LIVING HISTORY
Horn in the West opens

Friday night in Boone

By Jeff Eason

If you think you know all about the outdoor drama “Horn in the West,” you’re in for a surprise. That’s because the 57th season of the production features a new director, new actors, new scenes, new battles, new songs, new scenery and new amenities for the audience.

Director Julie A. Richardson spent the past few weeks leading a talented group of (mostly) young actors through their paces as they learned all the intricacies of the new script.

While the actors were rehearsing their new lines, they also practiced new dance steps with choreographer Susan Lutz and battle scenes with fight choreographer Bobby Funk.

Horn in the West will open its 2008 season on Friday, June 20 at 8 p.m. The performance is one of three straight “Watauga Nights,” featuring reduced admission prices for Watauga County residents.
With drama, comedy and music, Horn in the West tells the exciting story of how settlers in this region of the Appalachian Mountains dealt with the challenges of the mid-to-late 18th century.

Horn in the West players rehearse a sword fight scene for this year’s production. The outdoor drama opens in Boone Friday night. Photo by Jeff Eason

Dr. Geoffrey Stuart and his family leave Great Britain to join the Carolina Colony, only to find themselves embroiled in the politics of the early stages of the American Revolution.

A loyal servant of the crown, Stuart must decide whether to obey the wishes of the tyrannical Redcoat Col.MacKenzie, or follow a group of freedom-seeking pioneer families led by Daniel Boone.
Written by outdoor dramatist Kermit Hunter, “Horn in the West” has become an annual family favorite because of the way it highlights regional history, music and dancing, battle sequences, and true romance.

The 2008 production of Horn in the West is directed by Julie A. Richardson. The cast includes Wes Martin as Daniel Boone, Andrew Dylan Ryan as Dr. Geoffrey Stuart, Jen Mears as Martha Stuart, Chase Green as Jack Stuart, Darrell King as Rev. Isaiah Sims, Jenny Cole as Widow Howard, Abigail Clark as Mary Greene, Wade Mowles as Toby Miller, Jeff Hatley as Gov. Tryon/Cobbler, Tom Siegrist as Col. MacKenzie, Tamilee Espinoza as Nancy Ward, Charlie Grimes as Dragging Canoe and Joey Palazolo as Fire Dancer.
The Chorus includes Josh Howard, Justin Attkisson, Lauren Otte, Christen Orr, Elizabeth Stepp, Janny Powell, Jon Stewart, John Sumrall, Ben Melynk and Kelly Plemmons.
Dancers include Brianna Case, Peter C. Adam, Lauren Awgwin, Charlie Grimes, Sabrina Kritchen, Joey Palazolo, Luke Robinson, Amanda Taylor Sudderth, Simone Anderson, Morgan Hatley and Zachary Roseman.

Villagers include Andrew Hatley, Deirdre Roseman, India Roseman, Virginia Roseman, Mary Silver and Isabella Stollenmaier.

Actor/Technicians include Joshua Hodgeson, Dalton Dale, Carson Gregory, Shannon Hatley, Adam Johnson, Dorothy Wright and Sarita Anderson.

The show also includes special appearances by Cora Hatley, Annie Johnson, Hailey Martin, Thomas McNiel, Alexander McNiel, Chase Sudderth and Brie Winkler-Price.

Ken McNeil is assistant director for the show. The crew includes choreographer Susan Lutz, fight choreographer Bobby Funk, costumer Diane Barnard, lighting designer Rebecca Manning, sound designer David Courreges, music score developer Peter McBeth, music director Jenny Cole, production stage manager Scott Koenig, deck stage manager Lisa Bledsoe, master electrician Rose Bonner, technical director Drew S. Holden, and narrator Tom Lanier.

Additional production staff includes Max Bridges, Sam Phillips, Curt Buchannan, Jessica Dillard, Jess McNiel, Wendy McNiel, Jill Privott and Adam “White” Pruitt.

This season’s production of Horn in the West runs through August 16th with performances nightly at 8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $8 for children. AAA discounts are honored and group rates are available for advance tickets. For more information, call (828) 264-2120 or visit www.horninthewest.com.

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday (June 20-22) are Watauga Nights at Horn in the West. That means that tickets are only $6 for Watauga County residents.

CLICK HERE FOR RELATED VIDEO