LOCAL HAPPENINGS: Elvis, Selena, Elizabeth Hudson and ... a cemetery tour

RYTC’s new production hits Sunset Theatre stage Oct. 8-11

ASHEBORO  — Tickets are now on sale for the latest production from the Randolph Youth Theatre Company, “Who Killed Elvis?”

The shows will be on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m., on Saturday Oct. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. There’s no show on Friday.

Tickets are on sale at Brightside Gallery, 170 Worth St., Asheboro, or online at rytc.org.

What’s the play about?

Well, when the Verelli family holds an Elvis impersonation contest for their newly renamed business, the “Elvis Ate Here” Inn, a host of star-struck Elvis fanatics shows up with the media in tow. Just what they needed to boost profits! 

Unfortunately, the Verellis get more than they bargained for when a couple of thieves on the run after making off with priceless Elvis memorabilia show up in disguise and a pair of suspicious thugs wanders in, followed by a group of high school students who desperately need to win the prize money for prom. 

Add to the mix a fortuneteller who mysteriously predicts “death to the king,” a troupe of ogling Elvis fans (including one father in the midst of a mid-life crisis) and a banker intent on foreclosing, and it’s general Elvis hysteria! 

Order up for one “Heartbreak Hoagie,” some “Love Me Chicken Tenders” and an “All Shook Up Shake,” but who asked for two murders?! 

Crack cop Betty and her partner Bernice try to apply a strong-arm approach to their investigation with aid from Chief Ralph. 

Meanwhile, Madame Laski conducts a séance to contact the real Elvis, who speaks through his impersonators to reveal some cryptic clues using titles of his many songs.

THIS WEEK

Elizabeth Hudson speaking at Sunset on Sept. 25

ASHEBORO — Asheboro native Elizabeth Hudson, the editor of Our State magazine, returns to Randolph County for a Friends of the Library Sunset Signature Series event at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in downtown Asheboro’s historic Sunset Theatre. Hudson’s appearance is free and the public is invited. Tickets can be reserved at tinyurl.com/ehfcss. Ticket holders should be in the theatre by 7:15 p.m.; seats remaining after that time will be released to the general public.

Annual Fly-In set for Sept. 26 at Asheboro Regional Airport

ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame will host its Annual Fly-In on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Asheboro Regional Airport. This year’s event will feature a special performance by the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, scheduled to jump at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 (free for children 10 and under) and include entry to the Aviation Museum.

Walk Thru the Past returns on Sunday, Sept. 27

ASHEBORO — With the weather cooling — at least, in theory — it’s time again to join Ricky Allred on one of his Walk Thru the Past events at the Old Asheboro Cemetery. The next one is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. Allred takes participants on a stroll through the cemetery, stopping occasionally at a gravesite to tell a story of the person “residing” there. In September, he will concentrate on residents with whom the tour has not previously visited. There’s no cost to join the walk. The cemetery is located at 180 West Salisbury Street, Asheboro.

Asheboro Mall hosts card show on Saturday, Sept. 27

ASHEBORO — The Pull Exchange Card Show happens Saturday at Asheboro Mall, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vendors will be showing off tables filled with trading cards and collectibles for a full day of buying, selling and trading. Expect to find Pokémon, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh!, sports cards, graded slabs, comics and more. Admission is free.

Witness Ultimate Selena Experience at Sunset Theatre

ASHEBORO — To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Sunset Theatre in downtown Asheboro will host the Ultimate Selena Experience on Saturday, Sept. 27, beginning at 7 p.m. The show will be an homage to the international recording artist and actress, starring Amanda Solis as Selena. Tickets are $40 or $60 for VIP.

UPCOMING

51st Annual Asheboro Fall Festival scheduled for Oct. 3

ASHEBORO — The Fall Festival returns to Asheboro for a one-day event on Saturday, Oct. 3, The Randolph Arts Guild fundraiser will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in downtown Asheboro on streets cordoned off to normal traffic. There’s no admission for shop crafter booths, listen to music or find your favorite foods.

Asheboro GHOSTWALK tours every Tuesday in October

ASHEBORO — You can make reservations now for the 10th anniversary edition of the popular Asheboro GHOSTWALK tours that take place on Tuesdays every October. Each Tuesday night offers one-hour walks beginning at 7 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Tours begin at the Asheboro Cultural and Recreation Services Office at 241 Sunset Ave. Get tickets there or online at sunsettheatre.org.