RhinoLeap kicks off ’26 season with ‘Red’

ASHEBORO — RhinoLeap Productions announces its first production of 2026: “Red” by John Logan, which will be presented at Starworks in Star beginning on March 7.

Winner of six Tony Awards, Red focuses on the late career of modernist painter Mark Rothko. 

The production at Starworks in Star will be part of a month-long live performance residency surrounded by galleries filled with art created by their glass blowers, metal sculptors and potters.

The live performances run March 7 through 22.

About the Play

Under the watchful gaze of his young assistant and the threatening presence of a new generation of artists, Rothko takes on his greatest challenge yet: To create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting. 

Red is a moving and compelling account of one of the greatest visual artists of the 20th century whose struggle to accept his growing fame became his ultimate undoing. 

About the Production Team

John Logan’s additional work as an Academy Award nominated screenwriter includes Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator”, Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” and Sam Mendes’ James Bond films “Skyfall” and “Spectre”. 

The play will be performed by Kira Geiger and Michael Tourek as Rothko. 

Kira is RhinoLeap’s Associate Artistic Director and Michael is a film and television actor based in North Carolina. His film and TV credits include roles in “The Accountant 2”, “Red One”, “The Walking Dead” (as Roman Calhoun), “Mayor of Kingstown” and “Ozark.”

The director of the production will be RhinoLeap Artistic Director Patrick Osteen. 

Play info

When: March 7, 8, 12-15, 19-22

Times: 7 p.m. most nights; 2:30 p.m. on Sundays;  11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12 Where: Starworks, 100 Russell Drive, Star

Tickets: $30; www.rhinoleap.com/live

About RhinoLeap

RhinoLeap’s mission is to demonstrate the power of the arts to transform rural communities striking a balance between asking meaningful questions and the desire to entertain. RhinoLeap has produced 35 productions and have performed and/or taught in 17 counties across North Carolina. Creations include live theater, dance and music as well as a weekly radio show, Crash Radio on WKXR and WFDD.

About Starworks

Starworks is an internationally renowned maker’s space converted from a textile mill promoting community and economic development. Starworks has increased the diversity of artistic experiences available in that region by bringing nationally and internationally known artists for demonstrations, classes and commissions.

The School House Gallery is a public gallery featuring work from more           

than 100 artists, mostly past Starworks residents and interns. The School House      Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at no cost to guests.

Starworks Cafe & Taproom is full service coffee bar, taproom and live music   venue. Enjoy games, wifi, music, art and your favorite treats. Starworks Cafe       & Taproom is open Tuesday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.