“After the Storm” premiering this Saturday!
“After the Storm,” a documentary about a post-Katrina production of “Once on this Island,” will be shown on November 14th at 12:30pm and 4:00pm at the Asheville Arts Center thanks to a generous contribution from Volvo Construction Equipment.
A group of NYC filmmakers joined forces to head down to New Orleans after Katrina to produce a timely production of the musical “Once on this Island.” They auditioned all local kids, who were also all Katrina survivors. Broadway actor Gerry McIntyre, a member of the original Broadway cast of “Once on this Island,” acted as director.
“We can’t be more pleased that the folks involved in the documentary are letting us share this story with the community,” said Chuck Taft, Asheville Arts Center Owner. “It is an amazing story of hope and courage. And a wonderful testament showing that art actually can help heal.”
The Asheville Arts Center’s Acting Academy is doing a production of “Once on this Island” in Asheville in December and taking it to the Jr. Theatre Festival in Atlanta in January. The documentary will give them a first-hand look at kids, their own age, who have actually experienced what the characters in “Island” express.
Ann Mahoney, the Director of the Asheville Arts Center’s production of “Island” and a Hurricane Katrina survivor herself says, ‘“Once on this Island” centers around a group of Haitian peasants, who are eternally at the mercy of the wind and sea. In the course of the show they see several storms and floods, in which many huts are washed away. Needless to say, the Katrina survivors featured in “After the Storm” truly understood what being at the mercy of the wind and sea meant, as well as being too familiar with many huts washing away.”
“After the Storm,” which until now has only been shown in NY, will also include a live Q&A session after the first screening with Gerry McIntyre, who will also be working with the Asheville Arts Center’s Academy kids on Friday, during their “Island” rehearsal.
”After the Storm” is Directed by Hilla Medalia, Produced by Hilla Medalia, John and Ed Priddy, with Executive Producers: John and Ed Priddy, James Lecesne and the Director of the show Once On This Island- Gerry McIntyre.
Reservations for the November 14th event can be made by calling 828.253.4000. Reservations are highly recommended.
$10/ $7 students /Academy students FREE.
Check out the trailer!
1 comment November 10, 2009
Check Out Our New Academy Commercial!
Check out our Academy Acting Conservatory commercial on Youtube!
THE ACADEMY AT THE ASHEVILLE ARTS CENTER is a year-round, progressive conservatory for students with the commitment and desire to deepen their performing arts education in acting, singing and dance. August 2009 marks the beginning of the Academy’s fourth year. Current Academy students have earned lead roles in many community and school productions, paid voice-overs, and film projects. Two concentrations of study are offered: the Musical Theatre Concentration and the Drama/ Acting Concentration.
Students in grades 4 – 12 (ages 10-18) are eligible and may be admitted by audition after submitting an application. Younger students may qualify for our Junior Acting Company, a pre-Academy program for those 10 years old and younger.
The Academy’s “acting company” conservatory approach allows students and instructors to build a supportive, exciting, boundless learning group. Together they’ll explore the tools and styles of performing on stage, film and TV. Academy students are the core of our Children’s Theatre Workshop and annual Academy productions.
1 comment November 6, 2009
Come see The Songs, November 5-15!
The Songs: A Broadway Musical Revue runs November 5-15!
Don’t forget to make your reservations: 828.253.4000
“The Songs: An Asheville Arts Center Cabaret” is a musical revue combining some of the best musical theatre songs from the Broadway (and off-Broadway) stage. With a cast of 29, the show consists of such classics as “There’s No Business Like Show Business” from Annie Get Your Gun, “Brotherhood of Man” from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, “What I Did For Love” from A Chorus Line and several more full cast numbers. There are also several newer songs from the stage, including “King of the World” from Songs for a New World, “Why, God, Why?” from Miss Saigon and “What Ever Happened To My Part?” from Spamalot.
The show will be performed November 5-15, 2009 at the Asheville Arts Center and the audience will be immersed in the experience because of the intimacy provided by the space. On Fridays and Saturday nights, a “friskier” 3rd act will be performed later in the evening. This show is a benefit to the community theatre at Asheville Arts Center, to enable us to continue providing quality theatre to the WNC community. Come to the show!
Here is the show poster we have hung up around Asheville, you may have seen it!! 
ALSO - don’t miss our November 14 screening of “After the Storm” – a documentary about a group of kids in New Orleans, post-Katrina, who put together an emotion-laden production of “Once on this Island.” We will have original Broadway cast member, Gerry McIntyre, who also directed the New Orleans production. Click here for more information.
12:30pm documentary showing + Q&A with Mr. McIntyre, then a 4pm documentary showing. Not to be missed!
