Playwrights Hume Cronyn and Susan Cooper drew their inspiration from the Foxfire books, a series based on high school students’ interviews with their elders about vanishing Southern Appalachian lifeways. Set in Rabun, Georgia, the Foxfire story centers around the struggle to maintain cherished traditions and values in the face of external forces for change and the resulting conflict between generations. "The old ones hang on like foxfire on rotten wood," says real estate broker Prince Carpenter, as he tries to persuade Aunt Annie to sell her mountain-top home.

Foxfire includes live bluegrass and country music, provided by Dillard Nations, Aunt Annie’s prodigal son, and his band, The Stony Lonesome Boys. You’ll no doubt recognize a couple of the Stony Lonesome band: Folk Society members Tom Kelleher (vocals and guitar) and Peter McCranie (dobro). Mandolin player Brett Mason rounds it out. Although Hume Cronyn wrote the music and lyrics for Foxfire, bandleader Peter McCranie wrote many arrangements, as well as a couple of songs to underscore the show. Musical themes, reprised as the story unfolds, enhance the production and contribute to its success. (Kudos to Tom Kelleher and Peter McCranie for representing CFS so very well!)

Devotees of house concerts will appreciate the intimacy of the CAST theater, located off of Central Avenue in Plaza-Midwood at 1118 Clement Avenue. In this setting, overacting would be deadly. Leads Charles LaBorde (Hector Nations), Paula Baldwin (Aunt Annie), and Mike Sharpe (Dillard Naitons) deliver totally believable and on-the-mark performances. As someone rooted in the Blue Ridge, it’s significant to me that both leading and supporting actors treat their characters and the Appalachian people they represent with dignity, respect, and affection.

Michael Simmons is generously offering CFS members a $4 discount off regular ticket prices ($22 adults; $18 students and seniors). Members can book their seats online here, or call the box office at 704-455-8542 (90 minutes prior to show, call 704-347-5838). Remember to bring your Folk Society membership card with you to show at the box office. Enjoy!