May 2, 2024 - 3:00 PM
Rowe Recital Hall
Join us for the world premiere staged reading of THREADS: A New Musical, which is based on the true story of the 1929 Loray Mill Strike in Gastonia, NC. This original musical features a score by award-winning folk musician Mark Dillon and a book by playwrights and UNC Charlotte alumni Raven Monroe and Stacey Rose.
The musical, created with consultation from local historians, explores themes of labor, race, gentrification, police brutality, and unionization through the story of Ella May Wiggins, a mill worker and single mother who led the strike before being killed by vigilantes.
The musical is developed with funding from the College of Arts + Architecture and with additional support from the Arts & Science Council. This staged reading of the work in progress features a cast of UNC Charlotte Musical Theatre Certificate program students.
We will host two opportunities to see this work in progress: on campus at UNC Charlotte on May 2 and on-site at the Loray Mill on May 8. The on-site event at the Loray Mill will feature a guided museum exhibit experience, a catered reception, and a post-show Q&A.
Admission is FREE to both performances.