North Carolina
Curtain Up! Broadway Musicals in the ‘Land of the Sky’
Program No. 22396RJ
Experience the love of Broadway music in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With an expert in show tunes at the piano, get a behind-the-scenes view of musical theater and its glorious history.
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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5B 5L 5D
5
The New Era (1970-2000)
Montreat, NC
6
The New Century (2000s), lunch & goodbyes
Montreat, NC
At a Glance
Ethel Merman. “Show Boat.” “Oklahoma.” Many blocks from Manhattan’s dazzling lights, experience the very same love for Broadway music in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Hear the fingertips of a Broadway aficionado plunk the piano keys as your learning adventure moves from revered show tunes to musical blockbusters. Get close-up to Broadway tunes and shows through captivating video clips and take your seat for a behind-the-music discussion discovering the glorious history of musical theater!
Activity Level
Easy Going
All facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required; a few stairs. Outside areas are mountainous, with inclines and uneven terrain.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn from an award-winning university professor who is an expert on Broadway musicals and songs.
- Reminisce and explore from a feel-good list of dozens of musicals and show tunes.
- Hear a prized multimedia presentation on Broadway music and explore the genre’s connections to classical and jazz.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room. Opportunities are available for traveling companions to attend a different program at Montreat during the same week. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Michael Ruiz
Michael Ruiz — originally from Camden, New Jersey — is professor emeritus at UNC Asheville, and a pianist whose original piano concertos were performed by the Winston-Salem Symphony, with each of his three children as soloists. He was featured on CNN for innovative multimedia use of the computer in higher education and was the 2004 University of North Carolina at Asheville recipient of the UNC Board of Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Michael holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Maryland.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Michael Ruiz
View biography
Michael Ruiz — originally from Camden, New Jersey — is professor emeritus at UNC Asheville, and a pianist whose original piano concertos were performed by the Winston-Salem Symphony, with each of his three children as soloists. He was featured on CNN for innovative multimedia use of the computer in higher education and was the 2004 University of North Carolina at Asheville recipient of the UNC Board of Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Michael holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics from the University of Maryland.
Tracy Bailey
View biography
Tracy has been on the program staff of Montreat Conference Center since 1986. She began working with Elderhostel programs in 1989, and in 1997 assumed the additional role of on-site coordinator. A native of the area, she graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in 1981. Her favorite hobbies are hiking, pottery and reading. Tracy married Sam in 2007, and added three daughters to her family. In addition to her own grown children, she and Sam have been foster parents since 2010. They have four grandchildren.
Suggested Reading List
(4 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Curtain Up! Broadway Musicals in the ‘Land of the Sky’
Program Number: 22396
Broadway Musicals: The 101 Greatest Shows of All Time
A fully updated edition of the acclaimed and bestselling Broadway Musicals, now featuring an expanded off-Broadway section
Broadway Musicals is a richly illustrated, and information-packed celebration of the most popular and enduring Broadway shows of all time. Each show is featured in a detailed, photo-filled chapter that includes expert commentary, special features on the creators and performers, plot synopses, cast and song lists, production details, and backstage anecdotes. Also included are sidebars on Broadway flops, advertising posters, the greatest scores, and more. This edition includes several shows not in the original hardcover edition such as Avenue Q, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Wicked. An expanded off-Broadway section showcases beloved shows such as I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and Little Mary Sunshine.
Musical Theatre: A History, 2nd edition
Also by John Kenrick is his marvelous website: musicals101.com
As an educator with extensive experience in professional theatre production, author John Kenrick approaches the subject with a unique appreciation of musicals as both an art form and a business. Using anecdotes, biographical profiles, clear definitions, sample scenes and select illustrations, Kenrick focuses on landmark musicals, and on the extraordinary talents and business innovators who have helped musical theatre evolve from its roots in the dramas of ancient Athens all the way to the latest hits on Broadway and London's West End.
Key improvements to the second edition:
· A new foreword by Oscar Hammerstein III, a critically acclaimed historian and member of a family with deep ties to the musical theatre, is included
· To make the book more interactive, each chapter includes suggested listening and reading lists, designed to help readers step beyond the printed page to experience great musicals and performers for themselves.
Broadway Musicals: Show by Show, 9th edition,
This updated edition of one of the bestselling and comprehensive Broadway reference books, first published in 1985, has been expanded to include many of the most important and memorable productions of American musical theater, including revivals. Arranged chronologically, beginning with musicals from just after the Civil War, each successive edition of the book has added valuable updates about trends in musical theater as well as capsule features on the most significant musicals of the day. The ninth edition documents important musicals produced since the end of the 2012–2013 season through spring 2019.
Broadway Musicals, Show by Show features a wealth of statistics and inside information, plus critical reception, cast lists, pithy commentary about each show, and numerous detailed indexes that no Broadway fan will want to be without. Since its original publication, Broadway Musicals has proved to be an indispensable addition to any Broadway aficionado's library.
Broadway: The American Music, 3rd editional
Companion to the PBS Series, Broadway: The American Musical. Updated through the 2018-2019 season.
A comprehensive companion to the six-part Emmy-winning PBS documentary series, Broadway: The American Musical is the gold standard of musical theater history books, tracing the roots of the art form at the turn of the twentieth century through the smashing successes of the new millennium.
The in-depth text is lavishly illustrated with a treasure trove of photographs, scenic renderings, production stills, and rehearsal shots, many previously unpublished. With a foreword by Julie Andrews, this edition is revised and updated, with brand-new material on all the Broadway musicals through the 2018–2019 season, including The Book of Mormon, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and Hadestown. Called by Playbill "an epic tome—handsomely produced and intensely researched," this five hundred-page volume is a must-have for theater fans, casual enthusiasts, and students of all ages.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
15 meals (
5B, 5L, 5D
)
14 expert-led lectures
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
Inn check in from 3 p.m. Remember to bring your name-tag
Afternoon:
You will share the Assembly Inn this week with other Road Scholar programs. Assembly Inn check-in 3:00-5:30 p.m. Pull up to the Assembly Inn porch to unload, then park your vehicle in any designated spot close to the Inn or by the lake and check in. Program Registration. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Feel free to relax in your room, meet and enjoy fellowship with other participants in the beautiful lobby, or stretch your legs with a walk around the campus before dinner.
Dinner:
Join us for a scrumptious dinner in the Galax Dining Room, located on the first floor of the Assembly Inn. A full salad bar, choice of two different entrées, vegetables, rolls/bread, fruit and dessert will tempt your taste buds and your appetite. Sweet/unsweetened tea, milk, coffee, hot water w/ tea or cold water at our beverage stations. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will also meet the instructor. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. Sleeping and dining facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required. On some evenings, there will be entertainment such as a concert, dance, or storyteller followed by opportunities for fellowship in the lobby of the Inn. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll finish up around 8:00 p.m. with some “get to know you” activities and then have refreshments and fellowship in the lobby. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
The Beginnings (1860-1930), Montreat walk, evening program
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
classroom based program. Join us 7:30 - 7:45 in the main lobby for early morning stretches with Martha Nelson
Breakfast:
Whether you like muffins, pancakes or waffles, bacon or sausage, grits or oatmeal, biscuits and gravy or a bowl of cereal and some fruit, breakfast in the Galax Dining Room, served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. is sure to please! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!
Morning:
We start with the very beginnings of the American musical. Included are inspirations of musicals from across the Atlantic, musicals such as the "Pirates of Penzance" by Gilbert and Sullivan along with the "Merry Widow" with the music of Franz Lehar. We also encounter rising composers on the American scene such as the American icon George M. Cohan and Victor Herbert. Other great contributions of this era come from the George and Ira Gershwin team, Jerome Kern, and Sigmund Romberg. Towards the end of this period, the musical takes a leap forward as Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II give us "Show Boat" (1927). We'll have a mid-morning break for refreshments and fellowship.
