History &

Past Productions

History

Consistent with most successful ventures, the Old Courthouse Theatre began as one person’s dream. On May 5, 1976, without much fanfare, Third Century Artist Mary Snead Boger held a meeting at the Hotel Concord for those interested in forming a community theater in Cabarrus County. There had been a community-theater group, the Concord Little Theatre, in Concord during the early ’50s, but it was no longer active. Mrs. Boger placed 25 chairs in the hotel ballroom and hoped there would be enough interest to ﬁll them. Before the evening ended more than 70 people attended and contributed ﬁve dollars each to become charter members of this then-unnamed dream. Mrs. Boger, looking for theater space, joined with Historic Cabarrus, Inc. in a successful effort to save the “old courthouse” and was granted the use of the second ﬂoor courtroom for the theater. The Old Courthouse Theatre (OCT) was born.

For its ﬁrst production, Mrs. Boger wrote, auditioned, cast, and directed a variety show that was performed in June 1976. Mrs. Boger choose this two-day play to quickly introduce Cabarrus County to the potential of the theater and of the “Old Courthouse,” to show that the group was legitimate, and to demonstrate that a variety of local talent could be used in these productions. On June 25 and 26, 1976, OCT presented “Cabarrus Chautauqua” to sold-out audiences, with 12 acts representing real stars that may have actually performed in and around the area during the 1890s to 1910s. Now with almost 200 charter members, the Old Courthouse Theatre had become a reality. Mrs. Boger’s point was proven. Cabarrus County was ready and eager for live theater.

Awards

Old Courthouse Theatre is greatly appreciative of the work its dedicated volunteers provide each year. Without their participation, OCT would not be able to maintain its 101-year old building and provide quality productions. Each year, OCT recognizes three outstanding volunteers with the following awards:

Mary Thompson Award for Volunteerism

Mary Thompson was the first Costumer at Old Courthouse Theatre, costuming every show during the first 12 seasons. She was exceptional at her job, using costume rental to outfit each production, and managing everything from making selections, ordering, receiving, packing and returning. The award was created to celebrate individuals who, within a season, have gone above and beyond in their backstage/offstage volunteerism efforts in service to OCT.

Wilson Family Volunteerism Award

This award was created in honor of a true "first family" of Old Courthouse Theatre (Trent, Anne, Chris and Heather Wilson). The award honors and celebrates members of a single family who, over the course of a season, have worked together, as well as individually, to support and grow OCT.

Mary Snead Boger Lifetime Achievement Award

Mary Snead Boger was the irresistible and driving force behind Old Courthouse Theatre from its inception until her retirement in 1986. She was instrumental in its organization, creative direction, and all aspects of its early productions, establishing high standards for creativity and professionalism that earned OCT local and statewide accolades and set its reputation of excellence for years to come. The Award that bears her name, The Mary Snead Bogar Award for Lifetime Achievement is given, on rare occasions, to individuals who have provided exemplary service in all aspects of the organization including, but not limited to, production, administration, and community outreach, over an extended period of years.

