Above: Barbara Bates Smith
“A Rash of Stories” at NC Stage Company
Adapted from Ron Rash’s prize-winning stories, “A Rash of Stories” will be presented by actress Barbara Bates Smith and musical accompanist Jeff Sebens at NC Stage Company in downtown Asheville. A production of The NC Stage Catalyst Series, the show opens July 22, with performances on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday matinees through July 31.
Barbara has adapted varied selections—some humorous, others tender and suspenseful—from Ron’s short stories “Lincolnites,” “Burning Bright,” “Casualties and Survivors,” and “The Night the New Jesus Fell to Earth.” The John Parris Distinguished Professor in Appalachian Cultural Studies at Western Carolina University, Ron has won the Frank O’Connor International Award and two O’Henry prizes, and was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner award for his stories. Two of his novels have been made into films: The World Made Straight, and his New York Times bestseller, Serena.
Barbara’s off-Broadway adaptation and performance of “Ivy Rowe” from Lee Smith’s Fair and Tender Ladies has been touring for 25 years. Jeff’s musical talent includes playing hammered dulcimer, lap dulcimer, guitar, and banjo. The Triangle’s Independent Weekly said the duo’s trademarks are “vivid storytelling” and “idyllic music.”
The show is sponsored by the Merrill Lynch Wealth Management group Greiner, Ezell & Associates and ticket proceeds benefit the Downtown Welcome Table, a ministry of Haywood Street Congregation. The Downtown Welcome Table serves 600 hot meals family-style every week on Wednesdays and Sundays to the working poor and unhoused business professionals, who get to know one another over a meal with china dishes, linen tablecloths and napkins, and flowers on every table. Haywood Street Congregation is a faith-based nonprofit organization offering a supportive community to folks struggling with mental illness, addiction, homelessness, and other issues.
Tickets are available at ncstage.org. For more information, visit barbarabatessmith.com and haywoodstreet.org, or call 828.575.2477.
