She had a wall of stars for a ceiling, a blanket of soft pine needles for a bed and according to folklore, a passionate romance that lasted almost 60 years.

 

Rebecca Boone was already a seasoned frontierswoman when she married Daniel at age 17. She bore him 10 children, was one of the first women to cross the Cumberland Gap, and the many cabins she, her husband and growing family settled in, were built by her own hand.

 

The tale of this remarkable woman comes to life at Underground, The Upstairs Artspace, 49 S. Trade St, Tryon, on Sunday, Jan. 31 from 6 – 7 p.m.

 

In “Love Makes a Home,” award-winning playwright and author, Kiesa Kay, has crafted a powerful, entertaining drama. She said the work was written in “a surge of energy inspired by the deep green beauty of Melrose Mountain.” Ms. Kay is also an old time fiddler and poet. Her play, “Thunder is the Mountain’s Voice,” was produced at Rocky Mountain National Park and The Park Village Playhouse.

 

“Love Makes a Home” is a one-woman show. Marianne Carruth, an accomplished and gifted actress and director, and also the executive director of The Tryon Fine Arts Center, will play Rebecca. She and Ms. Kay have been working on this particular project “off and on for quite a while” according to Ms. Carruth.  Both women will be available for questions following the performance.

 

Adding to the power of the words and offering a unique dramatic element, traditional Appalachian music will be performed by the wonderful Gaye Johnson, who needs no further introduction in these parts.  Her talent and beautiful vocal and guitar stylings are well known across the country.

Don’t miss the opportunity to attend this engaging and thoroughly enjoyable staged reading. The play not only sheds light on a piece of our local North Carolina history, but is relayed through a courageous and intelligent woman’s remembrances.  Including (spoiler alert), just what exactly did happen with Daniel Boone and those Indian maidens . . . ?

 

Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. Seating is limited. Please reserve your seat by calling 828-859-2828. Light refreshments will be served.

 

– Submitted by Catherine Gillet