Starting the 2018 theatrical season, New River Stage will present “Hillbilly Women” by Elizabeth Stearns at 3 p.m. Feb. 24 and 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at The Village Center at Warm Hearth Village (2387 Warm Hearth Dr.) in Blacksburg.
Based on interviews in Appalachia, this docudrama features seven women who reveal in song and narrative their personal stories of survival against incredible odds. Through themes such as work, marriage, life, and death, the stories of these women come together to paint a portrait of resilience in the heartland of 1970’s America.
“They are wives, widows, and daughters of coal miners; factory hands, cotton mill workers, and farmers; and women who value honest labor, self-esteem, and perseverance,” according to a news release. “Despite taking place in the 1970’s, the stories within reflect today’s struggle to live meaningful and dignified lives.”
The 90-minute staged reading with a 15-minute live music intermission from local bands Blacksburg Ukulele Situation and Branching Out is appropriate for audiences over 12 in light of adult themes.
New River Stage, directed by Anna Dalton, produces the play and AJ Moose directs the music.
The cast includes: Siddy: Elsie McCombs, Jewel: Debbie, Kleiner Della: Elizabeth Humphreys, Sharleen: Harmony Faye Tripp Kiser, Betty Jo: Amber Uphold, Ada: AJ Moose and Denise: Lincoln Sklar.
Tickets ($10) are available at the door or online at newriverstage.org. For more information, contact New River Stage at 585-4295 or newriverstageinfo@gmail.com.
