Stories from the Clinchfield Railroad, the Tweetsie Line and the Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina will all be ‘en route’ to Jonesborough, Tennessee, at the McKinney Center on Monday, September 25 at 7 p.m.
Railroad workers and their families were interviewed about their time with the railroad, which once dominated both personal travel as well as serving as the major conveyor of goods across the country. It is thought that Jonesborough’s survival depended upon the important stop the trains made in town, as told from old newspaper stories about Doctor Cunningham and “the immortal thirty” who would be remembered for their contributions in making Jonesborough a train destination.
The story of Doc Cunningham, whose home still sits at the edge of the railroad tracks, along with other true-life stories of the railroad days will be featured in the September show.
Joining the cast will be regional favorite, singer/songwriter Adam Bolt, bringing his sense of humor to the stage again.
This show will be a bittersweet production, as creator, writer and director of StoryTown, Jules Corriere, will make a final “official” appearance hosting the show, which she has been working on since its inception 13 years ago.
“It has been an extraordinary ride,” Corriere said. “I’m so proud of the work we have done with StoryTown, giving voice to real people, and shining a light on the real-life history, culture and heritage of our town and region. It’s been my great honor to listen to, capture and create these shows…more than 130 one-hour episodes…which I hope made a difference in the lives of our storytellers and listeners.”
Corriere hopes to see StoryTown continue into the future, if possible. She has crafted scripts that will take the radio show through the end of its regular 2023 season, providing ample time for the project to decide what’s next.
“I’m not exactly sure what the future holds, and that’s always an exciting place to be. Right at the edge of a new adventure. Just like the beginning of any great play or radio show,” explained Corriere. “I hope to see all the wonderful friends I’ve made through the years come out for my last StoryTown Radio Show.”
Tickets to the live production of StoryTown Radio Show are $10 and available online at Jonesborough.com/tickets or by calling the Jonesborough Visitor Center at 423.753.1010. StoryTown Radio Show is sponsored by a grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
