Bringing the American Revolution to Life: Liberty Mountain Returns Friday, September 18, 2026
PRESS RELEASE -August 17, 2026
IKINGS MOUNTAIN, NC — Liberty Mountain returns to the Joy Theatre on Friday, September 18, 2026, with Revolutionary-era festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the performance at 7:30 p.m.
Visitors will experience Revolutionary War reenactors, cannon and musket live-fire demonstrations, crafts, horse-mounted dragoons, a Drum and Fife Corps, music, food, and beverages. Friday evening catering will be provided by Guilty Pleasures Catering & Bakery.
THREE EXTRAORDINARY HISTORICAL EXHIBITS
Thomas Kelly Pauley — “Wall of Commanders” Renowned portrait artist Thomas Kelly Pauley (www.pauleyportraits.com) returns with his acclaimed portraits of the key Patriot and Loyalist commanders at Kings Mountain. The “Wall of Commanders” has long been a favorite of patrons and offers a special photo opportunity for descendants of those who fought in the battle.
Charles Toppan — Jefferson’s Rough Draft New for 2026, the 1829 Charles Toppan steel engravings of Thomas Jefferson’s original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence will be exhibited at the Joy. Brought by Founding Sponsors Gilbert and Jancy Patrick, the engravings preserve Jefferson’s handwritten draft, including interlineations by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.
Theodore W. Ohman — Declaration of Independence Also on display is a 1942 Theodore W. Ohman lithographic restoration of the Declaration of Independence, donated by John B. and Sonja Houston. Ohman recreated the Declaration using an early photograph of the original parchment and the 1823 Stone engraving. Examples of his work are held by the National Archives, the Library of Congress, and Independence Hall.
Together, these exhibits help tell the story of American freedom—from Jefferson’s words declaring independence to the Carolina patriots who fought to preserve it at Kings Mountain.
Written by Robert “Bob” Inman, Liberty Mountain brings to life the dramatic events leading to the October 7, 1780, Battle of Kings Mountain, a pivotal victory in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution.
The production features full theatrical action, music, epic battles, and special effects. Since its debut in 2014, Liberty Mountain has been presented continuously, with nearly 5,000 guests attending last season.
The story of the Battle of Kings Mountain is uniquely tied to Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, and the Carolinas—yet remains largely unknown to many Americans. Liberty Mountain is dedicated to preserving and sharing this remarkable chapter of American history.
Performances continue each weekend from September 18 through October 11, 2026.
For tickets and information, visit www.libertymountaindrama.com or www.kmlt.org, or call 704-730-9408.
Join us to relive history and celebrate the patriots and the battle that helped shape a nation!
HUZZAH!
The 2026 Liberty Mountain Committee
Founders: Shirley Brutko, Jim Champion, Rick Dancy, Jerry Ledford, Gilbert and Jancy Patrick – Treasurer: Mary Grace Keller
Committee Members: Seth Chappell, Bobby Childers, John Harris, Shearra Miller, Warren Moss, Angela Padgett, Margot Plonk, Jada Rees, MaryWade Smith, Wes Westmoreland, and Lloyd Williams, Jr.
Playwright: Robert (Bob) Inman
Artistic Director: Jeremy Trent Homesley
Music Director: Ashley DeMar
Liberty Mountain is produced by Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc.
Gilbert and Jancy Patrick are the Founding Sponsors
Liberty Mountain returns on Friday, September 18, 2026
PRESS RELEASE -August 3, 2026
In 1780 our Patriot forefathers answered the call to come together to secure the birth and freedom of our nation. Today, you have the opportunity (many would say the privilege) to answer the call to support and secure that legacy!
Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Liberty Mountain, Founding Sponsor Gilbert and Jancy Patrick are actively seeking volunteers, advocates, and sponsors, for this fall’s production. General Manager Jim Champion and other LM representatives will be contacting area businesses and individuals during the upcoming weeks about these opportunities.
There will be a Training Day and Welcome the Cast event on Saturday, August 29th at 5 PM in The Liberty Mountain Garden. Members of KMLT’s Guest Services Team will join the cast for a Red Bridges Barbeque buffet meal with training to follow for new and returning volunteers. Please contact Jim Champion or Caswell Martin info@kmlt.org to RSVP for the meal.
Financial support is always welcome and will be put to good use, but even more important is tangible, visible support by displaying posters and other promotional materials and by spreading the word about Liberty Mountain. If you are interested in sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, contact Jim Champion 704-692-2897.
2026 sponsorship levels include: $2,500 Corporate Sponsor, $1,000 General Sponsor, $500 Captain Sponsor, and $250 Patriot Sponsor. All sponsorship levels include special amenities.
Support is especially important as we take Liberty Mountain to the Joy stage to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary! Our September 18 through October 11 season includes the opportunity to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of the Battle with a special evening performance on Wednesday, October 7th. It also allows us to engage our local students and add to their education regarding this important part of our community’s history. We are offering 12 school day performances for area students. Call the Joy at 704-730-9408 for details and to reserve tickets for your school or group.
