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Thursday, October 27, 2011

"NANCE DUDE" COMING TO RICKMAN'S STORE, NOVEMBER 4TH AT 6:00




In case you don't know, the story of Nancy Curlee, the Haywood County grandmother who was imprisoned a century ago for sealing her granddaughter up in a cave on Utah mountain in Haywood County,this dark bit of history is a popular Appalachian tale. Based on a true event, the play/monologue allows Nance to speak for herself. "I'm going to tell it, now," she says. "I'm going to tell you what really happened."

For the past decade this story has been consistently popular with audiences in western North Carolina. Based on a book by Maurice Stanley, extensive research into actual events and personal accounts (I saw her as a child walking the roads near Wilmot with a load of kindling on her back), this dramatization has been performed hundreds of times in libraries and community theaters in this region. The actress, Elizabeth Westall has gained a following from devoted fans. In recent years, she has repeatedly said, "This is my final performance as Nance Dude." Each time, we have been able to lure her out again, but this performance could well be the last one.

SPONSORED BY CHEROKEE RUBY MINE AND FRIENDS OF RICKMAN'S STORE
TICKETS: $15.00
TELEPHONE: 828-369-5595

6 comments:

  1. She is wonderful in the role.Sure glad I bought the DVD. Do you have a DVD of her doing Birdell?
    The two of you make a great pair. Have a night to remember.

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  2. So far, there is no recording of "Birdell." There was an attempt to record it at WCU several years ago, but the recording was discarded due to numerous technical flaws.

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  3. I did not realize there was a DVD of Westall's performance. Is it still available and if so where can one get it? Thanks!

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  4. You can get it from me. It costs $20.00 plus $3.00 for shipping and mailing. Order from
    Gary Carden
    236 Cherry Street
    Sylva, N. C. 28779

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