08.15.2023

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Marcy Gallagher’s brand new career

Marcy Gallagher is beginning a brand new career

Marcy poses with the program for her first musical, “At the Cafe.” | Photo via Marcy Gallagher

Where do you see yourself at 70? Retired or taking things slow? Not Marcy Gallagher. She’s launching a new phase in her career and becoming a playwright — with her first show, “At the Cafe,” debuting this weekend. And she’s inspiring others to continue following their lifelong dreams in the process.

Marcy admits that she isn’t the type to stay still for long. She’s worn many hats as a paralegal and business owner, but after selling her shops in 2020, her next question was, “What do I do now?” And naturally, the answer was to bring to life the script for a play she had written in 2019 — despite having no background in theater.

The origin of “At the Cafe”

Inspired by seeing “The Greatest Showman,” Marcy declared to her husband Tom that she was going to write a musical. “I had an idea in mind of writing about four middle-aged women because I think we’re underrepresented in musical theater. And I felt there was a story there,” Marcy shared.

“At the Cafe” centers on four women grappling with the struggles of aging — and highlights the power of friendship to see those struggles through. Marcy said, “Middle age should be a springboard. It should be accepting of our bodies and the changes, and we’ve earned it. And there’s nothing we can’t do, if we set our mind to it and follow our passions.”

“At the Cafe” will debut at the Tina McGuire Theatre for two weekends, beginning this Friday, Aug. 18. The play will be performed to five sold-out crowds, with several tickets still available only for the Friday, Aug. 25 show.

Through making her own dreams come true, Marcy wants others to be inspired to do the same. “I’m encouraging everybody I talk to to find their passion and just go with it. We’ve got nothing to lose at this point at our age. And so why not get out there,” Marcy says. “There are so many women in my age group who are reinventing themselves. And it is so wonderful to see it.”

What's next for Marcy

Events

Tuesday, Aug. 15

Intro to Improv Class | Tuesday, Aug. 15 | 7-8 p.m. | Misfit Improv and Acting School, 573 Fairview Rd., Unit 21A, Asheville | Free | Get an introduction to the art of improv with no performance pressure — just fun.

Wednesday, Aug. 16

Adult River Snorkeling | Wednesday, Aug. 16 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Asheville Parks & Recreation, 72 Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville | $20 | Dive beneath our mountain streams to get a new perspective of the water.
Rhythm of Women | Wednesday, Aug. 16-Wednesday, Sept. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | The Elephant Door, 126 Swannanoa River Rd., Asheville | $15-$35 | Get instruction from Mz. Imani before participating in the drum circle.

Thursday, Aug. 17

United for Youth Block Party | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 3-7 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Pl., Asheville | Free | End the summer with a celebration that includes youth performers, free food, books, family-friendly activities, a DJ, and more.
Asheville StorySLAM - “Back to School” | Thursday, Aug. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., Asheville | $15 | Craft a five-minute academic anecdote for this series presented by The Moth.

Friday, Aug. 18

Downtown After 5 | Friday, Aug. 18 | 5-9:30 p.m. | Downtown Asheville, 100 Block of N.Lexington Ave., Asheville | Free | Enjoy local beer, cider, wine + food while jamming to the Asheville All Stars and Asheville Rock Academy.
Silent Disco: Taylor Swift Night + Friends & Foes | Friday, Aug. 18 | 7-11 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing - Biltmore Village, 2A Huntsman Pl., Asheville | $12-$15 | Swifties unite for this Taylor-themed dance party — bonus points for costumes.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Health

Buncombe County is encouraging residents to take precautions as COVID-19 numbers have begun to rise throughout NC. Find out more about how the county suggests you protect yourself and your loved ones.

Transit

An Amtrak train line could be heading to Asheville. A Sailsbury-to-Asheville passenger line is on the NCDOT’s list of 12 proposed routes. The US Dept. of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration could make a decision on funding in November. (Asheville Citizen-Times)

Concert

The Asheville Symphony will kick off its 2023-2024 season on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. with its third annual Symphony in the Park concert. The community is invited to attend the free show in Pack Square Park. Preferred seating is available to reserve at $75 per person.

Number

2,232. That’s how many local students will go back to school with a fully stocked backpack thanks to United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County’s 17th Annual School Supply Drive. The drive raised over $67,000, with all proceeds being used to purchase school supplies.

Biz

Harvest Records is celebrating its 19th birthday this Saturday, Aug. 19. Everything in the store will be 19% off, with items in the basement going for $1 or less. Plus, enjoy free beer from Hi-Wire and New Belgium, the Gypsy Queen food truck on-site, and DJ sets.

Pets

Ain’t no party like a dog party. Celebrate International Dog Day on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at There There and Botanical Bones’ Dog Party. Dress your pup in their finest costume for a chance to win gift cards (and plenty of treats). Proceeds benefit Mountain Pet Rescue.

Award

UNC Asheville made Fiske Guide to Colleges 2024’s list of 300+ of the “best and most interesting” colleges in the US, Canada, and UK. The guide praised UNCA’s liberal arts program as comparable to private colleges, but at public university prices. See what else stood out to Fiske.*

Cause

The heat is on to save lives. Did you know? One blood donation can help up to three people. Blood centers usually struggle to collect enough blood products during the summer months. Bonus: Blood donors receive at least $50 in rewards in August (drives + dates may vary). Donate.*

Active

Strength training as we age helps increase the likelihood of maintaining muscle mass + bone density — and helps keep us healthy. Learn about the Y’s personal training sessions.*

Edu

Help local teachers fulfill classroom wishlists

Help local teachers fulfill their classroom wishlists

Wouldn’t you want to learn in a classroom like this? | Photo by Monica Sedra

Back to school season is in full swing, and the 2023-2024 school year is coming up fast. We asked the community to submit wishlists from local educators so we can help them start off the school year with a stocked classroom — without having to dip into their own pockets.

Show some love for these teachers by purchasing items on their wishlists. Click the links below to shop the full lists, with items going directly to the teachers.

All teachers | Johnston Elementary School

“If you’ve been looking for a way to serve your community, help out in the schools, or just bring a smile to someone’s face… pick out a couple items on our JES school-wide wishlist.”
Wishlist

All teachers | Mountain City Public Montessori

“As a new start-up school we are stocking all the things, and we don’t have much in our budget to do so. We’ve been relying heavily on the generosity of the community.”
Wishlist

Four more wishlists

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor

You’re never too old for plushies, and I may have just found one to add to my collection. Local artist Olive (aka @berry.freshh on Instagram) made a stuffed bear inspired by one of my favorite albums, Phoebe Bridgers’ “Stranger in the Alps.” See it in all its soft, plushy glory.

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