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Audience Members Become Part of the Action in Watershed’s Pirate-Themed Twelfth Night

Issue #838

October 15, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 89, low of 64

🎭 Audience Members Become Part of the Action in Watershed’s Pirate-Themed Twelfth Night

🛥️ 10/16: An Evening of Yacht Rock Jazz with Kathy Troccoli

🗓 MEGA List of Upcoming Events!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Audience Members Become Part of the Action in Watershed’s Pirate-Themed Twelfth Night

As we sail toward the holiday season, Watershed Public Theatre's latest offering is a shipwrecked romantic comedy from the world of Shakespeare; Twelfth Night premiers in Columbia for a unique run this November. 

When the audience meets chic swashbucklers, Olivia and Orisino, they should be instantly recognizable as pirates. But in a play that involves disguise, mistaken identity, and a wacky wardrobe prank, what you see is not always what you get. 

Compared to the many past performances Watershed Public Theatre (WPT) has given at Columbia State Community College's Ledbetter Auditorium, the room might not be so recognizable this time. Director Evan Hernandez did not want the standard separation between audience and actors, so the WPT crew will be rethinking and rearranging the space to make everyone a part of the same pirate party. Up close and personal, the audience is IN the play.

That's the hook, now here comes the twist: Twelfth Night is going on a mini multi-venue tour, beginning at Twisted Copper in downtown Columbia. The charming brewery on 5th Street is a fantastic venue for live entertainment, so it's a thrill for Watershed Public Theatre to branch out into a non-traditional theatre space. 

With so much thought put into the physical presentation, Evan Hernandez has impressively fit a complex, classic play into his own purpose. His adaptation drifted naturally into a pirate-commanded maritime setting. For example: the drink of choice for many Shakespearean characters was "sack" (wine), but in this Watershed version, they'll be having that delightful sea tonic known as "grog." Rather than a soundtrack of traditional tunes, we'll hear raucous sea shanties. Those songs will be especially raucous when the audience is invited to sing along!

The Twelfth Night cast includes Olivia Black, RJ Comer, Jenna Goldsmith, Reid Gregory, Lindsey Hull, Clare Jones, Dan Kassis, E. Roy Lee, Luke McGuire, Sabrina Norton, Zack Perkins, Austin Jeffrey Smith, Isabel Smith, Shaelyn Taylor, Josie Timmis, Jordan Wilhite, Evan Taylor Williams and Annie Zander.

Bookended by performances at Twisted Copper, Twelfth Night will play on November 3 and November 8 at 7pm. Tickets are $35 and include one complimentary drink with admission. Performances will also be presented November 6 & 7 at 7pm, and November 7 at 2pm at Ledbetter Auditorium; tickets are $25 for general admission, $22 for senior adults and $15 for students/children. WPT is also booking school groups for a weekday performance at 10am on November 6; contact [email protected] for more details and group reservations. 

Watershed Public Theatre continues its pursuit of bringing high quality arts entertainment to Maury County, and these Twelfth Night performances are an example of a classic work presented in an innovative, forward-thinking fashion. Director Evan Hernandez hopes audience will find it rambunctious, cozy, and memorable.

10/16: An Evening of Yacht Rock Jazz with Kathy Troccoli

Set sail on a night of smooth melodies and sophisticated grooves as Grammy-nominated artist Kathy Troccoli brings her signature voice to the world of "Yacht Rock Jazz"

Experience an unforgettable evening where classic yacht rock favorites like "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight." "All Night Long" and "Sailing" meet the elegance and improvisation of jazz, performed live against the backdrop of an intimate, upscale atmosphere.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Kathy's acclaimed career or simply love the silky sounds of jazz - infused soft rock, this concert promises a luxurious , soulful escape - perfect for music lovers looking to unwind, indulge, and be swept away by timeless tunes.

Making friends as an adult is weirdly hard. Maybe this will help… Join the What’s Up Columbia! Dinner Club on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 PM. We’ll match you with five people for dinner at a downtown restaurant, then all the tables meet up at a surprise after-party. Book your seat here.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, October 15th

Friday, October 16th

Saturday, October 17th

Sunday, October 18th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, October 15
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6-9 PM
Rett Stocstill - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM

Friday, October 16
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Ben Guidry - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Stevierock - Acapulco Mexican Grill, 6:30-8:30 PM
Nick Bentley - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
Tom & Robert - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Kathy Troccoli - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Bird and the Bear - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
Second Chance Bluegrass - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Brandon Bartley - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, October 17
Ben Daniel - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Martin Lane - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Maury County Community Band - Riverwalk Park, 3 PM
Open Mic - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 4-7 PM
Box of Rox - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Mt Pleasant Music on the Porch Series - Delta Recovery, 6-9 PM
Stevierock Acoustic Duo - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Sarah Morey & Kolton Armstrong - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM

Sunday, October 18
The Sins - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk