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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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Regional StudiesRetreats
Length
6 days
Rating (4.85)
Activity Level
Starts at
799

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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5B 5L 5D
1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Montreat, NC
2
The Beginnings (1860-1927), Montreat walk, evening program
Montreat, NC
3
The Musical Takes Shape and the Golden Age Begins 1928-1950
Montreat, NC
4
The Golden Era Continues (1950s-1960s); free afternoon
Montreat, NC
5
The New Era (1970-2000)
Montreat, NC
6
The New Century (2000s), lunch & goodbyes
Montreat, NC
View Full Itinerary

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. Delight in the virtuoso's arrangements of show tunes. Go close-up on 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.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn from an award-winning university professor who is an expert on Broadway musicals and show tunes.
  • Reminisce and explore from a feel-good list of dozens of musicals and show tunes.
  • Hear a prized multi-media 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
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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.

Profile Image of Michael Ruiz
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.
Profile Image of Tracy Bailey
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.
Profile Image of Sarah Skinner
Sarah Skinner View biography
Sarah Skinner joined the Montreat staff in 2011. She has worn many hats over the years, most recently working as the director of events before becoming a director of programs in the fall of 2022. Sarah's first experience at Montreat was during the infamous "Blizzard of '93," when her family got snowed in during a church retreat. Originally a native of Columbia, SC, Sarah has also lived in China and Ireland. She enjoys hiking, writing poetry, and having tea parties with her daughters.
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