Asheville’s Wortham Center to Host Enchanting Dance Music Drama “Shiver in the Pines”

Asheville Welcomes an Enchanting Dance Music Drama

Asheville is buzzing with excitement as the Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre (ACDT) teams up with talented musician Tyler Ramsey to present a unique and mesmerizing performance titled Shiver in the Pines. This captivating dance music drama will take place at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on October 18 and 19, with an additional performance at 10 a.m. on Friday specifically for school children.

Exploring Southern Appalachia Through Dance and Music

The inspiration behind this beautiful production comes from the whimsical and enchanting pulp fantasy stories of author Manly Wade Wellman. Central to the story is the character Silver John, portrayed by Tyler Ramsey himself. Silver John is a magical musician who embarks on a journey through the mystical mountains of Southern Appalachia, encountering a myriad of fantastical creatures along the way. The tales are described as “weird and surreal,” and they convey the idea that music possesses a special power.

According to ACDT director Susan Collard, “The stories are weird and surreal and center around a magical musician who can solve problems by playing his guitar with silver strings.” She expresses a deep hope that presenting these stories in performance format will introduce them to a wider audience in the community, particularly since many people may not be aware of Wellman’s remarkable tales.

A Collaboration of Music and Movement

For Tyler Ramsey, this collaboration with the ACDT has been a delightful adventure. Having known the directors Susan and Giles Collard for many years, he suggested using Wellman’s book Who Fears the Devil? as a foundation for this musical drama. Initially, Ramsey was exploring creating instrumental music inspired by the book, but discussions with Giles quickly revealed the potential for a rich collaborative experience.

“At the time I was just interested in making some instrumental music inspired by this book,” explains Ramsey. “Then when Giles and I talked, it became clear it was the perfect way for me and for them to collaborate on something. It’s been an amazing collaboration. The pieces are inspiring the music and the music is inspiring the choreography.” This back-and-forth between music and movement adds a dynamic layer to the performance, seamlessly intertwining the themes of the stories with visual artistry.

Location and Ticket Information

The performances will be held at the stunning Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, conveniently located at 18 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. Tickets are now available for purchase, and those interested in attending the school performance are encouraged to call the box office directly at 828-257-4530, ext. 1 to secure their seats.

Whether you’re a fan of dance, music, or captivating storytelling, Shiver in the Pines promises to be a beautiful fusion of art that you won’t want to miss. Prepare to be transported to a world filled with magic, mystery, and music as ACDT and Tyler Ramsey delight audiences in this enchanting celebration of creativity and imagination!