Ashley Hall Performing Arts Program Presents
King Lear
by William Shakespeare
March 15 & March 16 | 5:30 p.m.
Performed Outdoors in front of the Historic Bear Cave
A story of division, loss, endurance, and redemption, King Lear is as relevant today as it was in 1606 when, against a real-word backdrop of his own ebbing productivity and a kingdom divided, Shakespeare penned his play from a reimagined pre-Christian myth. Through the lens of an aging monarch who seeks to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, the play asks the timeless question of what binds us together as families, communities, and countries, and what are the forces that can break those bonds?
Set in a time referencing the 1920’s and integrating modern-day multi media, you don’t want to miss Ashley Hall’s “Shakespeare on the lawn” tradition.
Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for students
Performances will be held rain or shine. In addition to traditional seating, guests are encouraged to bring a blanket to enjoy viewing the performance from the lawn. This performance also includes mature themes and runs approximately two hours.
Ticket sales are closed online and can be purchased at the performance.
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Romeo & Juliet performed at the Bear Cave in the 1920s.
About the Historic Bear Cave
Outdoor Shakespeare performances are summer staples in larger cities like New York and Chicago. Now the Charleston community can claim its own outdoor Shakespeare experience with Ashley Hall’s Shakespeare at the Historic Bear Cave Series. Dating back as far as 1911 and a performance of As You Like It, the series has featured a variety of Shakespeare’s well-known plays including Midsummer’s Night Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and The Tempest which was most recently performed in 2022.
The historic Bear Cave was part of the Witte family property, which was purchased by Ashley Hall in 1909. Owning exotic animals was a hobby of families of wealth during the turn of the twentieth century and the Witte family did own a pet bear named Fredrick. The cave itself is made of phosphorus rock and also features a small waterfall on its South side. In addition to hosting Shakespeare performances, the Bear Cave serves as an outdoor classroom for students of all ages. Commencement has also been held here annually for more than a century.
Flying monkeys. Ruby slippers. Rainbows over a long yellow brick road.
It was a slew of hints drawn in chalk by Ashley Hall theater arts students in seventh and eighth grade for the entire School to see that revealed the March 2023 spring musical selection this September: The Wizard of Oz. Students were let in on the secret during class, then were tasked with sharing the exciting news with the student body by decorating the wall in the middle of campus with elements from the show.
“Our chalk wall is a collaborative space to share news,” says Performing Arts Chair and theater arts faculty member Aimee Phelan-Deconinck. “We wanted to build some anticipation around what the next school play will be, and I also wanted all our students to know that it wasn’t just decided. I wanted our oldest theater arts students to announce it in a big way.”
The original method for announcing this year’s performing arts production was only fitting for a show that is planned to be uniquely Ashley Hall. “We’ve imagined it for our time with our students,” says Phelan-Deconinck. “Obviously we’re going have points of reference, but, how do we make it original to Ashley Hall? How do we transform Davies Auditorium into the flats of the Kansas prairies? What I am most excited about is where this is going in terms of reimagining in terms of originality.”
We sat down with Phelan-Deconinck to hear more about how Ashley Hall will be transforming into Oz this spring.
How was TheWizard of Oz chosen to be this year’s spring musical?
APD: Looking at themes for Girls with the Will and specifically, looking at protagonists that are willful, Dorothy stood out. She can grow, yet she still feels there is purpose for her and she sees the potential in everyone. She speaks to goodwill. Not just my will or strong will, but community will.
What grades will be involved in the production?
APD: Grades 5-12 will all be involved, and we’ll audition during the Christmas Play auditions. Grades 5-8 will be auditioning in class and we will be doing an audition unit to help the girls find their unique skill set. An auditioning unit helps students understand that they don’t have to be afraid of an audition. They just have to be prepared. Then grades 9-12 will audition during the school day during flex periods.
How will the story be adapted for Ashley Hall?
APD: Davies Auditorium is a space that lends itself to huge amounts of creativity. It’s a beautiful space and neutral in the best sense. It’s a blank palette and that’s how we’re looking at it. I’ll be doing the set, and the conceptual side of things, and Loretta Haskell will serve as music director. I’m so excited to be collaborating with her. She’s immensely knowledgeable and passionate. She’s really nimble, and I feel like we’re really going be able to find this balancing point.
When it comes to the characters, we’re talking about all three divisions being very involved. Who is Dorothy at these ages? How does she interpret life? Dorothy’s not going to have to fit into this one mold. We will see her at different ages. I’m envisioning our show having three Dorothy’s, one from the Intermediate Program, one from Nautilus, and one from Upper School.