Add comment November 3, 2009
AAC Drama Teacher, Ann Mahoney, Talks About November 14th “After the Storm” Documentary
AAC Academy Acting Conservatory teacher, Ann Mahoney, discusses the November 14 screening of “After the Storm,” a documentary about a post-Katrina production of “Once on this Island,” directed by Gerry McIntyre. Mr. McIntyre is an original cast member of the Broadway production of “Once on this Island.”
“”Once on this Island” centers around a group of Haitian peasants, who are eternally at the mercy of the wind and sea. In the course of the show they see many storms and floods, in which many huts are washed away. ” says Ann Mahoney. “Needless to say, these Katrina survivors truly understood what being at the mercy of the wind and sea meant, as well as being too familiar with many huts washing away.”
More information on the screenings is available on our blog, here.
More information on the documentary is available, here.
Reservations for the November 14th event can be made by calling 828.253.4000. Reservations are highly recommended.
1 comment October 29, 2009
The Songs – Show Poster & Note from Director
The Songs: An Asheville Arts Center Cabaret opens November 5! A musical revue spanning many decades of musical theatre, our local cast is top-notch – the show is sure to be a smash hit. Click here to view more details on the Facebook invitation.
Director’s Note:
Working with all of these talented people has been a fantastic process. I directed a similar show a few years back while living in Birmingham, AL and it proved to be a great success – not only was it well-attended, but it also made fast friends of all the folks involved. That is what community theatre is truly all about, in my opinion: Creating a show with all of these amazing people, donating their time, energy and voices and creating friendships that may not have otherwise been forged.
Musical theatre has been a part of my life for a very long time – it all started with my 3rd grade music teacher pulling me out of class and asking me to perform “Where is Love” from Oliver in the school talent show – that experience addicted me for life. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to pull all of these people together to explore the many facets of musical theatre. You’ll notice that there is a lack of set pieces, costumes and props – this show is about the performers themselves, first and foremost. They are the artists, the paint and the canvas. Enjoy the show and thanks again for supporting live theatre and the performing arts!
~S. Michael Wilson, Director/Creator
Add comment October 27, 2009
Asheville Arts Center Brings back Story Time with a “Ta Da” Twist
Asheville Arts Center is partnering with local Barnes & Nobles Book Stores to offer a unique interactive experience for children, blending literature with the arts.
“There is nothing more exciting than watching a child experience a book. And when they put on a costume or act out a scene, they become part of the story,” said Heather Taft, owner, Asheville Arts Center. “This idea came about from reading to my daughter, Ceili. For her, it’s not enough to tell her a story, she has to act, sing, dance or play music to it.”
And the Asheville Arts Center is pulling out all the props, from costumes to musical instruments to tutus- these kids will get to learn while having fun. And the best part? It’s free!
“Every parent wants their child to LOVE to read,” said Taft. “Early exposure to active, engaging story times, helps to build future readers!”
Story Time begins Monday, Nov. 2nd and runs through Valentines Day. Books include Jungle Drums, Angelina Ballerina, Dr. Seuss and other children’s classics.
Asheville Arts Center is locally owned and is celebrating its 5th year. They provide Arts education in dance, music and theater for all ages. They also offer Kindermusik and Creative Arts Preschool in their three Asheville locations.
(Story Times are at the Barnes & Noble on Tunnel Rd. the first MONDAY of the month, and the Barnes & Noble at Biltmore Park the second WED. & second SUN. of each month (Nov.- Feb.) Please call 828.253.4000 for times and more information.)
Add comment October 26, 2009
Katrina-inspired “After the Storm” Documentary to Premiere at Asheville Arts Center
Only ever seen in NYC – a documentary of a post-Hurricane Katrina production of “Once on this Island”:
“After the Storm,” a documentary about a post-Katrina production of “Once on this Island,” will be shown on November 14th at 12:30pm and 4:00pm at the Asheville Arts Center thanks to a generous grant from Volvo Construction Equipment.
A group of NYC filmmakers joined forces to head down to New Orleans after Katrina to produce a timely production of the musical “Once on this Island.” They auditioned all local kids, who were also all Katrina survivors. Broadway actor Gerry McIntyre, a member of the original Broadway cast of “Once on this Island,” acted as director.
“We can’t be more pleased that the folks involved in the documentary are letting us share this story with the community,” said Chuck Taft, Asheville Arts Center Owner. “It is an amazing story of hope and courage. And a wonderful testament showing that art actually can help heal.”
The Asheville Arts Center’s Acting Academy is doing a production of “Once on this Island” in Asheville in December and taking it to the Jr. Theatre Festival in Atlanta in January. The documentary will give them a first-hand look at kids, their own age, who have actually experienced what the characters in “Island” express.
