Asheville Theatre Reopens with Hope This Holiday Season
Asheville has found itself at a crossroads, but there’s a bright light shining through the clouds as North Carolina Stage Company prepares to reopen. Closed unexpectedly just as the curtains were about to rise on their 22nd season, the local theatre faced significant challenges when utility outages struck following Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024. While the storm left minor damage in its wake, the lack of essential services like water, phone, and internet forced a halt to what was supposed to be an exciting new season.
A New Beginning
Fast forward to now, and the theatre is back in action, ready to share a touching and heartfelt story with its community. They are set to stage All is Calm: the Christmas Truce of 1914 by Peter Rothstein, a dramatic retelling of a real-life historical event that marks a moment of peace amidst the chaos of World War I. The production will run from November 29 through December 22 and promises to bring joy to families and visitors during the holiday season.
The setting is the Western Front during Christmas 1914, where amid the grim realities of war, a German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht”. This marks the beginning of an extraordinary moment filled with camaraderie, music, and an unexpected silence that transcends the conflict. The play draws on the actual words and songs of the men who lived through that poignant experience, making it one of the most requested shows at NC Stage.
The Cast and Community Connection
This production features a trio of talented actors: Adam Kampouris, Steve McConnell, and Willie Repoley, alongside an eight-member choir, ready to uplift audiences with their performances. The theatre team is thrilled to bring this emotional and historical narrative back to the stage, especially during a season that has seen its share of recovery and rebuilding.
Hurricane Helene may have altered the landscape of Asheville, but the community remains resilient. Recognizing the varying impacts of the storm, NC Stage has introduced a sliding scale for ticket pricing after November 11, allowing audiences to choose what they can afford. This initiative aims to make theatre accessible to everyone, regardless of their current situation.
A Grateful Spirit
As the curtain prepares to rise once more, NC Stage expresses deep gratitude to the numerous individuals and organizations that have worked tirelessly in the recovery efforts. From utility workers and first responders to volunteer organizations, their efforts have not gone unnoticed, and the theatre intends to thank them with complimentary tickets for this production as a small gesture of appreciation.
The community has rallied around the theatre, with local sponsors stepping up to support the 2024-25 season. Among them are McGuire, Wood, and Bissette Law Firm, along with partners including the North Carolina Arts Council, the Shubert Foundation, HomeTrust Bank, Blue Ridge Public Radio, Metro Wines, and Asheville Citizen Times. Their commitment underscores the importance of local arts and the connection that theatre fosters within the community.
Mark Your Calendars
As Asheville prepares to welcome back its beloved theatre, it’s a reminder of the power of art to unite and heal. The story of All is Calm offers more than just entertainment—it provides a moment of reflection on our shared humanity and a celebration of peace. So grab your loved ones and get ready for a memorable holiday experience. For more details on showtimes, you can contact NC Stage at 828-239-0263 or visit their website.
Don’t miss out on the chance to witness this moving performance that promises to touch hearts and uplift spirits in these challenging times.
