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CFRT unveils 64th season lineup featuring award winning talent

By Staff Report, posted Jul 30, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Image provided by CFRT

Cape Fear Regional Theatre is thrilled to announce its 64th season - a dynamic lineup of musicals and crowd favorites that promises to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. While construction continues at CFRT’s home on Hay Street, all mainstage performances will take place for one more season at the off-site venue located at 1707 Owen Drive. 

The 2025-2026 season begins with a bang as 9 to 5 hits the stage Sept. 4-28, starring daytime TV legend Robert Newman (Josh Lewis, Guiding Light) as Franklin Hart. This high-energy show with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton is sure to bring laughs and empowerment to the CFRT stage. Other cast members include Jodi Bluestein as Judy Bernly, Livi Rose as Doralee and  Wilmington-based actress Heather Setzler as Violet Newstead. The show is directed by Robert W. Schneider (Artistic Director at The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company; Original Programming Producer at 54 Below), choreographed by Antoinette DiPietropolo (Director/Choreographer of The Addams Family National Tour) and features musical direction by Fayetteville’s James Clark, Jr (CFRT’s Matilda, Sister Act, Footloose, The Addams Family, and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.)  

Following 9 to 5 is the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors, directed by CFRT Artistic Director Mary Catherine Burke. Choreography will be provided by Emmy Award winner Tyce Diorio, whose celebrated career includes work on the Fox hit  “So You Think You Can Dance,” Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Reputation Tour and music videos like “ME!” and collaborations with artists like Jennifer Lopez and Janet Jackson. Leading the cast as Seymour Krelborn is Fayetteville-native and Fayetteville State University alum Deon Releford-Lee, who is fresh from his Broadway run of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. CFRT’s Education Director and audience favorite Marc de la Concha returns to the stage as Mr. Mushnik. Little Shop of Horrors will run Oct. 23 - Nov. 16.  

The new year will bring Disney’s High School Musical to the stage, helmed by the acclaimed creative team behind CFRT’s hit production of Sister Act, including director West Hyler (Cirque du Soleil, Broadway’s Paramour) and choreographer Lisa “L-Boogie” Bauford (CFRT’s Sister Act & Footloose; iLuminate Off-Broadway & Las Vegas). This show will run Jan. 29 - Feb. 22, with a Sensory Friendly performance on Sunday, Feb.15, featuring The Friends from The Friendship House in the ensemble. The season will wrap up with the Pulitzer-Prize winning Driving Miss Daisy (March 19-April 4) and Crowns: A Gospel Musical (May 7-31).

“This season celebrates powerful stories, beloved titles, and artistic excellence,” said Artistic Director Mary Kate Burke in a press release. “From a Broadway legend to Emmy-winning talent and returning fan-favorites, we’re creating a season full of joy, heart, and irresistible music.” 

To learn more about season tickets and show dates, visit www.CFRT.org.

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