Lunch:
Lunch is served from 12:15 - 1:15 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. The lunch menu varies each day, but normally features a salad bar, sandwich fixings, soup, and a yummy (light) dessert to top it off.
Afternoon:
Our afternoon class with Michael Ruiz continues to focus on the wonderful beginnings of Broadway. Around 3:30 p.m., there will be a Walk Around Montreat (guided tour of grounds) or free time
Dinner:
Ready for another yummy dinner? 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Evening:
Our evening program will be a local musician/band or storyteller. After the performance the rest of the evening is at leisure, with optional activities in the lobby of the Inn for fellowship.
Day
3
The Eve of the Golden Era and its Beginning (1930-1950)
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
classroom based program. Join us 7:30 - 7:45 in the main lobby for early morning stretches with Martha Nelson
Breakfast:
A hearty breakfast is served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room.
Morning:
The musical continues to evolve through two exciting decades (1930-1950) with contributions from Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Oscar Hammerstein II, Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Kurt Weill, Irving Berlin, Lerner and Lowe, Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne, and Frank Loesser. Among the musical titles in this period are "Anything Goes," the classic "Porgy and Bess," "The Boys from Syracuse," and "Pal Joey." Then another leap is made with "Oklahoma!" (Rodgers and Hammerstein II), marking the beginning of the Golden Era. Musicals in the early part of the Golden Age include "On the Town," "Carousel," "Annie Get Your Gun," "Brigadoon," "Kiss Me Kate," "South Pacific," and "Guys and Dolls." We'll have a mid morning break between the two classes to enjoy refreshments and fellowship.
Lunch:
Lunch is served from 12:15 - 1:15 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room.
Afternoon:
Back to the classroom for more explorations of the Golden Age of Broadway. After class (around 3:30 p.m., you may choose to take a hike in the mountains or enjoy free time (availability of hike leader / weather permitting)
Dinner:
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Evening:
7:00 - 8:00 evening program: Evening programs are typically a fun event -- a dance, a concert, or a storyteller games/cards/tv available in lobby for fellowship and optional movie on big screen.
Day
4
The Golden Era Continues (1950 - 1970); free afternoon
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
classroom based program. Join us 7:30 - 7:45 in the main lobby for early morning stretches with Martha Nelson
Breakfast:
Come on down to the Galax Dining room for another great breakfast buffet, served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Morning:
The peak of the Golden Age came in the 1950s with musicals such as "The Pajama Game," "Damn Yankees," "My Fair Lady," "West Side Story," "The Music Man," "Gypsy," and "The Sound of Music." In the 1960s, we have a range of musicals from traditional to daring. The traditional musicals include "Camelot," "She Loves Me", "Funny Girl," "Hello, Dolly!" and "Mame." The daring musicals take us into places such as a Russian ghetto ("Fiddler on the Roof"), a Nazi nightclub ("Cabaret"), and a Spanish prison ("Man of La Mancha"). These musicals would have been unthinkable a decade earlier. Then, there was "Hair" in 1968 that sealed the fate of the Golden Age. We'll have a refreshment and fellowship break between the two class periods.
Lunch:
Lunch is served from 12:15 - 1:15 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration
Dinner:
Assembly Inn Dining Room, Dinner 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Our farm to table meal.
Evening:
Continuing our exploration of the 50s and 60s we discuss how music, for better or worse, became more tightly integrated with the book. Stephen Sondheim begins his dominant force on Broadway for the second half of the twentieth century.
Day
5
The New Era (1970-2000)
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Assembly Inn
Activity Note
classroom based program. Join us 7:30 - 7:45 in the main lobby for early morning stretches with Martha Nelson
Breakfast:
Breakfast buffet served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room.
Morning:
A new era was heralded with Stephen Sondheim's "Company" in 1970. This post-Golden-Age period continued with a string of Sondheim hits that include "Follies," "A Little Night Music," "Sweeney Todd," "Sunday in the Park with George," and "Into the Woods." Other prominent musicals of this era are "A Chorus Line," "Chicago," "Annie," "Evita," "Cats," "Nine," "La Cage Aux Folles," "Les Miserables," "The Phantom of the Opera," "Miss Saigon," "Beauty and the Beast," "Rent," and "The Lion King." We'll have a break mid-morning for drinks, snacks and time with our fellow participants.