Ann Mahoney, the Director of the Asheville Arts Center’s production of “Island” and a Hurricane Katrina survivor herself says, ‘“Once on this Island” centers around a group of Haitian peasants, who are eternally at the mercy of the wind and sea. In the course of the show they see several storms and floods, in which many huts are washed away. Needless to say, the Katrina survivors featured in “After the Storm” truly understood what being at the mercy of the wind and sea meant, as well as being too familiar with many huts washing away.”
“After the Storm,” which until now has only been shown in NY, will also include a live Q&A session after the first screening with Gerry McIntyre, who will also be working with the Asheville Arts Center’s Academy kids on Friday, during their “Island” rehearsal.
”After the Storm” is Directed by Hilla Medalia, Produced by Hilla Medalia, John and Ed Priddy, with Executive Producers: John and Ed Priddy, James Lecesne and the Director of the show Once On This Island- Gerry McIntyre.
When: Saturday, November 14th at 12:30-2:30pm – with a Q&A afterwards with Gerry McIntyre.
Another screening will immediately follow from 4:00pm-6pm, though there will be no “Q&A”.
Where: Asheville Arts Center at 308 Merrimon, Ave. 828.253.4000
How Much: $10/ $7 students /Academy students FREE.
Reservations recommended – call 828.253.4000. Visa, MC & Discover accepted.
3 comments October 22, 2009
The Songs: An Asheville Arts Center Cabaret – Updated Song List 10.21.09
Our Fall community theatre show, The Songs: An Asheville Arts Center Cabaret, opens November 5th.
“The Songs: An Asheville Arts Center Cabaret” is a musical revue combining some of the best musical theatre songs from the Broadway (and off-Broadway) stage. With a cast of 28, the show consists of such classics as “There’s No Business Like Show Business” from Annie Get Your Gun, “Brotherhood of Man” from How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, “What I Did For Love” from A Chorus Line and several more full cast numbers. There are also several new songs from the stage, including “King of the World” from Songs for a New World, “Why, God, Why?” from Miss Saigon and “What Ever Happened To My Part?” from Spamalot. The show will be performed November 5-15, 2009 at the Asheville Arts Center and the audience will be immersed in the experience because of the intimacy provided by the space. On Fridays and Saturday nights, a more mature-themed 3rd act will be performed later in the evening. This show is a benefit to the community theatre at Asheville Arts Center, to enable us to continue providing quality theatre to the WNC community. Come to the show!
Updated October 21, 2009
Act I
1. There’s No Business Like Show Business (from Annie Get Your Gun)
2. King of the World (from Songs for a New World)
3. The Telephone Hour (from Bye Bye Birdie)
4. Metaphor (from The Fantasticks)
5. Forget About the Boy (from Thoroughly Modern Millie)
6. Why God, Why? (from Miss Saigon)
7. Brotherhood of Man (from How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying)
8. As We Stumble Along (from The Drowsy Chaperone)
9. Whistle a Happy Tune (from The King & I)
10. One Day More (from Les Miserables)
Act II
1. This was a Real Nice Clambake (from Carousel)
2. Being Alive (from Company)
3. Mountain Duet (from Chess)
4. My New Philosophy (from You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown)
5. Tonight Quintet (from West Side Story)
6. Diva’s Lament (from Spamalot)
7. Romeo & Juliet (from Reefer Madness)
8. What I Did For Love (from A Chorus Line)
9. The Flesh Failures/Let the Sun Shine In (from Hair)
Act III
1. Willkommen (from Cabaret)
2. What Do You Do With a BA in English/Sucks To Be Me (from Ave Q)
3. Out Tonight (from Rent)
4. Could I Leave You? (from Follies)
5. White Boys/Black Boys (from Hair)
6. We Just Had Sex (from Passing Strange)
7. Cell Block Tango (from Chicago)
8. She’s A Woman (from Kiss of the Spider Woman)
9. La Vie Boheme (from Rent)
Add comment October 21, 2009
Newsletter Question – October 20, 2009
I need your opinion – let me know you’re alive out there!
What is it about Asheville that you love most?
Please comment to this post or answer through Twitter. (@AVLArtsCenter)
Your answer can be as simple as “the mountains” or “the people” or it can be more complex, like “I love Asheville because it is a wonderful place to raise children, for example….”
Extra credit: What types of community events do you most enjoy attending?
To subscribe to our e-newsletter, click here.
3 comments October 20, 2009
Check out AICFF’s Youtube page for a taste of the upcoming festival!
My friend, Tim Arem, sent me a link to his Youtube page for the Asheville International Children’s Film Festival, slated for November 2-8, 2009. Asheville Arts Center, in our love of children’s performing arts, are helping to sponsor this event!
Check out AICFF’s Youtube page by clicking here!
Here is their new animation clip, also!
4 comments October 20, 2009
