THREADS: A New Musical

THREADS: A New Musical

May 8, 2024 at 6pm

Loray Mill
(300 S. Firestone Street, Gastonia, NC 28052)

THREADS: A New Musical is based on the true story of the 1929 Loray Mill Strike in Gastonia, NC. This original musical work in progress features a score by award-winning folk musician Mark Dillon and a book by playwrights Raven Monroe and Stacey Rose.

The musical, created with consultation from local historians, explores themes of labor, race, gentrification, police brutality, and unionization through the story of Ella May Wiggins, a mill worker and single mother who led the strike before being killed by vigilantes.

The musical is developed in partnership with UNC Charlotte College of Arts + Architecture and with additional support from the NC Arts and Sciences Council. This staged reading of the work in progress features a cast of UNC Charlotte Musical Theatre Certificate program students. The project seeks to highlight the skills of our talented, diverse student population, all while fostering a deeper appreciation for our region’s cultural history.

Tickets for both showings are FREE. Seating is first come, first served.

The May 2nd performance will be held on campus in Rowe Recital Hall (9119 University Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262) at 3pm. Visitor parking is in East Deck 1.

The official premiere event will be held on May 8, 2024 on site at the Loray Mill (300 S. Firestone St, Gastonia, NC 28052). Doors will open at 6pm for guests to explore the Gaston County Museum exhibit and engage with our pre-show programming. The staged reading will begin at 6:30pm, followed by a catered reception and audience talk-back with our cast and creative team. Free parking is available on site.

Ticket reservations are limited to 4 per person. RESERVE YOUR TICKETS HERE!

If you have any questions, please email musicaltheatre@uncc.edu