There’s Nothing Better than a Trip to the Theater!
Join Us for a Play at the HUB!
Experience the hilarious Southern comedy Dearly Departed, where a wildly dysfunctional family comes together to plan a funeral filled with chaos, secrets, and plenty of laughs. Paired with a delicious Southern buffet dinner, this dinner theater production promises an unforgettable night of humor, heart, and family you’ll recognize as your own.
Fall Dinner Theater: Dearly Departed
Get ready for a night of laughter, great food, and unforgettable characters as the Town of Hudson’s Fall Dinner Theater presents Dearly Departed at the HUB Station Arts Center in Hudson, NC. This riotous Southern comedy dives headfirst into the chaos that erupts when a family—already brimming with quirks, grudges, and long-simmering tensions—comes together to plan the funeral of their notoriously “mean and surly” patriarch, Bud Turpin.
About the Show
When Bud dies suddenly of a stroke, his sons Ray-Bud and Junior, sister Marguerite, and widow Raynelle do their best to pull together a “dignified” service. But their plans quickly unravel. Junior’s wife Suzanne (correctly) accuses him of cheating, Ray-Bud hits the bottle to cope with both grief and the expense of using his arch rival’s funeral home, and Raynelle seems more concerned about the wording on Bud’s tombstone than anything else. Add in a colorful cast of small-town friends, relatives, and church choir members, and you’ve got a comedy packed with relatable dysfunction, outrageous moments, and a whole lot of heart.
Dearly Departed is more than just a parody of Southern family life—it’s a love letter to it, reminding us that even when tempers flare and chaos reigns, family ties (and shared laughter) keep us together. And yes—you will absolutely recognize someone you know in this show!
🍽 A Full Evening of Entertainment
Your evening begins with doors opening at 6:00 PM, giving you time to settle in, grab a drink, and soak in the ambiance of our beautifully transformed auditorium. At 6:30 PM, enjoy a buffet-style dinner catered by Boxcar Grille, featuring homestyle favorites served with warmth and Southern hospitality (please note: no dietary substitutions will be available). The show begins promptly at 7:30 PM, immersing you in a theatrical experience filled with family ties, laughter, and unforgettable performances.
✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a dysfunctional family coming together in a hilarious Southern comedy dinner theater format. Enjoy the thrill of live performance paired with great food, great company, and the warmth of our community. Dearly Departed will leave you talking long after the curtain falls.
📅 Show Dates:
- October, 16-18 and 23-25
- October, 19 (Matinee, 1:30pm Lunch, 2:30pm Show)
⏰ Times:
- Dinner at 6:30 PM
- Show at 7:30 PM
- Matinee – Lunch at 1:30 PM and Show at 2:30 PM
Community Connection at the HUB Station Arts Center
The HUB Station Arts Center is not just a venue; it’s a hub for community engagement and cultural expression. The upcoming production of Dearly Departed, exemplifies the center’s commitment to providing a platform for local talent, fostering creativity, and bringing the community together through the arts. Located conveniently near Lenoir, NC and Hickory, NC, the HUB Station offers artisic experiences for the region.
Ticket Information:
Tickets for this unforgettable evening go on sale September 4, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic of Dearly Departed and indulge in a culinary experience by Boxcar Grille. Beer, wine, cider, and snacks can be purchased before and during the performance at 3 Drinks Down Beverage Company located in the East Wing Hall of the Arts Center. Secure your seats early and be part of this enchanting celebration of community, talent, and hospitality.
🎟️ Tickets:
- Dinner & Show (table seating for 8): $37.00
- Show-Only (balcony seating): $20.00
Come for the theater, stay for the feast, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re searching for “dinner theater near me,” “live theater performances near me,” or “fun events near me,” Dearly Departed at the HUB Station is the perfect choice. We look forward to welcoming you to the HUB for an evening of entertainment, and camaraderie.
You will not want to miss our dinner theater plays for these reasons:
Dinner Catered by Boxcar Grille
- Menu to announced
Craft Beer and Wine brought to you by 3 Drinks Down Beverage Company
Support the artists and performers in our community
Enjoy great entertainment during a night out
See talented performers from our local community
“Good day! My name is Keith Smith and I have the honor and privilege of being the Director of Dinner Theatre for the Town of Hudson since its inception in 2003. I am smart enough to surround myself with great people, both in terms of talent AND quality as substantive individuals. We dare to dream big, take chances, work very hard while insisting on having fun. We will never achieve perfection and that is a large part of the challenge of the arts for me. But we can seek and attain consistent excellence. Please join us and our theatre family at an upcoming LIVE production!”
– Keith Smith, Director of Hudson Dinner Theater
“We have enjoyed the dinner and plays at the HUB for many years now and really love to bring our friends with us. The meal is always delicious and the performers are very professional and obviously have fun with the roles they’re playing. Two of our favorite plays were the “Cotton Patch Gospel” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It is always a great night out with feel-good entertainment!”
– Nancy & Bob Lewis, Hickory, NC
“I think I have been present at every Keith Smith production. His shows are entertaining, perfectly cast, the best in every way. I always marvel about how he can find so many talented people to be in his shows. Keith is the most creative person I know, and I look forward to being present at any of his future endeavors.”
– Evelyn Beam, Lenoir, NC
“The Hudson Dinner Theatre is made up of very talented volunteers of all ages from the on stage actors to the ones making the magic come alive behind the scenes. It has been a joy to watch my son share the stage with so many wonderful men and women. The shows and performances are always high quality, entertaining, and emotionally moving. The catered meal is delicious and adds a lot to a fun experience found right here in Caldwell County, NC.”
– Ashley Paruch, Granite Falls, NC
“The HUB Theater offers engaging and entertaining productions that feature local talent of exceptional quality in a venue that is warm and inviting. I am now participating as an actress in my fourth show at the HUB and have come to love the people involved and the welcoming atmosphere that promotes creative expression. The HUB Theater is true community theater because it values the contributions of each and every participant, whether they are on stage, behind the scenes or in the audience.”
– Anne Wepner, Hickory, NC
“Dinner Theater was introduced to our community after the purchase of the old Hudson School and the renovation of the former school’s auditorium in 2003. Keith Smith, the theater’s incredibly talented and accomplished director from day one, continues to bring high quality performances to the HUB Station stage. “The Sound of Music” was one of my favorites, sold out each night to many standing ovations!”
– Ann Everhardt Smith, Hudson, NC
“Dinner theater at Hudson’s Hub Station is a North Carolina gem that ranks high among community theaters. I have been very fortunate to have found it, and be able to enjoy shows from the audience perspective, as well as that as an actor on its stage. The casts are comprised of very talented volunteer theatre devotees who give it their all in the spirit of ensemble performance. Laughter, tears, and a ton of enjoyment are experiences in store for all who attend the eclectic variety of musicals, drama and comedy shows presented at the Hub Station Dinner Theater.”
– Charlie Finkle, Taylorsville, NC
Contact Us for More Details
You won’t regret making time to visit our performing arts center for a dinner theater performance. To learn more, contact us!