Asheville – NC Stage Company in downtown Asheville has brought an incredible cast of musicians and a heartwarming story to the stage. This is a true story, depicting a spontaneous night of camaraderie, music, and peace during World War I. “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” is a remarkable narrative told through the words and songs of the men who lived it. The production will run until December 22, 2024. It takes place on the war front during Christmas 1914, when British and German soldiers typically communicated across No Man’s Land with gunfire. Suddenly, a song rang out. A German soldier on the Western Front stepped into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht.” Allied and German soldiers suspended hostilities for a night of song and hope. This spontaneous cease-fire was not confined to one battlefield; similar events occurred elsewhere.
Simone Bernhard has assembled an exemplary vocal ensemble of musicians with a wide range of voices—one with an operatic voice, another with a deep basso, and others with higher ranges. You will hear “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” “Pack Up Your Troubles,” “O Tannenbaum,” and “Come On, Come On, and Join.” She held auditions for choral singers and found this wonderful group. In this small theater, the musical sounds carried seamlessly to all the listeners. The costumes are simple, reflecting what military men might have worn in the trenches. Three actors—Adam Kampouris, Steve McConnell, and Willie Repoley—interject their personal stories and remembrances between the songs. Following the performance, the audience and actors gathered to discuss various aspects of the play and learn about the singers’ and actors’ careers.
Peter Rothstein is the creator of “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914,” which won the 2019 New York Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience. Peter works extensively as a director in theater, musical theater, opera, and new work development. Since 2023, he has been the Producing Artistic Director at Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. He is also the co-founder of Theater Latté Da, a Twin Cities-based company where he served as Artistic Director since 1998.
Sadly, Hurricane Helene caused NC Stage Company to cancel their first show this fall after hours of preparation. In light of this and all that the community has endured, the company is offering several opportunities to see this delightful, uplifting show. They are providing a sliding scale for ticket prices when selecting your seat, stating, “If the lowest price ticket is still out of reach for you, please contact the box office. We want you here.”
North Carolina Stage Company
North Carolina Stage Company is a 125-seat, off-Broadway-style professional theater; noteworthy is the word “professional.” Currently in its 23rd season, NC Stage was founded by Charlie and Angie Flynn-McIver in 2001. Their choice of plays over the years reveals their commitment to artistic excellence, integrity, and exploration. NC Stage has been recognized twice for artistic excellence by both the prestigious American Theatre Wing and through the North Carolina Theatre Conference George A. Parides Award. NC Stage is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit that collaborates with members of Actors’ Equity Association and the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States under a Small Professional Theatre Tier 4 Contract.
North Carolina Stage Company is located at 15 Stage Lane in Downtown Asheville. Parking is available nearby in City Parking Garages such as Rankin Avenue or the Harrah’s Cherokee Center garage. There are also several fine restaurants in the area, including Zambras at 85 W Walnut Street, within walking distance. In January, another well-loved comedy featuring Jeeves will be performed: “Jeeves Saves the Day.” Margaret Raether’s production is based on the stories of P.G. Wodehouse. Once again, Bertie finds himself suffering the slings and arrows of misfortune at the hands of his relatives, caught between his fierce Aunt Agatha, his plaintive cousin Egbert, a saucy jazz singer, and his future father-in-law. Undoubtedly, there will be many humorous moments throughout the evening. The season will be rounded out with a variety of plays to follow. It is well worth getting a five-show season ticket for $199, so you can count on getting to great theater in the new year.