“La Cage Aux Folles,” which translates to “The Bird Cage,” is the story of a gay couple, George and Albin, who run a nightclub where Albin is the star. George’s son Jean Michelle is engaged to the daughter of a ultra conservative politician and must introduce his fathers to his fiancé’s family. From this situation, the comedy erupts as Albin tries to pass himself off as the Jean’s uncle and his matronly mother. The play will run until July 29. Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and $10 for students.

The new theater, Stage II, will possible for HART to have an uninterrupted schedule of performances throughout the season. The new space will include a flexible 150-seat theater that can be reconfigured and will have a full kitchen that will allow the group to do dinner theater and cabaret. The exterior will be the same barn style created by architect Joe Sam Queen for the original facility.

A portion of the building will have housing for guest actors. Earlier this year, HART evolved into a semiprofessional community theater, with both paid actors and volunteers on its stage. The on-site housing would allow HART to bring in actors for multiple productions or overnight actors commuting from out of town.

No construction will begin until a substantial portion of the needed funds is raised.

To make a contribution to the project send your donation or pledge to HART Stage II, PO Box 1024, Waynesville, NC 28786.

828.456.6322 or www.harttheatre.com