Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre kicks off 35th year

SNOW CAMP - Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre, treasure of the small, southern Alamance community, opened its 35th season on Thursday night. This season is dedicated to James and Louise Wilson, the couple whose hard work, dedication, and strength never fails to triumph when it comes to "the drama." James, who has recently been in and out of the hospital, didn't let recovery from a recent knee infection spoil his time at the opening nights' performance of "The Sword of Peace."

Cradled in the woods is the picturesque amphitheater where you can hear the wonderful concerto of birds, crickets and cicadas serenading the audience. Half an hour before the show begins, you can hear the real musical entertainment. The preshow cast includes members from the show, all with soulful and perfectly harmonized voices.

Performer Homer Ratcliff greeted the audience as if he had known us all of his life. It is the small things like that make Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre a place where everyone can just take a minute and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
"Sword," as locals, cast, and regulars call it, begins with Simon and Elizabeth Dixon, (played by Kyle Travis and Nicki Hilton) who create a place in North Carolina for their home and mill. Simon is a Quaker, and as such, he strives to never take part in any sort of violent action or disturbance.

It is increasingly hard for the Quakers as a whole to disregard the fighting and bloodshed. As the years pass, the tension between the "rebels" and the British tightens. Herman Husbands (Larry Wilson), relative to the Dixons, feels the urge to fight and joins the armed forces. He is disowned from his Quaker meeting. Thomas Hadley (Derek Spack), the young, fatherless boy who was brought up by the Dixons also feels the war, not as an occurrence that is taking place far away, but as a conflict in which he struggles within himself throughout the entire second act of the play. He is unable to clearly see the path in which he should take - the one of his fellow countrymen, or the way of his Quaker tradition. It is a story that is not only a historical account, but a tale overflowing with lessons that can be used in today's' society.

Even though the play is a drama, three friends, William, Amos, and George (Randall Brammer, Gatlin Alldredge, and Hank Brannock) who are almost always intoxicated, entertain the audience in several humorous scenes, along with William's overbearing and not so graceful wife, Bertha (Caroline Kapo).

The play features many authentic costumes, an expertly choreographed dancing scene, and more than 30 cast members who have spent numerous hours practicing until every minor detail is perfect. Horses Clint and Anakin also perform on the stage and are, at times, close enough for you to touch. The impressive pyrotechnics of the muskets and cannon are enough to make you jump in your seat.

If that is not enough to entice you, then you should get a table for supper at the Ye Old Country Kitchen, walk around the museum or historic buildings, savor some ice cream from the shop adjacent to the box office, or take a look at one of the many exhibits show casing items from the past.

With gas being what it is, why not take a short drive to Snow Camp to visit the tranquil site to enjoy a beautiful evening with remarkable talent, outstanding entertainment, and a powerful play with a wonderful message underneath a blanket of stars.

Sarah Osborne is a ninth-grader and a Teens &  20s writer.