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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 33 Reviews
SHOWING
If you like Broadway, this program is for you! Michael Ruiz is an informative instructor as well as a gifted musician. The locale, Montreat, is beautiful! I went during a December time slot which also included a trip to the Biltmore and dinner at one of the restaurants which was a wonderful experience.
— Review left December 14, 2025
This overview of the history of musical theatre was thoroughly engaging. The instructor was well versed and deftly highlighted his points with videoclips and his piano virtuosity. He effectively managed the adults in the class (which is sometimes hard to do!) My only complaint was the class ended too soon. I hope he can be persuaded to do a Part II.
— Review left November 17, 2025
I was just going “along for the ride” with my wife to attend the Broadway Musical program. I am not really much of a fan, enjoy going to a show now and then. Well much to my surprise, I didn’t want to leave when our class ended! Dr. Michael Ruiz was absolutely tremendous! I can’t recommend this class enough to everyone!
— Review left November 8, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed the Broadway musical program. It was informative and fun. I enjoyed the class and the participants that were in the class were also a help and broadened my experiences because of their many program that they had attended.
— Review left November 8, 2025
This is a very good program, with an instructor who presents so much well-organized information, with videos and his own piano playing to illustrate the musicals. The retreat format is relaxed and comfortable, the setting is beautiful. I highly recommend it if you are interested in Broadway musicals.
— Review left November 7, 2025
Information from attendee Harriet Cole, typed by Joan Boltz:
Wish there were more desserts for gluten-free/dairy-free diets. Many gluten-free flours and desserts are available in small quantities. The bread served as toast was not toasted. Labeling of food was good.
Loved variety of music.
Teacher explained the music behind the scenes with stories. Especially liked that.
I just liked everything. There's nothing I didn't like about it.
Wish you would explain more about the nature walk before the trip, about
the roots and stuff.
Other guest discovered that a stuck door was much easier to open
if the handle was pulled up instead of pushed down. I wish I knew about that before the end of the week.
— Review left August 31, 2025
If you think you know about Broadway, think again! This program will tell you stories you won't believe. The clips from shows and the instructor's piano expertise will blow you away.
— Review left August 30, 2025
Curtain Up! is an excellent program for those who wish to know about the history of Broadway. Montreat is very accommodating for the aged and the handicap. The location is beautiful. The Road Scholar staff and the Montreat staff are very professional and kind.
— Review left May 12, 2025
If you enjoy the music from Broadway Musicals and want to experience it without the expense and hassle of going to New York City, this is the Program for you.
— Review left March 13, 2025
Do you love to see Broadway shows of the past and present? This class gives you both a historical and entertaining preview of how these wonderful shows and showtunes were created! Michael Ruiz is both an excellent instructor on the piano and well as his entertaining presentation of the material!
— Review left March 10, 2025
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
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
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
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
Absolutely superb instructor, very knowledgeable on diverse topics.
— 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
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’, 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