Curtain Rises on Roanoke's Newest Community Theater: "Exit, Pursued by a Bear"

In the heart of downtown Roanoke, Virginia, a new community theater is emerging, poised to revitalize the local performing arts scene. The Bear Theatre, housed within the walls of Community High School, is set to captivate audiences with its unique Shakespearean-inspired name and a production of the classic comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace."

Reviving the Roanoke Theater Scene, One Act at a Time

A Shakespearean Inspiration

The Bear Theatre's name is a nod to one of Shakespeare's most famous stage directions, "Exit, pursued by a bear," from the play "A Winter's Tale." This unconventional and whimsical reference has captured the imagination of the theater's board president, Angela McNeil, and the entire community."That is a Shakespearean reference to one of his unusual margins in 'A Winter's Tale,' one of his famous plays. And so we just kind of really loved it," McNeil explains, highlighting the theater's commitment to embracing the rich theatrical heritage of the Bard.

Reclaiming the Stage in the Pandemic's Wake

The Bear Theatre's opening comes at a critical time for the local theater community, which has faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. McNeil emphasizes the theater's role in rebuilding and revitalizing the performing arts scene in Roanoke."Downtown was our hope, that's where where we wanted to be. So, when Community High School invited us in to share their space, we were Oh my gosh, just ecstatic," McNeil says, reflecting on the theater's strategic decision to establish its presence in the heart of the city.

Bringing Laughter and Community to the Stage

The Bear Theatre's inaugural production, "Arsenic and Old Lace," promises to be a delightful blend of dark humor and community spirit. Director Brian Lee, who has assembled a talented 14-member local cast, is excited to bring this classic comedy to life."The show premiered in 1940, took Broadway by storm when it first came out. It's black comedy, so there's a lot of dark humor," Lee explains, teasing the audience with the premise of the play, which centers around two sweet old ladies with a sinister secret in their cellar.Lee's enthusiasm for the production is palpable, as he praises the dedication and talent of the cast members who have come together to bring this timeless tale to the stage."I think we came out with the best cast that we could have. A lot of very very talented and hard-working people put their time in for this show to bring little laughter to everybody," Lee says, underscoring the theater's mission to uplift and entertain the Roanoke community.

Curtain Call: Embracing the Bard and Reviving the Arts

The Bear Theatre's debut marks a significant milestone for the Roanoke arts scene, as it seeks to rekindle the community's passion for live theater. With its Shakespearean-inspired name and a production that promises to delight and captivate, the theater is poised to become a beacon of cultural vibrancy in the heart of the Star City.As the curtain rises on this new chapter, the Bear Theatre stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Roanoke community, ready to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come.