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A Southern Appalachian Christmas is showing December 8-18, 2022 here at Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre!
In this holiday musical set right here in WNC, Sara hasn’t been home for Christmas since she moved to New York six years ago. Now, for the first time in years, Sara is back in her hometown, celebrating with the family and friends she left behind. During this visit, she learns exactly what’s most important to her and gains a new respect for where she came from. It’s a story of love, hope, and cheer during the holiday season.
We reached out to Matt Edwardsen to find out more about him and his experience working on this production.
What is your favorite part of this show and why?
The story is touching, but I love the music. The songs are a mix of new arrangements of familiar tunes coupled with a few original pieces.
What have you loved so far about working with SART?
The people! The management team is top notch and they always find talented people who are a joy to work with during each show.
Tell us about your character. What’s your favorite thing about them? What do you love about getting to portray them?
Glad there is just one character this time...not the 15 from Sisters of Swing earlier this season! ;-) Ryan is a bit goofy and sweet, which is like me in many ways. Too bad in the story he is a Patriots football fan. Hard to spit out that line as a long time Colts fan.
How did you get into theatre?
A high school field trip to St. Louis to see Les Miserable at the historic Fox theatre. Went in scoffing at seeing a musical and left in tears saying that is what I wanted to do with my life!
What’s your favorite thing to do in the area?
Sooo many things! I suppose the top of the list is either getting out for a great hike in the mountains or snow boarding when in season. Then you have to go get a great local brew or meal afterwards.
What about this production are you the most excited about?
Seeing how the audience receives it and hoping that it really warms peoples hearts and spirits for the holiday season.
What’s your favorite part about performing?
Similar to the answer above, it's really about the response from the audience. Even if I feel I'm having an off day performing, seeing reactions to the action on stage is so rewarding. It also feeds the energy the performers feel on stage!
Do you have any upcoming projects we should check out?
Looking forward to returning to Black Mountain in January for a fun production of 39 Steps produced by the great Mike Yow. Also hope to be lining up some other productions to fill more of the calendar the rest of 2023!
Biography
Matt is happy to return to the SART stage for this third production...and happy it's only one role instead of 15 as in Sisters of Swing earlier this season! Recent performances include S'Wonderful at HART and David: The Faces of Love at Diana Wortham. While starting off as a theatre and musical theatre performer, much of his professional career was spent in opera across the US and Europe. Other favorite Asheville area performances include Uncle Billy in Miracle at Bedford Falls with SART, Nicky in Avenue Q at ACT, Monty Navarro in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder! at Parkway Playhouse, and Gabe in Dinner with Friends at Attic Salt. Vive le théâtre!
A Southern Appalachian Christmas is showing December 8-18, 2022. Grab your tickets here: https://www.sartplays.com/asouthernappalachianchristmas