Mary Thompson Award for Volunteerism

1988

Mary Thompson

1989

Jim Roof & Trent Wilson

1990

Charlene Roof

1991

Ray Coile

1991-1992

Eric Davidson & Freda Linker

1992-1993

Dan Thrasher & Phil Taylor

1993-1994

John Nordan

1994-1995

Anne Wilson

1995-1996

Bill Penninger

1996-1997

Liz Stonnell

1997-1998

Jeannette Hartsock

1998-1999

Jennie Bridges

1999-2000

John & Vince DePaulo

2000-2001

Jim & Denise Ablard

2001-2002

Kim Baysinger

2002-2003

Claudia Reiff

2003-2004

Lenore Young

2004-2005

George Pfeffer

2005-2006

Will Baysinger

2006-2007

Don Harris

2007-2008

Jim Ablard

2008-2009

Kim Baysinger

2009-2010

Karla Fisher

2010-2011

Denise Ablard

2011-2012

Mitzi Furr Ballard

2012-2013

Mike Curtis & Jonathan Ewart

2013-2014

Scott Stanton

2014-2015

Claudia Reiff

2015-2016

Mary Kathryn Ewart

2016-2017

Camille Luther Pittman & Roger Watson

2019-2020

Herchelle Smith

2021-2022

Cheryl Opel & Chris Loncar

2022-2023

John Harris

2023-2024

Jon Kadela

Wilson Family

Volunteerism Award

2006-2007

Mike & Liz Stonnell

2007-2008

Scot & Kelly Slusarick, Sarah & Zoe

2008-2009

Jim & Denise Ablard, Carolyn Wetsel

2009-2010

Mitzi Ballard, Mina Orgeron, Rita Furr

2010-2011

Tommy & Katie Warlick

2011-2012

Robert, Sharon, Taylor, Haylah, Arrisa Wagner

2012-2013

Will & Kim Baysinger

2014-2015

Brian & Andy Rassler

2015-2016

Lizzie, Racheal & Ben Kunesh

2019-2020

Andrea Heath & Adrian Steffen

2021-2022

Cheryl, Keith, Tyler & Audrey Opel

2022-2023

John, Renee, Hayden & Liam Farrell

2023-2024

Jennifer & Chuck Riordan

Mary Snead Boger
Lifetime Achievement Award

Will and Kim Baysinger

Jonathan M. Ewart

Betsy Gebhardt

John & Billie Nordan

Becky Porter

Brian & Andy Rassler

J. Carlyle Rutledge

Ron Seabolt

Mike & Liz Stonnell

Phil Taylor

Heather Wilson

Trent & Anne Wilson

The Cannon Foundation and the Marian & Robert Hayes Charitable Trust

Old Courthouse Theatre Productions

1976
INAUGRAL PREMIERA CHAUTAUQUA SHOW

1976-77--SEASON 1
THE LARK

FINISHING TOUCHES

BRIGADOON

1977-78--SEASON 2
A DOLL'S HOUSE

NIGHT MUST FALL

GIGI

1978-79--SEASON 3
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

PLAZA SUITE

MAME

1979-80--SEASON 4
PRIVATE LIVES

ANGEL STREET

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

1980-81--SEASON 5
A CHRISTMAS CAROL

BUS STOP

SWEET CHARITY

EXTRA
THE LOVER - NCTC One Act Winner

1981-82--SEASON 6
KISS ME KATE

HARVEY

RAIN

1982-83--SEASON 7
A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY

SUMMER AND SMOKE

CAMELOT

EXTRA
ARIA DA CAPO - NCTC One Act

1983-84--SEASON 8
THE MOUSETRAP

ANNIE

TIGER AT THE GATES

1984-85--SEASON 9
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST

HEDDA GABLER

SOUTH PACIFIC

EXTRA
ADAPTATION - NCTC One Act

1985-86--SEASON 10
THE GLASS MENAGERIE

EVITA

THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH

1986-87--SEASON 11
NOISES OFF

THE FANTASTICKS

ELIZABETH THE QUEEN

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN

EXTRA
BUSINESS MAN'S LUNCH - NCTC One Act

1987-88--SEASON 12
AH, WILDERNESS

PETER PAN

1776

FOOL FOR LOVE

1988-89--SEASON 13
THE BRIEF AND COMIC HISTORY OF TOM JONES

VANITIES

10 LITTLE INDIANS

ANYTHING GOES

EXTRAS
IN THE BEGINNING - Debut Original New Musical

LEMONADE - NCTC One Act Winner

1989-90--SEASON 14
LOOK HOMEWARD, ANGEL

BLITHE SPIRIT

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

EXTRAS

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

OLD COURTHOUSE YOUTH THEATRE/INAUGRAL PRODUCTION

FRACTURED FAIRY TALES

1990-91--SEASON 15
SLY FOX

MY THREE ANGELS

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

QUILTERS

EXTRAS
WAR OF THE ROSES - NCTC One Act

BLACK COMEDY - Off Broadway Series

ACTOR'S NIGHTMARE - Off Broadway Series

THE COURSES OF LOVE - an Original Traveling Cabaret

OCYT:

HOW TO EAT LIKE A CHILD

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

1991-92--SEASON 16
YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU

SLEUTH

THE MUSIC MAN

BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS

EXTRAS
GIFT OF THE MAGI - Holiday Special

AGNES OF GOD - Off Broadway Series

LOVE LETTERS - with Vance Theatrical Organization - Off Broadway Series

OCYT:

CHARLIE & THE GREAT GLASS ELEVATOR

ROMEO AND JULIET

1992-93--SEASON 17
LEND ME A TENOR

FRANKENSTEIN

DRIVING MISS DAISY

WIDOW'S BEST FRIEND

EXTRAS
SEX, DRUGS, & ROCK N' ROLL - Off Broadway Series

MARVIN'S ROOM - with Actor's Theatre of Charlotte - Off Broadway Series

NUTCRACKER SWEETS - Holiday Special

OCYT:

THE SHINING PRINCESS OF THE SLENDER BAMBOO

TAMING OF THE SHREW

TOM SAWYER

1993-94--SEASON 18
SOUND OF MUSIC

DRACULA

RUMORS

PUMPBOYS AND DINETTES

EXTRA
OCYT:

THE ELECTRIC SUNSHINE MAN

1994-95--SEASON 19
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM

THE 1940'S RADIO HOUR

WAIT UNTIL DARK

DEARLY DEPARTED

EXTRAS
KING OF HONKY TONK HEAVEN - Reader's Theater and New Play Production

AN EVENING OF TENNESSEE WILLIAMS - Off Broadway Series

OCYT:

HOW THE WEST WAS REALLY WON

SANTA'S HOLIDAY HOEDOWN

1995-96--SEASON 20
THE BOYS NEXT DOOR

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

ANNIE

EXTRAS
THE MISS FIRECRACKER CONEST - 1995 Summer Special

A NOVEL ROMANCE - NCTC One Act Winner

OCYT:

POE'S MIDNIGHT DREARY

THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS ON MAN IN THE MOON MARIGOLDS

1996-97--SEASON 21
NUNSENSE

THE ODD COUPLE

PICNIC

NUPTIALS

EXTRAS
1959 PINK THUNDERBIRD - LAUNDRY & BOURBON, LONE STAR - 1996 Summer Special

OCYT:

FOLK TALES, TOO

1997-98--SEASON 22
CATFISH MOON

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

FOXFIRE

EXTRAS
PUMPBOYS AND DINETTES - 1997 Summer Special

FROM THE HEART - Concert Special

A NIGHT OF BELEDI - Dance Special

OCYT:

Contact Info

History &

Past Productions

History

Awards

Mary Thompson Award for Volunteerism

Wilson Family

Volunteerism Award

Old Courthouse Theatre Productions

Our Partners

Contact Us

Contact Info

History &

Past Productions

History

Awards

Mary Thompson Award for Volunteerism

Wilson Family

﻿Volunteerism Award

Old Courthouse Theatre Productions

Our Partners

Contact Us

Volunteerism Award