Do you see Dorothy as an Ashley Hall girl?
APD: Absolutely. She grows and she can grow because she can let other influences come in. That doesn’t take her off her place, but it’s a community will. She has no ill will towards anyone, even this person who tries to kill her. And then success happens; success beyond what she had imagined. What’s on the other side of the rainbow is just her with a bigger point of view. That’s PQV.
A cherished, longstanding Ashley Hall tradition, The Christmas Play assumed a digital format for its 2020 production in response to pandemic safety concerns. Against the backdrop of new technology, creative staging, and the need for the cast to socially distance, one thing remained clear: the love for this shared generational experience runs deep.
“This year we reimagined The Christmas Play in order to adhere to public health and safety protocols, and the spirit of this Ashley Hall tradition came to life in an entirely new way. Filmed outdoors on campus, the play allowed us to take full advantage of our cherished Senior Lawn as well as the Bear Cave, which served as the perfect backdrop for the Holy Tableaux.” —Head of School Jill Muti
Ask any alumna to name her favorite Ashley Hall memories, and The Christmas Play makes the list more often than not. Now in its 97th year, the annual performance is nearly as old as the School itself and draws together generations of graduates who relish memories of assuming roles of angels, shepherds, and jesters, reciting time-worn lines, and singing a repertoire that embodies the holiday season.
“The fact that you can reconnect so well with your Ashley Hall experience through watching the play makes it so special,” said Assistant Head of School and Upper School Director Anne Weston ’73, who treasures many fond memories of watching and performing in the play. “This year we worked hard to preserve the tradition of The Christmas Play in the face of challenging conditions.”
Historically, the logistics of The Christmas Play have adapted through the years to allow for location changes and staging demands, and the digital version represents the latest of these transformations. While the medium of delivery may change, it is reassuring to know the essence of this beloved tradition remains very much the same.
Another special Ashley Hall tradition is the sending of alumnae “telegrams.” Each year, alumnae cast members of The Christmas Play share warm wishes with members of the current cast. Filled with fun memories and loving support, these “telegrams” offer a glimpse into the special bond our alumnae have to their School and each other. Happy reading!
Ashley Hall is thrilled to introduce a NEW addition to its team sports and activities, The McBee Singers, an elite vocal dance team of polished young singers and dancers with a strong community presence. The McBee Singers will build an eclectic repertoire of dynamic musical performances of Pop, Broadway, and Jazz favorites, with a unique and creative twist!
This exhilarating team of singers and dancers will illuminate and elevate Ashley Hall’s campus, as well as the local community, through quality and meaningful performances. The McBee Singers will also compete in national show choir invitationals.
View a sneak peek below of the energy and excitement students will experience as a dance team member!
The McBee Singers has two separate divisions: Varsity for grades 7 to 12 and Junior Varsity for grades 5 and 6. Team members are selected through an audition process attached to a 4-day bootcamp, which provides interested students with a sample of The McBee Singers’ repertoire and excitement. Pre-registration is required.
The McBee Singers will be led by Performing Arts faculty member Kirk Pfeiffer in Lane Hall 201. A one-time costume and materials fee of $250 will be charged.
CACC Extension is a new robust after school theatre arts program that offers Ashley Hall students grades 2-12 the opportunity to further develop their talent and skills in the areas of dance (ballet, theatre jazz, tap), acting, and voice.
CACC Extension is conducted by the Cultural Arts Center of Charleston (CACC), the Resident Performing Arts Company at Ashley Hall, and will offer classes to Ashley Hall students, by grade level, throughout the week, beginning September 21. CACC Extension will be led by Performing Arts faculty member Kirk Pfeiffer in the Gordon Dance studio in Pardue Hall.
Junie B. Jones, The Musical Jr.! February 8 | 7:00 p.m. February 10 | 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $10, adults | $5, students
Join the Intermediate Program theater ensemble for this delightful stage adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books, brought to life in a fun-filled selection of songs and dances. Junie B. Jones, The Musical Jr.! will capture your heart just as the books captivated an entire generation of students.
Coming soon to Davies Auditorium! The Ashley Hall Theater Department presents Beehive: The 60’s Musical, chronicling the changing role of women as defined by a decade of remarkable transition. From bubble-gum sweet girl groups to gritty female solo artists, this musical retrospective features the sounds of the 1960s from women’s perspectives. Buy your tickets and support our rising stars!
Tickets: $10 for Adults $8 for Students
Friday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m.
Ashley Hall is a K-12 independent school for girls, with a co-ed preschool, committed to a talented and diverse student population. We consider for admission students of any race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin.