Lunch:
Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Afternoon:
During our afternoon course the music of Broadway, with finish up our exploration with the 70s and beyond. Choreography, which had always been there, becomes a more important element. Some critics argue that as the shows become more and more about scenic spectacle, they become less and less about memorable music. 3:30 - 5:30 free time
Dinner:
Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Evening:
7:00 - 8:00 evening program: games/cards/tv in lobby for fellowship. Prepare for check-out and departure after lunch tomorrow.
Day
6
The New Century (2000s), lunch & goodbyes
Location:
Montreat, NC
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
classroom based program
Breakfast:
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
Morning:
In the new century we find jukebox and movie musicals such as "Jersey Boys" and "The Little Mermaid." We also find the outrageous in musicals such as "The Producers," "Avenue Q," "Monty Python's Spamalot," and "The Book of Mormon." There are also traditional musicals, which include "The Light in the Piazza" and "Curtains." Then, there is the totally new and innovative "Hamilton." A mid morning break for refreshments will give time for participants to check out (required by 11 a.m.). Our Anthology of Musicals, which all participants will receive the first day of class, contains a listing of 150 musicals with dates, composers, lyricists, and librettists.
Lunch:
12:30 - 1:30 lunch in the Assembly Inn Dining Room (those who cannot stay for lunch may request a box lunch to take with them)
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MEALS
15 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Feb 23, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
- Feb 23, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
- Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
- Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
- Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 23 Reviews
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Excellent program. Our instructor, Michael Ruiz, was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Montreat conference center is in a beautiful setting in the mountains overlooking lake Susan. The staff is very accommodating. I’ve been coming here for years and will continue. It’s the best.
— Review left October 4, 2024
The program on Broadway is excellent with Michael as the instructor.
If you go early and can get a room at the Assemble Inn and don't have a car, it's important to know your options for meals. To eat at the Assembly Inn, it needs to be on your reservation. We found the recommended taxi service to be inadequate. The staff in the dinning room are very helpful and check with them about allergies or gluten free needs. Call Roll With Joel for service at 302-542-1245 or email at joelstevenclark@gmail.com.
— Review left September 23, 2024
Fantastic program in a great location. Moreover, one of the more affordable programs in the RS stable. If you enjoy Broadway musicals, you will enjoy this program.
— Review left September 16, 2024
We covered the history of Broadway Musicals from its beginning in 1860 until today. We heard stories about the lyricists, choreographers, composers, and orchestrators. We watched clips of musicals and interacted with class members about their own knowledge and experiences. We enjoyed Michael Ruiz's prowess on the piano. He is both enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his subject. He actually bounces with joy when describing Broadway Musicals!
— Review left August 30, 2024
My husband and I enjoyed this program so much! You could not improve on the instructor, Michael Ruiz, and we loved Montreat! Everything about it: It had historical charm in a wonderful mountain setting, was very clean and the food was great! Who could ask for anything more?! Would love to go back another time.
— Review left August 30, 2024
History of Broadway Musicals was fabulous in part because of the instructor's knowledge and enthusiasm plus Montreat is so beautiful and peaceful that it all contributed to a welcome respite from our busy world.
— Review left April 29, 2024
This was a fabulous program that exceeded my high expectations. Michael Ruiz shared videos and stories with high enthusiasm, and sometimes played piano to illustrate a point with his wonderful skill at the piano. He involved us, the participants, by turning to us with questions sometimes, and seemed happy to have us call out our thoughts. Tracey Bailey was very accessible and always helpful. Montreat's Assembly Inn was a delight. My single room was clean and attractive, bed was very comfortable, and the food at buffet meals was very good. I am eager to return, and am hoping that Road Scholar will add topics at Montreat. I would also like to see many more options in other locations for the Classroom style learning experience I had last week and was standard for the original Elderhostel. This was perfect for those of us with some difficulty walking and standing, as in museums.The evening entertainment at Montreat was also very good.
