Singing Mary: An New Appalachian-Based Musical

From the ridges and hollows of Madison County comes a voice that time nearly silenced—and a new musical determined to make sure it never goes quiet again. Singing Mary is a world premiere original musical by Beverly Austin, a Weaverville, NC resident, telling the story of ballad singer Mary Sands, one of the most celebrated traditional musicians ever to emerge from these mountains. Austin’s work is a profound act of heritage—reaching back into the roots of Appalachian musical tradition and bringing it forward, alive and resonant, for a new generation of listeners. This production sits at the very heart of our season’s theme: embracing those who came before us, and ensuring their stories are never lost.