On Saturday at 2 p.m., East Carolina University’s Storybook Theatre will present the beloved story, “Bridge to Terabithia” at the historic Turnage Theatre in downtown Washington.

The play is based on Katherine Paterson’s Newberry Award-winning novel of the same name. This powerful adaptation, supported by a lyrical musical score, follows the adventures of Jesse, who loves to draw, and the new girl from the city, Leslie, who introduces him to the world of imagination and exciting adventures in the fantasy kingdom of Terabithia. This stage version is by Katherine Paterson and Stephanie S. Tolan, music by Steve Liebman, based on the novel by Katherine, piano/synthesizer arrangement by Katherine Paterson, and produced by special permission from Samuel French. Tickets are $5 cash discount or $7 credit card/Paypal. Tickets can be purchased at www.artsofthepamlico.org/event/bridge-to-terabithia/.

That night, a “Who Dunnit” hosted by AOP and DayDreamer Events & Diversion Escape Rooms will offer a murder mystery event to a sold out crowd. This fun mystery theatre event offers participants an opportunity to be an actor as part of the story!

On March 26 and March 27 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., auditions for AOP’s original play, “Pirates of the Pamlico Jr.,” will take place at the Turnage. Ever wonder what pirates studied in high school or what they were like? Now we will find out! Come join Rachel and Crystal for this fun, pirate-y adventure! Audition material will be provided. Children ages 6 to 16 are welcome to audition! For more information, call AOP with any questions about the upcoming auditions at 252-946-2504, Tuesdays – Thursdays, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Near the end of the month, join us for opera on the big stage. For the last two years, ECU’s Opera Theater has collaborated with the Arts of the Pamlico at the Turnage Theater for Opera Theatre students to  erform in one of the most beautiful theaters in the south. Help us continue the welcome by the downtown Washington and Beaufort County folks by coming out on March 29 at 7 p.m.  and March 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. for the “The Coronation of Poppea.” The play is a tale of intrigue and deception, based upon actual events in the court of the Roman emperor Nero. The opera was written in 1643 by Venetian composer Claudio Monteverdi and will feature an instrumental ensemble of early music specialists from across North America. Tickets are on sale at the theatre or online at www.artsofthepamlico.org/event/the-coronation-of-poppea/2019-03-29/.

Art Beat, from the team at the Arts of the Pamlico, shares information about arts and cultural programming offered in Beaufort County by your area arts council. This week’s Art Beat was written by Debra Torrence, AOP’s executive director, and Crystal Holman, AOP’s weekend coordinator.