Laurel Magazine

HCFF Seminar | The Art of the Title at Highlands PAC
2025-09-18 09:00 (America/New_York) | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Hosted by Christian Haberkern
Christian will explore the rich history and evolution of main-on-end title sequences in film, beginning with the groundbreaking work of Saul Bass on classics like Vertigo, North by Northwest, and Psycho, and Maurice Binder’s iconic contributions to the James Bond franchise. He will trace the development of the craft through to the modern era with influential sequences like Kyle Cooper’s gritty and genre-defining work on Seven, as well as contemporary television examples such as Severance and True Detective.
The talk will also include a behind-the-scenes look at some of the title sequences he has designed, including Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and the Disney+ series Agatha, offering insight into the creative process and storytelling power behind these visual introductions and conclusions.

Highlands Cashiers Film Festival at Highlands PAC
2025-09-18 09:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-19 09:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-20 08:30 - 22:00, 2025-09-21 09:00 - 12:30 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
The Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival will be held September 18 – 21, 2025 in the towns of Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina.
Film, filmmakers, actors, directors, producers, and writers will be promoted at this 4-day event, featuring screenings of the film festival finalists, an industry professional panel, a Director and Film Critic workshop, and an awards ceremony celebrating the winners of the festival.
All proceeds from the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival will be used to support the performing arts within Highlands, including the PAC Educational Theatre programs at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
For more event information including a full schedule, please visit https://www.highlandscashiersfilmfestival.com/

HCFF | Exclusive Sneak Preview of The Gardener Movie at Highlands PAC
2025-09-18 17:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Join us for a sneak peek of an exclusive screening of a film shot right here in Highlands!
This will be the first ever viewing of this film shown to the world. Come be part of this early moment in the film’s journey, right where it began in Highlands, NC.

Highlands Cashiers Film Festival | A Walk in the Garden Soiree
2025-09-18 17:00 - 19:00 | NC
On September 18, the Highlands Performing Arts Center will be the location for the premiere of a new feature film. This film was shot in the private Highlands gardens of Ray and Diane McPhail.
After the showing, join us in the gardens. Meet the director and actors and enjoy food from the Food Network star, Kyle Bryner!

HCFF | Bogart Cocktail Party at Highlands PAC
2025-09-19 17:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Stroll along the red carpet and join all the actors and stars attending the film festival for a very Hollywood cocktail party featuring vintage and Bogart approved cocktails and food prepared by our very own local Food Network star.
This event will be held at the PAC.

HCFF | "Best of" Awards and People's Choice Award at Highlands PAC
2025-09-21 11:30 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Viewers at each individual film will get a chance to vote. The winning film will be announced on Sunday.
Winners will receive $1000 and a custom designed art piece which was made by a local artist from the The Bascom, a Center for the Visual Arts in Highlands, NC.

Brubeck Brothers Quartet at Highlands PAC
2025-09-27 19:30 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Chris and Dan Brubeck have been making music together practically all their lives. Drummer Dan and bassist, trombonist, and composer Chris cut their first record together in 1966 more than a half-century ago. They’ve subsequently played a variety of styles in several different groups, as well as with their father, jazz giant Dave Brubeck, and their own Brubeck Brothers Quartet. With Dan and Chris as the foundation, guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb complete this dynamic Quartet. They perform at concert series, colleges, and jazz festivals across North America and Europe, including the Newport, Detroit, Montreal, Playboy/Hollywood Bowl, and Monterey Jazz Festivals.

Pop Up Pipers in Downtown Highlands
2025-10-04 16:30 - 17:00 | NC
The Pop-Up Pipers will appear in unexpected locations throughout downtown Highlands on select Saturdays from 4:30 to 5:00 P.M.
Keep an ear out on the following dates: June 7, July 12, August 2, September 6, and October 4, but exactly where they’ll play remains a mystery, adding an element of spontaneous joy to each performance.

National Theatre Live | Dr. Strangelove at Highlands PAC
2025-10-09 17:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove. This explosively funny satire, about a rogue U.S General who triggers a nuclear attack, is led by a world-renowned creative team including Emmy Award-winner Armando Iannucci and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley.

Vincenzo Bellini's La Sonnambula at Highlands PAC
2025-10-18 13:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Following triumphant Met turns in Roméo et Juliette, La Traviata, and Lucia di Lammermoor, Nadine Sierra summits another peak of the soprano repertoire as Amina, who sleepwalks her way into audiences’ hearts in Bellini’s poignant tale of love lost and found.

