The Clayton Center stage with the grand piano waiting for the next performance!

Do you have to drive to the "Big City" for everything?  We think not!  You will find great Southern fare in our modest diners and restaurants, outstanding shopping bargains in area outlets, and you will find culture and arts just down the street in Clayton, Smithfield, and Benson.

This fall's cultural line-up is set for The Clayton Center, the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium, The Neuse Little Theatre and the W.J. Barefoot Auditorium.  Each community has a variety of entertainment to offer and at VERY reasonable prices....and you might just see up-and-coming talent before they make it big.  Local crooners of American Idol fame Scotty McCreary and Clay Aiken both got their early experience singing on local stages in Johnston County.

Here's a taste of the cultural line-up available this year -- call and order tickets today for your favorites!

The Clayton Center

Ryan Shupe & the Rubber Band, Saturday, Sept. 28 2013 – fresh and funky, their self-dubbed “Post-Hee-Haw-Funkadelic-HipHop-Newgrass” sound is unique and creative!Barbara Bailey Hutchison, Saturday, Nov.23 2013– this popular Grammy Award winning and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter bring her melodic alternative folk music to The Clayton Center stage as well as to students of Clayton High School in a week-long visual arts workshop.

It’s A Wonderful Life: Live from WVL Radio Theatre, Saturday, Dec. 7 2013 – a clever stage adaption of the classic George Bailey story breathes new life into Bedford Falls in 1945.

Tar River Swing Band Big Band Christmas, Saturday, Dec. 14 2013 – a new brand of classic jazz with a holiday flair that will delight audience members of all ages.

Junior Brown, Saturday, Jan. 25 2014 – dubbed “America’s most versatile musician,” Junior Brown combines the soul of country and the spirit of rock n’ roll.

Hot Club of San Francisco, Friday, Feb. 14 2014 – a Gypsy Swing band made up of accomplished and versatile musicians from the city by the bay perform with style and panache.

Celtic Tenors, Saturday, March 15 2014 –the world-class tenors return with their charismatic personalities and incredible vocal skills.

School House Rock, Saturday, April 5 2014 – East Carolina University’s Storybook Theatre presents this fun, interactive production for students ages 5-12 with an educational children’s workshop afterwards.

James Gregory, Friday, April 11 2014 – the “Funniest Man In America” returns with his rib-tickling reflections on life from the front porch.


The Neuse Little Theatre - call 919-934-1873 for tickets.


Sex Please, We're Sixty, September 13-15, 20-21, 2013 - An American Farce by Michael and Susan Parker on the effects of little blue pills and men and the mayhem that ensues.

Dracula Bites, February 14-16, 21-22, 2014 - A comedy by Duke Emberger and Virginia Cate about Stewart Minor who has always wanted to perform the role of Dracula!  See what happens when the production spirals out of control.

A Little Murder Never Hurt Anyone, April 4-6, 11-12, 2014 - A comedy by Ron Bernas about Matthew Perry who vows to kill off his wife by the next New Year's Eve and the year long match of wits and devious murder attempts.

The Red Velvet Cake War, May 16-18, 23-24, 2014 - A comedy by Jessie Jones, etc. company about the three Verdeen cousins who could not have picked a worse time to throw their family reunion.


Paul A. Johnston Auditorium


Generation Bluegrass, September 21, 2013 - Born in the mind of 17-year-old Corey Smith as he sought to merge his talents and love for Bluegrass Music.

CMS "Where Stars Get Their Start' More Than Country, October 4-5, 2013 - an opportunity for aspiring artists to perform in a state-of-the-art facility with a professional band and back-up singers in a 2 day- multiple show stint.

BJ Thomas, November 2, 12013  - A true American institution whose iconic pop, country and gospel hits defined generations, B.J. Thomas has found a unique way to celebrate an incredible half a century in music.

Meredith Willson's The Music Man, November 15-17, 2013 - Professor Harold Hill, a confidence man, finds his challenge in River City, Iowa.  Follow his exploits with the boys marching band, the local pool hall the local librarian Marian that he falls for and could expose him to the town.  Presented by the Neuse Little Theatre.

Seussical, February 22, 2013 -  "Oh, the thinks you can think" when Dr. Seuss's best-loved stories collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! Adapted from the Broadway version, this adaptation especially for young audiences features thirteen actors and enhanced production values.

CMS December 2013 'Where Stars Get Their Start' Christmas Show, December 5-7, 2013 - an opportunity for aspiring artists to perform in a state-of-the-art facility with a professional band and back-up singers in a 2 day- multiple show stint.

Blood Done Sign My Name, March 14, 2014 -  In Blood Done Sign My Name, Tim Tyson recounts the 1970 murder of Henry ‘Dickie’ Marrow in Oxford, NC and the events that followed.

The Fantasticks, March 19, 2014 -  A legend in its own time, The Fantasticks is the longest running musical in history! A simple romantic comedy about a boy, a girl, their meddling fathers and the wall that divides them.

Shang Forbes & Aaliyah Ford, March 28, 2014 - Shang has cemented his position as one of the brightest funnymen in the business and his political and explosive humor has been showcased on HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam”, BET’s “Comic View Grand Stand”, and many others. Aaliyah learned early the power of humor to draw attention to herself, both at home and at school.

Grease, March 29, 2014 - The brand new sing-along version of the classic film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John brought to you by the producers of Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music...Dressing up is strongly encouraged and full audience participation is essential.

Tim Hawkins with special guest Bob Smiley, April 12, 2014   - Since giving up his job as a grocery truck driver in 2002, Tim Hawkins has been forging the magical blend between two comedic ideals: A genuinely funny comedy show that caters to the entire family.


W. J. Barefoot Auditorium - For more information call 919-894-3825


Christmas Variety Show, November 22-24, 2013 - Christmas show presented by the Carolina Music Showcase.

Remembering Mayberry, Jan 31, Feb 1-2, Feb 8-9, 2014 - Back by popular demand enjoy this variety show with music, skits and family fun!

Spring Musical, May 2-4, 2014 - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor (Tentative)

Children's Theatre Workshop, July 7-18, 2014