?? Venues Where Art Takes Flight: Theatres Near Warren Wilson College
Diana Wortham Theatre – Asheville, NC
Opened: 1992
Capacity: Approximately 500 seats
This downtown Asheville staple is a beloved spot for touring Broadway productions, comedy acts, and dance troupes. Located within the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, it's a polished, intimate venue that blends culture with mountain-town charm.
Asheville Community Theatre – Asheville, NC
Opened: 1946
Capacity: Roughly 399 seats
One of the oldest community theatres in North Carolina, this venue fosters local talent and also welcomes regional touring productions. It's renowned for its warm, inclusive atmosphere and consistent quality.
Thomas Wolfe Auditorium – Asheville, NC
Built: 1939
Capacity: Around 2,400 seats
This iconic venue hosts everything from national Broadway tours to symphonies and stand-up comedians. It's a mainstay in Asheville's cultural landscape and an excellent place to catch top-tier talent.
?? Musicals That Have Asheville Singing
Opening on Broadway in 2019, Hadestown offers a bold retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Written by Anaïs Mitchell, the musical infuses folk, jazz, and blues to create a hauntingly poetic experience. It won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Songs like "Wait for Me" and "Way Down Hadestown" have enchanted audiences from the get-go.
This vibrant, percussion-driven spectacle began its theatrical run in the early 1990s and quickly spread worldwide. Known for its silent blue characters, Blue Man Group blends experimental music, comedy, and multimedia art in an interactive format. It's been seen by over 35 million people and continues to amaze with its universal, non-verbal appeal. It's ideal for those who want a visually wild and sonically dynamic show.
Premiering in 2003, Wicked has become one of Broadway's most successful and enduring productions. With unforgettable tunes like "Defying Gravity" and "For Good," it tells the story of Elphaba and Glinda before Dorothy ever visited Oz. The musical earned three Tony Awards and has grossed over $1 billion. Its elaborate visuals and themes of friendship and acceptance keep audiences coming back for more.
This pop-concert-style musical debuted on Broadway in 2020 and reimagines the lives of Henry VIII's six wives. Each queen takes the stage to share her side of the story through powerful solos. Six earned two Tony Awards and has found a devoted following for its catchy hooks and feminist energy. It's short, punchy, and endlessly entertaining.
Using ABBA's greatest hits, Mamma Mia debuted on Broadway in 2001 and takes place on a sun-drenched Greek island. With hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Take a Chance on Me," the musical blends romance, humor, and vibrant choreography. It remains one of the most successful jukebox musicals in theatre history. This show's joyous energy makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser.
This irreverent musical comedy premiered in 2011 and was created by South Park's Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Robert Lopez. Following two mismatched Mormon missionaries sent to Uganda, the show is bold, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt. It won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. With songs like "I Believe" and "Hello," it remains a Broadway must-see.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's genre-defying work premiered in 2015 and revolutionized Broadway. Using rap, hip-hop, and traditional musical styles, Hamilton tells the story of Alexander Hamilton's rise from orphan to founding father. It won 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Songs like "My Shot" and "The Room Where It Happens" are now part of pop culture.
This satirical look at fame and corruption in 1920s Chicago debuted in 1975 and was revived to great acclaim in 1996. With dazzling choreography by Bob Fosse and songs like "All That Jazz," it remains Broadway's longest-running American musical. The show has won six Tony Awards. Its dark humor and timeless appeal ensure continued success.
Based on the 2004 film and adapted by Tina Fey, Mean Girls hit Broadway in 2018. The musical explores the trials of high school cliques and self-discovery with a modern twist. With music by Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, it earned 12 Tony nominations. It's witty, relatable, and full of punchy teen drama.
Broadway's longest-running show until 2023, The Phantom of the Opera tells a gothic love story set beneath the Paris Opera House. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, it features soaring ballads like "The Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You." The show won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its iconic mask and chandelier remain etched in theatre history.
Based on the 1988 cult classic film, Beetlejuice hit Broadway in 2019 with its unique mix of comedy, horror, and heart. Songs like "Dead Mom" and "Say My Name" highlight the show's blend of absurdity and emotion. The musical received eight Tony nominations and earned a large fan base through its vibrant design and fourth-wall-breaking humor. A treat for the spooky and silly at heart.
?? Laughter Echoes Through the Mountains
Taylor Tomlinson's brand of comedy tackles anxiety, dating, and self-awareness with refreshing honesty. Her Netflix specials, Quarter-Life Crisis and Look at Yo,u brought her widespread acclaim. A favorite among younger audiences, she was named one of Time's Next 100 Most Influential People. Her humor is both introspective and sharply observational.
Known for his clean, observational comedy, Jim Gaffigan has become a household name with routines about food, parenting, and everyday absurdities. His "Hot Pockets" bit is legendary, and his career includes several Grammy-nominated albums and books. He's sold out Madison Square Garden and performed internationally. Gaffigan's comedy is perfect for a wide audience, including families and college students.
Nicknamed "Fluffy," Gabriel Iglesias mixes storytelling, character voices, and family-friendly humor with larger-than-life charisma. His specials like I'm Not Fat…I'm Fluffy and Stadium Fluffy has made him a global comedy icon. In 2022, he became the first comedian to sell out Dodger Stadium. Iglesias's warmth and relatability make him a crowd favorite.
Matt Rife has exploded in popularity thanks to his quick-witted crowd work and viral social media presence. Starting young on MTV's Wild 'N Out, he's built a loyal following with relatable and flirtatious humor. His recent tours have sold out across the country. Rife brings a fresh, charismatic energy perfect for campus-aged audiences.
??? Special Savings for Warren Wilson Owls
Ready to spread your wings and fly into a night of culture or comedy? TicketSmarter is offering Warren Wilson Owls an exclusive 5% discount on all the shows featured in this guide. Just enter promo code OWLS5 at checkout and save on tickets to Broadway tours, stand-up comedy giants, and local theatrical gems. Whether you're catching Hadestown or laughing with Jim Gaffigan, there's never been a better time to book a night out.
?? Final Curtain: The Arts Await Just Beyond Campus
Surrounded by the natural splendor of Swannanoa, the Warren Wilson Owls have access to more than just hiking trails and quiet study spaces—they're perfectly positioned to enjoy a rich array of cultural experiences. From powerhouse musicals like Hamilton and Wicked to comics like Taylor Tomlinson, who speak directly to the Gen Z experience, this area is a performance lover's dream. With iconic venues just minutes from campus and an ever-rotating lineup of entertainment, your next favorite show is just one ticket away. So don't just fly by—nest in, enjoy the spotlight, and take part in the thriving creative energy of the region.
