Carolina Actors Studio Theatre becomes hostage to playwright Mark Medoff's When You Comin' Back Red Ryder?. The play, which opens today, is set in a small diner in New Mexico, staffed with a small group of unenthused employees. What seems like just another humdrum day becomes a life-changing experience when an unstable Vietnam War veteran shoots through the doors. $20-$25. Jan. 13, 8 p.m.; Jan. 15, 8 p.m.; Jan. 20-22, 8 p.m.; Jan. 28-30, 8 p.m.; Feb. 3-5, 8 p.m.; Feb. 10-12, 8 p.m. Carolina Actors Studio Theatre, 1118 Clement Ave. 704-455-8542. www.nccast.com.