TheatreUNCA Presents "The Music Lesson" November 19-23

Kat (Julia Cunningham) is forced to take piano lessons from Irena (Charla Schlueter)

TheatreUNCA will stage "The Music Lesson" November 19-23 at UNC Asheville’s Carol Belk Theatre. Curtain is 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Intended for family audiences with older children, this emotionally charged play explores the healing power of music, even when confronted with the horrors of war. All shows are open to the public.

"The Music Lesson" is based on playwright Tammy Ryan’s own experience of befriending war refugees. It tells the tale of a middle-aged couple who escape the siege of Sarajevo to move to Pittsburgh to teach music. One understands the necessity of moving on into the future to survive, but the other wants a release from the past where one of her prize piano students was killed in the war. "The Music Lesson" is directed by Rob Storrs, UNCA adjunct assistant professor of drama, and will feature the music of Bach and other composers throughout.

"The Music Lesson" was presented four years ago at the Theatre for Young Audiences’ Bonderman Playwriting Festival. Since then, the play has been produced by a number of professional companies across the nation. UNCA is among the first universities to stage a production.

Tickets for all performances are $10 general admission, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for students. Because of the intimate size of UNCA's Carol Belk Theatre and often heavy demand for tickets, advance purchase is strongly advised. Tickets may be ordered by phone by calling 828/232-2291 between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. Tickets are also available at the box office 90 minutes before curtain and online.

For more information about productions, a flexible season pass or becoming a Friend of TheatreUNCA, call UNCA’s Drama Department at 828/251-6610.

Media Contacts:

• Patricia Snoyer, UNCA Associate Professor of Drama, 828/251-6940
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526