Wayne Theatre Alliance announces plans for grand opening at Gateway

Waynesboro’s new entertainment center, the Wayne Theatre Alliance’s Gateway, will open on Saturday, Aug. 6 at 7 pm with a Grand Opening Celebration.

“We are really excited to be able to show our audiences the possibilities for entertainment in our new space. We’ve lined up a great group of performers to delight our first Gateway audience,” said Tracey Straight, director of programming for the WTA.

Headlining the grand opening will be Wanda Eaves-Taylor. A regional favorite, Eaves-Taylor will be supported by veteran musicians Richard Adams, Buddy Thomas and Sam Brown. All have performed with the original Wanda and the White Boys. Together they will perform a variety of songs that have pleased regional audiences over the years.

Also appearing in the festivities are comedian Jim Zarling and folksinger and songwriter Bryan Elijah Smith. Zarling is a veteran of standup, improvisational and sketch comedy. He performs regularly with the Richmond Comedy Coalition and other venues in Virginia and is the co-founder of the Bent Theatre, the founder the WuProv Academy and the Charlottesville Comedy Roundtable. Zarling will host The Gateway’s Top Comdian Competition starting in September.

Smith is a busy performer and recording artist. His group, Bryan Elijah Smith and the Wild Hearts, play across the region.

“Seating is limited at the Gateway,” Straight said. “I urge those who want to be the first to experience the new space to buy their tickets immediately. I expect we will have a sell-out.”

Tickets for the Grand Opening are $25. Wine and Cheese Hour will be a cash snack and beverage bar from 7pm – 8pm (not included in ticket price). Reservations are available online at www.waynesborogateway.com.

Patrons can also call toll free 877.840.0457.

The Gateway is located at 329 W. Main St. in downtown Waynesboro. WTA will program the space every weekend beginning on Aug. 6. Following the Grand Opening, the Gateway will host the Mt. Music Festival on Aug. 12 and 13. The River City Radio Hour starts its fifth season on Aug. 19 followed by Orquesta Tropikiimba, an Afro-Cuban/Afro-Caribbean orchestra on Aug. 20 An Evening of Stand-up Comedy is scheduled on August 26 and an Evening of Rock on Aug. 27.

Future monthly productions mounted by the Gateway will include The Richard Adams Variety Show, Mojo Saturday Night with Bluesman Kevin Chisnell, The River City Radio Hour, Gateway’s Top Comic Contest, and Open Mic Night.