— Review left April 21, 2024
Excellent program - would do it again
— Review left April 21, 2024
This program far exceeded my expectations. The information and materials were outstanding and the presentations were above and beyond. Everything was far and away so much more than I expected. The people and accommodations both rooms and food and service were great
— Review left April 19, 2024
Very well done. Meals a bit disappointing, but staff took good care of my allergy issues. Would like to have wine with meals.
— Review left December 4, 2023
Visit Montreat for a comprehensive review of Broadway Shows, presented in an entertaining way. I learned so much and had such a great time; I loved this program. KLS Oct 2023
— Review left October 30, 2023
Curtains up- Michael made class exciting with musical clips, his performance on piano, lectures and insight! He had a great energy and enthusiasm.
— Review left September 24, 2023
Road Scholar programs have led me to stand in awe of Creation and those who share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
— Review left September 22, 2023
The instructor was great. The Inn was run down, dirty, shabby, smelly and all together unpleasant. Old is one thing, dirty is another. The food was not very good and almost always cold (even when it was supposed to be hot). I would not go back.
— Review left September 11, 2023
If you are interested in Broadway, or even Film musicals, you won't have a better time.
— Review left August 31, 2023
Very comprehensive presentation on Broadway musicals from 1860 to the present with numerous video clips drawn from movies and some college and high school performances, provided by an instructor who had done extensive research on the topic and who presented the material with enthusiasm and skill. As a bonus, he played the piano for us and gave us brief master class instruction in musical theory and other technical aspects---educational, never boring. Michael Ruiz is a class act in terms of technical expertise with media, music, entertainment, and accommodating the individuals in the class in discussions and questions. This course far surpassed my expectations!
— Review left May 9, 2023
If you love Broadway shows, do not miss this exciting program!
— Review left May 8, 2023
Curtain Up! Broadway Musicals in the ‘Land of the Sky’ Instructor Michael Ruiz is a rare combination of Concert Pianist, Enthusiastic Classroom Instructor and Showman. His treatment of music with films, documentaries and LIVE performance were truly memorable. Our setting in bucolic Montreat, NC at the historic, rustic Assembly Inn added to the flavor and enjoyment of this program, leading me to want MORE!
— Review left May 8, 2023
Absolutely superb instructor, very knowledgeable on diverse topics.
— Review left May 8, 2023
Curtain Up! Broadway Musicals in the ‘Land of the Sky’, is an enjoyable program that I highly recommend. Our instructor, Michael Ruiz, knew his subject well, his presentations were informative and, often, entertaining. He made himself available for discussion both before and after classes and, since he stayed at Montreat during the program, often ate meals with program participants. I left the program with a much greater appreciation of the history and many aspects of Broadway musicals and musical comedy. He has a wealth of video clips to draw upon and is able to provide historical context for certain shows and performances. He also notes the importance of those (e.g., choreographers and orchestrators) who play vital roles in many shows. In addition, Michael was an excellent piano player and his playing and explanation of what and how he was playing contributed to a better understanding of what is involved in composing and playing a piece of music.
Montreat itself is a great location for the program. Ours was one of four Road Scholar programs taking place at Montreat during our week there (4/30-5/5/23) and Montreat was able to handle them all. The setting is tranquil and lovely, with hills all around, beautiful grounds to explore, and a small lake (Lake Susan) just across from the entrance. Meals were buffet style, and the choices were ample and prepared well. For some, not having a TV in rooms might be a minor hardship but for us it was a welcome relief. Internet service was fine throughout the building.
— Review left May 7, 2023
The entire week was a delightful experience!
— Review left May 7, 2023
The program consisted of watching clips from Broadway musicals. Though the clips were interesting, there was not much activity. It was more like a classroom.
— Review left June 19, 2019
Roadscholar is a wonderful program. I have been on 7 programs and they have been very interesting to me. I learn a lot and look forward to other program in the future.
— Review left June 5, 2019