Tickets to the LM 2026: America 250 Opening Night Gala on Friday September 18th are $90 each. Tickets are limited to 150 for this event so please get your tickets early at www.libertymountaindrama.com. The festivities include Revolutionary War era entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and beverages in the Liberty Mountain Garden beginning at 5:30 PM. The performance begins at 7:30 PM in the Joy Theatre with a “meet and greet” and desserts in the Garden afterward.
Group and VIP ticket packages are available now at info@kmlt.org and online ticket sales are open at www.libertymountaindrama.com or by calling 704-730-9408.
Our revolutionary history is unique to Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, and the Carolinas. Please help celebrate and preserve it for future generations by supporting the telling of OUR history.
The 2026 Liberty Mountain Committee
Founders: Shirley Brutko, Jim Champion, Rick Dancy, Jerry Ledford, Gilbert and Jancy Patrick – Treasurer: Mary Grace Keller
Committee Members: Seth Chappell, Bobby Childers, John Harris, Shearra Miller, Warren Moss, Angela Padgett, Margot Plonk, Jada Rees, MaryWade Smith, Wes Westmoreland, and Lloyd Williams, Jr.
Playwright: Robert (Bob) Inman
Artistic Director: Jeremy Trent Homesley
Music Director: Ashley DeMar
Liberty Mountain is produced by Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc.
Gilbert and Jancy Patrick are the Founding Sponsors
“Mama’s Crazy Christmas Bride Ride” CAST ANNOUNCEMENT!
Cast Announcement for Mama’s Crazy Christmas Bride Ride, World Premiere! Kings Mountain Little Theatre, KMLT, The Joy Theatre
The sleigh has arrived, the bells are ringing, and we’re excited to announce the cast of Mama’s Crazy Christmas Bride Ride!
A huge congratulations to our talented cast! We can’t wait to bring this hilarious holiday comedy to life and share plenty of laughs with our audience this November.
Get ready for a holiday adventure full of family, fun, and festive chaos—you won’t want to miss Mama’s Crazy Christmas Bride Ride!
Keep an eye out on our facebook page for more information about the cast and show in the coming weeks!
Described as a "shamelessly hilarious Southern-fried yuletide joyride," the play delivers the heart, humor, and holiday spirit audiences have come to love from the celebrated Jones Hope Wooten
Performance Dates: November 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 & 15, 2026
Director: Nikki Wood
For questions related to the production, please contact Nikki at nikkiw21004@gmail.com
Lights Up on History: “1776” Opens Soon at the Joy Theatre!
It all begins with an idea.
Hello, Kings Mountain and surrounding communities!
As we step into the warm days of June, we at Kings Mountain Little Theatre are buzzing with excitement. In just two weeks, our stage at the historic Joy Theatre will come alive with one of America’s most beloved musicals — 1776.
This award-winning show brings to life the passionate debates, brilliant minds, and bold courage of the men who dared to declare independence and shape a new nation. With stirring music, sharp wit, and powerful drama, 1776 reminds us why storytelling matters — especially stories about freedom, compromise, and the birth of our country.
Performance Dates:
Friday, June 19 – 7:30 PM (Opening Night)
Saturday, June 20 – 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 21 – 3:00 PM
Friday, June 26 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, June 27 – 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 28 – 3:00 PM (Closing Performance)
All Friday performances are evening shows at 7:30 PM. Saturday performances include both matinee (3:00 PM) and evening (7:30 PM). Sunday performances are matinee only at 3:00 PM.
Tickets are available now at kmlt.org. We strongly encourage you to reserve early — these shows have a way of selling out when word gets around!
Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a first-time theatergoer, or bringing the whole family (this production is suitable for most ages, though younger children should be prepared for some intense historical moments), we promise an unforgettable experience in our beautifully restored historic Joy Theatre.
Why See “1776” at KMLT?
Local Talent, Big Heart: Every role is filled by passionate volunteers from our community — many of whom you may already know!
Historic Venue: There’s nothing quite like experiencing live theater in the charming Joy Theatre, right in the heart of downtown Kings Mountain.
Support Your Local Arts: As a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every ticket and donation helps us continue bringing quality productions to our region.
We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported our recent Day of Giving on June 1st. Your generosity keeps the lights on and the curtain rising!
Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to be inspired. In a world that sometimes feels divided, 1776 celebrates what can happen when passionate people come together for something greater than themselves.
We can’t wait to see you at the theater!
Buy Tickets → kmlt.org
Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos, cast spotlights, and updates.
Let’s make this a summer to remember — one curtain call at a time. 🎭🇺🇸
Kings Mountain Little Theatre
Joy Theatre
202 S Railroad Avenue,
Kings Mountain, NC
(704) 730-9408 | info@kmlt.org