One of Ashley Hall’s most special and long-standing traditions celebrates its 100th anniversary this December. First presented in 1924 under the direction of school founder Mary Vardrine McBee, the Christmas Play is a beautiful and ancient retelling of the Nativity Cycle of the medieval Mystery Plays of Chester, England. Ashley Hall students of all ages — nearly 120 in total—are represented in this pageant, portraying the roles of young angels, dancing jesters, shepherds, the Holy Family, and even the Magi, complete with beards. The renowned Ashley Hall Red Choir provides musical interludes throughout the performance. The production has been performed in locations across the city, including the Gaillard Auditorium in the 1970s. This year, it will be held on Friday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the historic St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church located at 405 King Street.    

“The fact that alumnae reconnect so well with their Ashley Hall experience through watching the play makes it so special,” said Head of School Dr. Anne T. Weston ’73, who treasures many fond memories of watching and performing in the play as a student. “I hope this tradition continues for another hundred years and students cherish their Christmas Play memories as much as I do.”

With Ashley Hall’s foundation steeped in a classical curriculum, it is evident that a production based on medieval English literature would become a beloved school tradition. Mystery Plays were a type of drama performed in England from the 1370s until the latter half of the 16th century. 

Performance Details:

The Ashley Hall Christmas Play
Friday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church | 405 King Street

Parking:
Marion Square Garage | 399 King Street
Camden Garage | 35 John Street

Ashley Hall Performing Arts Department presents
Faculty, Family & Friends Concert
featuring Head of School, Jill Muti
Sunday, April 24 | 2:00 p.m.

Jill Muti

Ashley Hall celebrates the talent of its exceptional faculty and guest artists. This afternoon concert also pays tribute to outgoing Head of School Jill Muti as she takes the stage in her final Ashley Hall performance.

Artists Featured:

Ricard Bordas, countertenor | Faculty
Maggie Cook, soprano | Faculty
Aubrey Goio, cello | Faculty
Julia Harlow, harpsichord | Friend
Flora Nevarez, violin | Faculty
Laura Magnani, piano | Friend
Jill Muti, flute | Head of School

This classical program includes works by Chopin, Corigliano, Poulenc, and Quantz. 

New Performance Location: 159 Rutledge Avenue, Ashley Hall’s New Performing Arts Building

Reservations are now closed for this concert. Thank you.

There is limited parking at 159 Rutledge Avenue. Best parking availability will be in Ashley Hall’s lot on Ogier Street. 

The ability of dance to stir emotions and build connections was evident during this year’s first performance of The Caterpillar Thriller, an original story-in-dance featuring dancers from second through sixth grades. Written and staged by Lower School faculty member Stephanie Christensen, The Caterpillar Thriller presents a powerful message that “being odd’s not bad” and if we remain true to who we are, we will ultimately find others who are just like us.

Students, parents, faculty, and staff were enchanted by the heart-warming story of a little caterpillar’s journey to grow into her true self and discover her own place within the world. Gorgeous costumes and lively music created the perfect atmosphere for a captivating display of dance. An Ashley Hall favorite, The Caterpillar Thriller has been performed on campus on two previous occasions to capacity audiences. You do not want to miss this year’s memorable performance! Future showtimes are May 17 at 7:00pm and May 19 at 3:00pm in Davies Auditorium. Each performance is free, with RSVPs requested. Online RSVPs are now closed, so please arrive early to the performances to ensure your spot. To learn more about the Lower School, click on the button below. 

The Lower School at Ashley Hall

Attendees of this year’s String Fling at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul weren’t prepared for the heartwarming and emotional program that unfolded. In addition to performances by the Kindergarten and Pre-First Strings as well as the Lower School Orchestra and Fifth through Eighth Grade Orchestra, Upper School students played a superb rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody and selections from the Lion King. Interspersed between the music selections, sixth graders served as emcees.

Particularly inspiring in their performance was the Senior String Quartet, and senior Loulou Byars gave a moving presentation to Head of School Jill Muti. As Byars said, “Fourteen years ago Mrs. Muti arrived at Ashley Hall and quickly became an important part of our family. The following year, the Class of 2018 entered kindergarten, and Mrs. Muti implemented the new strings program, a program that has had an immense impact upon my own life and the lives of countless others in the Ashley Hall community.”

Afterward, there wasn’t a dry eye in the church as Performing Arts Chair Liz Dinwiddie and the Upper School Chamber Ensemble played for the four graduating seniors of the Senior String Quartet. These girls have been a part of something special that Mrs. Muti started fourteen years ago and represent the limitless possibilities for everyone at Ashley Hall. PQV!

THE CATERPILLAR THRILLER
written and directed by faculty member, Stephanie Christensen
featuring dancers from 2nd through 6th grades

The Caterpillar Thriller reminds us that “being odd’s not bad”—that one creature’s being different from others doesn’t justify its being abused and treated as an outcast. Further, the story advises that hard as it is sometimes to do so, if we remain true to who we are, we will ultimately find others who are like us.

An Ashley Hall favorite, The Caterpillar Thriller has been performed on campus on two previous occasions to capacity audiences. They were as astounded and moved by the dancers’ wonderful performances as they were by the heart-warming, original story-in-dance itself. Don’t miss it!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
presented by the Performing Arts Department
An Ashley Hall tradition, presented on the lawn in front of the Bear Cave!

Thursday, April 19 at 7:00pm | $5 performance only (online tickets for this performance are now closed, please purchase your tickets at the door)
Saturday, April 21 at 7:00pm | $5 performance only or $15 performance and BBQ

Shakespeare (the Bard!) returns to the lawn of the Bear Cave with the Ashley Hall Performing Arts Department’s lively production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Saturday’s performance will feature a pre-performance “BBQ with the Bard Picnic” on the lawn beginning at 5:00pm. Click on the button below to purchase your tickets.

Purchase Tickets