‘Bull Durham: The Musical’ Comes To Namesake North Carolina City For First Time
Every now and again a movie comes along that just speaks to you. For me, that experience came when I was 18 years old in the summer of 1988. I was coming to grips with my basketball career coming to an end. I’d had some incredible highs (playing for a United States team in Italy), and some big lows too (injuries, losing seasons). For the first time since I was 6 years old, basketball was no longer going to be a part of my life. I didn’t know what to do or how to express how I felt. Then I saw “Bull Durham.” And this scene. This was everything.
The movie is about a baseball player, and I was a baller, but the sentiment was identical. I knew it was over. I knew there was something out there for me, but right now, I just wanted “to be.” Consequently, “Bull Durham” has always been on my list of favorite movies.
Now, I may have to become a musicals fan and make my way to the triangle as “Bull Durham: The Musical” is on its way to its namesake North Carolina’s city. It seems preposterous that “Bull Durham: The Musical” has never played Durham, right?
Lauren Kennedy Brady, Theater Raleigh’s producing artistic director tells WRAL, “I’ve been cheering on the creation of ‘Bull Durham, The Musical’ from the stands for a while. So it was a no brainer when the writers approached me with the opportunity to bring the show to the very place where it all began!”
“Bull Durham: The Musical” plays Reynolds Theater at Duke University from September 10-24, 2024. Guarantee your ticket access here.
Experts Say These Are The 9 Best Movies Filmed In North Carolina
North Carolina may not be the first state that comes to your mind when you think of film production. And yes we aren’t New York or California but that doesn’t mean some fantastic movies weren’t filmed in North Carolina. While Hollywood gets the glamour and notoriety, plenty of iconic films have been shot all over the United States. And this certainly includes North Carolina. I’m not a movie buff, though I do enjoy watching them from time to time. Mainly when I have the attention span and time! And honestly, the first film that came to my mind when I saw this list, well actually I don’t think it was made in North Carolina at all. And it wasn’t filmed because it’s animated.
My mind instantly went to the Disney classic “Cars”. Even more surprising? I’ve never seen it. I just remember hearing about it when they did the premiere at Charlotte Motor Speedway. But don’t worry, I did think of one that actually shot in North Carolina (and made this list)- Dirty Dancing. I’m sure you know that the classic 80’s film was shot at Lake Lure, NC. But is it the best one to come out of the state? Our friends at BetCarolina have it ranked high, but not first. BetCarolina.com compiled a list of movies filmed in North Carolina and ranked them based on a point system.
This point system uses IMDb rating, Rotten Tomatoes Audience and Critics’ Scores, and Oscars recognition to rank the top 10 movies shot in North Carolina. Did your favorite make the list? Number one is definitely a beloved film North Carolina can be proud of! Keep reading to see the top films. You can read the full study by BetCarolina here.
Charlie Nance is the Afternoon Drive co-host (along with his wife) of "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple have been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame four times. Prior to his time in Charlotte, Charlie (along with Debbie) spent more than a decade hosting successful morning radio shows in Greenville, SC; Augusta, Ga; and Birmingham, Al. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about dream lottery windfalls, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.
