Theatre Season Opens May 30
World Premiere Of Moses Cone:The Denim King

Blue jeans are as American as baseball and apple pie, but did you know the rugged yet comfy apparel actually got started in the Carolina's? Explore denim's origins with the Blowing Rock Stage Company's innagural show of the Summer 2007 season, as the Hayes Performing Arts Center's resident company presents the world premiere of Moses Cone: The Denim King.
"We are deeply honored that BRSC has been given the privilege of producing the world premier of Moses Cone: The Denim King, which has been in development for several years," says director Kenneth Kay, artistic director of BRSC. "In fact, the musical will feature a cast of nearly thirty actors and musicians and utilize the collective talents of artists, designers, and technicians from every major performing arts group in Watauga County."
The journey begins in the late 1800s, when Moses and his brother Caesar leave their childhood surroundings in Baltimore, Md., for the new frontier of the North Carolina mountains, an untapped industrial and agricultural area. As they continue their father's trade of growing and selling produce, the brothers discover the popularity and need of a durable fabric for the blue-collar people of the High Country. The entrepreneur in Moses led to his legacy as "The Denim King."
Moses Cone playwright Janet Barton Speer, Chair of the Division of Performing Arts at Lees-McRae College, teamed with John Thomas Oaks to create the musical. Jim Ballard plays the Blue Ridge Mountain legend.
"Moses Cone was a remarkable man, and the story of his life, family and work has all the ingredients that make for a wonderful night in the theatre. This show is the living history of Blowing Rock and Watauga County, and we invite the entire community to come celebrate their history with us," says Kay.
Times for Moses Cone: The Denim King are May 30 at 8pm, May 31 at 2pm & 8pm, June 1 at 8pm, June 2 at 2pm & 8pm, June 3 at 2pm, June 6 at 8pm, June 7 at 2pm & 8pm, June 8 at 8pm, June 9 at 2pm & 8pm, June 10 at 2pm, June 13 at 8pm, June 14 at 2pm & 8pm, June 15 at 8pm, June 16 at 2pm & 8pm. Tickets are $30, $14 for students, and are available now by calling the Box Office at 828-295-9627. You may pay by credit card or by cash (in person). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.actorsthetrecharlotte.org by credit card. Special group rates are also available. Season and Flex Passes can be purchased and used throughout the entire '07 season.
The Blowing Rock Stage Company's mission is to produce revivals of popular plays and musicals that have sustained us since our beginnings and to the exploration and development of new works that celebrate the culture and heritage of our region. Our primary task is to celebrate, through theatrical performances and educational outreach programs, the common humanity binding us all together.
The Blowing Rock Stage Company produces all shows in the Hayes Performing Arts Center, 152 Jamie Fort Road (off Valley Boulevard), Blowing Rock, NC. For tickets or information on all programming call 828-295-9627