Hendersonville – A mother-daughter relationship takes center stage at Hendersonville Theater, just in time for Mother’s Day weekend. Terms of Endearment will run from May 1 to 11 at the downtown Hendersonville Theater.
“We are excited to be the first theatre company in Western North Carolina to present this beautiful story,” said Director Jonathan Forrester. “Terms of Endearment resonates because it’s real. It doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life—it embraces it, and in doing so, reminds us how love carries us through.”
Based on the novel by Larry McMurtry and the beloved Academy Award-winning film, Terms of Endearment traces the relationship between a highly opinionated mother and her feisty daughter as they seek humor and courage in the face of life’s challenges. This brand-new stage adaptation of one of the most beloved films of all time captures the delicate, sometimes fractured bonds between mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, and lovers—both old and new.
Adapted for the stage by Dan Gordon, the 1983 film adaptation was directed by James L. Brooks and won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Brooks, Best Actress for Shirley MacLaine, and Best Supporting Actor for Jack Nicholson. This theatrical adaptation premiered off-Broadway in 2016, starring Molly Ringwald.
With a stellar local cast and heartfelt direction, this production brings emotional depth and a healthy dose of humor to the stage. Audiences can expect a performance that is both entertaining and emotionally powerful—a perfect outing for Mother’s Day weekend or a night out with someone special.
Directed by Forrester, the talented cast includes Hendersonville Theater newcomer Mark Hodgdon as Rudyard/Dr. Maise. He joins Hendersonville Theater veterans Tate Albert as Garrett, Victoria Lamberth as Aurora, Lauren Otis as Emma, Jered Shults as Flap, and Mary Weisberger as Patsy/Doris/Nurse.
“I think directing Terms of Endearment has been a delight, watching these actors bring to life this iconic film,” said Forrester. “It represents a person’s will and desire to live and survive life’s ups and downs through love and acceptance. Everyone can relate to the themes, or rather ‘terms,’ in this show because we have all experienced similar things in our lives. I love shows like this due to the realness and vulnerability of the characters.”
A number of the cast and crew are taking on multiple roles for this production, including star Victoria Lamberth, who also serves as Executive Director of Hendersonville Theater.
“Terms of Endearment is unusual because I don’t normally get to appear on stage anymore as an actor, but I enjoy doing it, and so I’m enjoying getting a chance to do it in this show,” said Lamberth. “Just like community theater in general, we have all pulled together to put this show on stage. We all are trying to wear a lot of different hats and make it the best show possible while pouring as much love into it as we can.”
The show opens Thursday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m., with a pay-what-you-can night starting at $5 per ticket. Additional showtimes are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Discounts are available for all six regular performances, including military, senior, student, youth, and groups of ten or more. The running time is approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission.
The performance is rated PG-13 due to adult situations including substance use, illness, and death depicted onstage.
Since 1966, Hendersonville Theatre has been a beacon of inclusivity, offering live theatre and high-quality, affordable entertainment to residents of Hendersonville and the surrounding areas. The theater is wheelchair accessible, and ample free parking is available behind and in front of the theatre.
Hendersonville Theatre is located at 229 South Washington Street.