Halloween Baking Championship Community Watch Party at Highlands PAC
2025-10-20 20:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
When the clock strikes 9 pm on Mondays, something stirs in the mist over the Highlands Plateau. Not the wind… not the owls… but the pulse of Halloween Baking Championship—the bewitching hour on Food Network.
Since September 15, when our own Oksana Shchelgachova, the heart and hands behind Edelweiss Bakery Boutique, first stepped into that eerie kitchen, Highlands has held its breath.
Her journey hasn’t been a straight path—it’s been a roller coaster of fire and frost, of chocolate and chaos.
But Oksana never folds. She fights. She creates. She represents us—our mountains, our community, our spirit.
One for all, and all for Oksana.
Every week she’s faced storms that would melt lesser souls… and yet, she rises—stronger, sweeter, sharper.
The grand finale won’t come until October 27, but every episode leading there is a story in itself: suspense, artistry, and a heart that won’t quit.
Now it’s our turn to rise with her. Join the Highlands family for a Community Watch Party on Monday, October 20, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands,
Doors open at 8:15 PM, and admission is free—but come early, before the seats vanish like magic…and beware… those who arrive late may find themselves under a chocolate spell.

Highlands Cashiers Players | Deathtrap at Highlands PAC
2025-10-30 19:00, 2025-11-01 17:00, 2025-11-02 14:00, 2025-11-06 19:00, 2025-11-07 19:00, 2025-11-08 17:00, 2025-11-09 14:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
The Highlands Cashiers Players end their 30th season with Deathtrap, a suspenseful thriller opening October 30.
Directed by Michael Lanzilotta, the show blends dark comedy and mystery, perfect for spooky season.
Performances run through November 9.

Highlands Middle School Presents Disney's Descendants: The Musical at Highlands PAC
2025-11-07 19:00, 2025-11-08 15:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!
Come support Highlands Middle School students as they shine on PAC’s Main Stage!

NTL | Mrs. Warren's Profession at Highlands PAC
2025-11-13 17:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton (The Crown) joins forces with her real-life daughter Bessie Carter (Bridgerton) for the very first time, playing mother and daughter in Bernard Shaw’s incendiary moral classic.
Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs. Warren a fortune – but at what cost?
Filmed live from the West End, this new production reunites Staunton with director Dominic Cooke (Follies, Good), exploring the clash between morality and independence, traditions and progress.
Please note: this is a pre-recorded live performace.

Frida: Viva La Vida at Highlands PAC
2025-11-20 17:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Frida – Viva La Vida is a cinematic documentary event film that highlights the two sides of Frida Kahlo’s spirit: a revolutionary pioneering artist of contemporary feminism, and on the other, a human being tormented by agony and love.
With Asia Argento as narrator, the two faces of the artist will be revealed, by pursuing a common thread consisting of Frida’s own words: letters, diaries and private confessions. The documentary film event will alternate interviews with historical documents, captivating reconstructions, and Frida Kahlo’s own paintings, kept in some of the most amazing museums in Mexico.

Wicked: For Good at Highlands PAC
2025-11-21 14:00, 2025-11-21 17:30 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Set in the Land of Oz, before and after Dorothy Gale’s arrival from Kansas, Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship is put to the test as they embrace their new respective identities as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch of the North, and how the consequences of their actions will change all of Oz forever.

Inspire School Dance Presents: The Nutcracker at Highlands PAC
2025-11-21 19:00, 2025-11-22 14:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
“Inspire School Dance”. Step into a world of holiday magic with this charming community production of The Nutcracker!
Follow young Natasha on her enchanting journey through the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets, where toys come to life, snowflakes dance, and the Sugar Plum Fairy reigns supreme.
Featuring local dancers of all ages, this heartfelt performance captures the wonder and joy of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet. A festive celebration for the whole family!

Richard Strauss' Arabella at Highlands PAC
2025-11-22 13:00 | Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC, 28741, United States
Strauss’ elegant romance brings the glamour and enchantment of 19th-century Vienna to the Met stage in a sumptuous production by legendary director Otto Schenk that “is as beautiful as one could hope” (The New York Times).
Soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen makes her role debut as the title heroine, a young noblewoman in search of love on her own terms. Radiant soprano Louise Alder makes her Met debut as her sister, Zdenka, and bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny is the dashing count who sweeps Arabella off her feet.
