Singing Mary!

A new play by Beverly Austin

From the ridges and hollows of Madison County comes a voice that time nearly silenced—and a new musical determined to make sure it never goes quiet again. Singing Mary is a world premiere original musical by Beverly Austin, a Weaverville, NC resident, telling the story of ballad singer Mary Sands, one of the most celebrated traditional musicians ever to emerge from these mountains. Austin’s work is a profound act of heritage—reaching back into the roots of Appalachian musical tradition and bringing it forward, alive and resonant, for a new generation of listeners. This production sits at the very heart of our season’s theme: embracing those who came before us, and ensuring their stories are never lost.

The world premiere of Singing Mary is this Thursday, June 11th, and runs until Sunday June 22nd. Show dates and times are

Owen Theatre, 44 College Street, Mars Hill, NC, USA

About the Playwright-

Beverly Austin is descended from the Clarks and Raineys in this region, but her first two scripts were produced in London in 1974. Since then, she’s enjoyed over three dozen professional productions of her plays in New York, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Atlanta and around the Southeast– along with a collection of grants and residencies. One current project is Cakewalk, recipient of a Yip Harburg Foundation Grant. Finally, Austin has worked for over 40 years as a journalist, high-school teacher, and mother to seven children and step-children.

In fact, she is moved to dedicate this work to her mother and daughters. Read more at beverlyaustin.net