The Woodcarver's Christmas - Puppet show in Black Mtn

Celebrate local history and heritage this season with the enchanting musical performance "The Woodcarver's Christmas." Set in the Beacon Mill Village, at the foot of Flat Top Mountain in Swannanoa, the Woodcarver's Christmas tells the tale of a poor woodcarver's magical encounter with the "wee folk" of the mountain on Christmas Eve.

The Woodcarver's Christmas is based on a story told by Wade Martin, a woodcarver from Swannanoa, who was known both locally and nationally for the fine craftsmanship he displayed in the carving of the human figure. Mr. Martin, or Gob, as he was nicknamed, grew up on the Beacon Village in a family of woodcarvers. His carvings, now collector's items, became nationally known in the 1950's through the influence of the Allanstand Craft Shop, which is now part of the Southern Highlands Crafts Guild. Wade Martin shared his story several years ago as part of an oral history collection of stories from the Valley. Playwright and dramatists, Jerry Pope and
Rebecca Williams, also of Swannanoa, took the story and turned it into a play, using both live characters and puppets. The performance features original music by Black Mountain native Bert Brown.

Beginning Friday, December 8, through Sunday, December 17, the hour-long performances will be held on Friday and Saturday nights (Dec. 8-9, Dec. 15-16) at 7 pm. Sunday matinees on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 will be at 3 pm. All tickets are $10. The Center for the Arts, located in the renovated old City Hall at 225 W. State St., houses a small, intimate theater of 100 seats. For these 6 performances, reservations are encouraged; call 828/669-0930. Tickets may be purchased by cash, check, or credit card and can be held at the door until 20 minute before curtain time.