Praise for the Plays

Written By: Wiley Sloan | Issue: 2017/03 - March

When Highlands Playhouse’s newest board member Jean Head attended a playhouse production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” she was stunned by the caliber of its actors and music.  

“I had no idea that Highlands was able to host such outstanding productions,” she says. “From there on, I became interested in helping the Playhouse grow and prosper.” 

The Playhouse plays a key role in Highlands’ variety of art offerings and, in Jean’s eyes, can help fill the void left from the reduced art funding in the public schools.   

Many in the Highlands community know board member Rachel Friday as a part of the local band WellStrung.  As a movie buff, Rachel channels her intense interest in movies by helping the Playhouse select movies throughout the year.  A transplant from Atlanta, she ran her own international medical aid nonprofit where she took teams of physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and other health care professionals to provide medical care to underserved areas of Ecuador, Peru, China and India.  She is a registered dietitian by trade and has a Master’s degree in Public Health.  She looks forward to continued service to the Playhouse and its commitment to providing high-quality performances and films. 

Listeners of WHLC radio are very familiar with Steve Day.  His smooth, melodious voice keeps everyone informed on Highlands-Cashiers activities.  A graduate of Ashland University, Steve’s experience in the television industry and his strong interest in radio and films is a perfect match for his role as a Playhouse board member.  

Dinah Davis has enjoyed a multi-faceted career as a lawyer and…real estate professional while home-schooling her children.  When daughter Gemma clogged at the Playhouse in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” more than 10 years ago, Dinah caught the Playhouse bug.  An avid playhouse supporter for many years, it just seemed natural that she serve on the Board.

As Broker-in-Charge at Landmark Realty in Cashiers, Ken Taft has the pleasure of meeting many people who support the Playhouse.  He hears their praise for the high-quality plays and first-run movies.  As the offerings of the Playhouse have grown in diversity and quality, the hard work of both board and Playhouse staff has paid off in sales numbers.  Ken appreciates the contribution the Playhouse makes to the community and visitors alike. 

Please forgive an error in the Winter Laurel. Marilyn Cooper’s husband is Tom, not Doug. We apologize for that error. 

The well-coordinated efforts of the board and Playhouse staff provide Highlands and Cashiers with a top notch entertainment venue. The 2017 Summer Season will be here before we know it.  Until then, you can enjoy the movies Fridays through Tuesdays at the Playhouse. Visit highlandsplayhouse.org or call them at (828) 526-2695 to see what’s coming next.