Mountain Theatre Company’s new docuseries Harmony in Highlands: The Making of The Burnt Part Boys gives audiences an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at everything it takes to bring a musical to life in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Released in weekly episodes on YouTube, the series follows the creative team, musicians, cast, and crew from the earliest rehearsals to the final moments of opening night.
From day one, Harmony in Highlands showcases the intense collaboration and artistry required to mount a full-scale production. Early episodes dive into music creation, offering viewers a rare look at the process of building the show’s instrumental tracks with a live band of local musicians under the direction of Music Supervisor, Bo Garrard. This hands-on approach – uncommon for many regional productions – captures the energy and precision required to honor the show’s Appalachian roots.
As the series unfolds, viewers witness the evolutions of every production element: the design and construction of a functional, immersive set; the hand-detailing of costumes that reflect the characters’ rugged 1960s mining town lives; the technical layering of lighting and sound design that transforms the stage into a hauntingly beautiful world.
But Harmony in Highlands goes beyond the tech. It places a spotlight on the rehearsal process-both vocal and physical-as performers navigate harmonies, scene work, and emotional storytelling. From the first blocking rehearsal to the final tech rehearsal, the docuseries captures the heart, hustle and human connection that drive a production forward.
Each episode culminates in the shared anticipation of opening night, where every piece of the puzzle snaps into place. What began as an idea in a script becomes a fully realized theatrical experience–and Harmony in Highlands lets you watch every step of the journey. Relive the magic with MTC at YouTube.com/@mountaintheatrecompany.
Now that The Burnt Part Boys has closed its powerful run, Mountain Theatre Company invites you to join us for our next chapter: Home for the Holidays, a heartwarming seasonal tradition that’s perfect for the whole family. Visit mountaintheatre.com for tickets and more information.
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