs, hilarious twists, daring physical comedy, and a happy ending for lovers everywhere.”
Yesterday, Y’all Weekly spoke with “The Cottage” director Hanley Smith, who originated the role of Dierdre in the original production of the Sandy Rustin play and went on to play Sylvia. Though she has a long list of acting credits, “The Cottage” at Davidson Community Players is Smith’s directorial debut.
“I think this play tickles all of the right funny bones, while at the same time asking really good questions,” said Smith. “‘What actually is love?’ ‘What does it look like?’ ‘What does fidelity look like?’ ‘Is fidelity required for a happy marriage?’ ‘What does a happy marriage look like?’ ‘What is duty?’ ‘What does it mean to know one’s self?’ and a lot of these characters have a burgeoning self-awareness during the play … It’s wonderful to have a farce that is absolutely delicious and filled with all of these unexpected [moments].”
We’ll have more from our interview with Smith this weekend. For now, there are limited tickets available for tonight’s performance; “The Cottage” runs through Sunday, September 27 at the Armour Street Theatre in Davidson, N.C. The show is recommended for audiences ages 13+.
Help Us Stop Soldier Suicide
On September 19, a group of veterans, service members, military families, and community members will come together for a 10-mile ruck through Charlotte in support of Stop Soldier Suicide.
The group is meeting at 7:45am at Marion Diehl Rec Center (2219 Tyvola Road Charlotte, NC 28210) and starting the ruck at 8am.
The route will take supporters on major Charlotte thoroughfares like Park Road and East Boulevard. The event has a fundraising goal of $2,000, and more information can be found here.
”The goal is bigger than the ruck itself. We want to bring people together around the idea that supporting our military community isn’t something veterans should carry alone,” said Marine Veteran Matthew Ridenhour, one of the organizers of the event. “Whether someone is rucking, waving a flag along the route, cheering from the sidelines, or simply showing up, there is a role for everyone to play.”
Stop Soldier Suicide is a national nonprofit that provides free, suicide-specific care to Veterans and service members nationwide. The event will bring together Veterans, service members, military families, and civilians around a shared commitment to military suicide prevention.
“As we reflect on 25 years since 9/11, it feels like an important opportunity to remind people that many veterans and service members are still carrying challenges that aren’t always visible,” said Ridenhour. “Raising awareness is one way we can help ensure people know support is available and that they don’t have to face those challenges alone.”
Last Call for Lúmina Tickets!
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art presents Lúmina, a party celebrating Latin American Modernism. The evening takes inspiration from the Bechtler’s fall exhibition, Making an Impression: Pioneering Latin American Printmakers. As the museum’s fall fundraiser, Lúmina supports the Bechtler’s world-class exhibitions, educational programs, and community partnerships.
Guests will move through immersive installations, live performances, and DJ-driven sets, alongside Latin American-inspired street food, wines, and spirits, and a relaxed terrace lounge featuring curated tastings and conversation.
The evening sets the tone for a vibrant celebration of art, music, and contemporary Latin American creative expression.
Editor’s Note: Y’all Weekly publisher Sam Spencer serves on the board of directors for the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.
Upcoming Auditions
Want to add your audition? Email sam@yallweekly.com!
Auditions for the Regional Premiere of LIBERATION
at Three Bone Theatre
By Bess Wohl
Directed by Donna Bradby
Audition Dates:
September 20, 2026 - 4PM-7PM
September 21, 2026 - 6PM-9PM
Audition Location:
Watershed Church
2101 Shenandoah Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Quote of the Week
“Some things I feel proud of are, I think that the actors felt safe and empowered to be creative and collaborate and come up with their own ideas. [When] you have a really good room of smart, generous, problem solving creative thinkers a lot of your job is over. It’s just to be there and listen to them and help guide their ideas into your overall idea of how the story goes, but very often their ideas are better than your own. So I do think that another task of a director is to create a space where everybody feels free to contribute.”
- Hanley Smith on making her directorial debut with “The Cottage.”
Charlotte Film Festival
The annual Charlotte Film Festival is back at the Independent Picture House (IPH), running from September 22nd through the 27th.
This is no ordinary festival; it features newly released indie films, documentaries, and various shorts. Cinema-goers will find exclusive daily talks by industry veterans, post-film discussions, and special presentation films that you can only see at IPH!
To see the full schedule for the week and to purchase tickets ahead of time, click this link for more information.
Spooky Season Kickoff at VisArt
Hosted by SpookyCLT
Saturday, Oct 3 at 7pm
Join VizArt Video for an evening of monster lore, desire, and erotic dread. The event promises to explore why humans have always been drawn to the creatures that frighten us, tracing our scandalous fascination through Monster Theory, Gothic tradition, and Charlotte Folklore.
And once again SpookyCLT will investigate the torso-less ghost of VisArt (cue the spooky music!)
A portion of proceeds go towards the cemetery preservation project.
Charlotte Theater Calendar
Want to add your show? Email sam@yallweekly.com!
“The Cottage,” as well as many other opportunities to support local theater, are below …
This Weekend …
“The Cottage”
Presented by Davidson Community Players
at Armour Street Theatre (Davidson, N.C.)
September 10 - 27
Directed by Hanley Smith
Learn More
“The Insanity of Mary Girard”
at the Lee St. Theatre Lab (Salisbury, N.C.)
September 17 - 19
Directed by Rod Oden
Learn More
“Sex, Lies, and a Sycamore Tree”
at Fort Mill Community Playhouse
September 10 - 20
Directed by Elaine Alexander
Learn More
“Come From Away”
at Theatre Charlotte
September 11 – October 4, 2026
Directed by Billy Ensley
Learn More
“The Jungle Book: Youth Play”
Presented by Rock Hill Theatre
at Castle Heights Middle School (Rock Hill, S.C.)
September 11 - 26
Directed by Harper Elaine Rego
Learn More
“The Odd Couple”
at Matthews Playhouse
September 18 - 27
Directed by Lisa Ulanow
Learn More
New to the Calendar
“Maytag Virgin” by Audrey Cefaly
at Carolina Actors Studio Theatre
Three weekends, October 16 - 31
at The Black Box Theatre at the Arts Factory
managed by Three Bone Theatre
She can’t stand clothes dryers.
He keeps one parked on his front porch.
If that doesn’t sound like the beginning of a love story, think again. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre invites you to experience a charming Southern tale filled with humor, heart, and unexpected friendship.
Later in September …
“I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire”
Presented by Zingher Productions
at Warehouse Studio Theatre (Cornelius, N.C.)
September 25th - October 11th
Directed by Jessica Zingher
Learn More
Coming Soon …
ARMOUR AFTER DARK: “Gaslighting the Musical”
Presented by Davidson Community Players
at Armour Street Theatre (Davidson, N.C.)
October 3 - 10
Created and Performed by Brooke McCarthy
Learn More
“The Great Gatsby”
at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts Center
Broadway Lights Series
October 13-18
Directed by Marc Bruni
Learn More
“The House on Haunted Hill”
at Lee St. Theatre (Salisbury, N.C.)
October 16 - 31
Directed by Jessie Dietzel
Learn More
“La Maison de Horreurs: An Evening at the Grand Guignol”
Presented by Post Mortem Players
at the Wilson Family Black Box at Old Courthouse Theatre
October 22 - November 1
Directed by Jackie Obando Carter
Learn More
“Frankenstein”
at Theatre Charlotte
October 30 - November 15
Directed by Dee Abdullah
“Liberation”
at Three Bone Theatre
November 6 - 22
Directed by Donna Bradby
Learn More
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Keep in Touch!
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