"Skylight," David Hare's award-winning drama, opens in 35below

 

Asheville Community Theatre is excited to present David Hare’s intimate and compelling 1995 drama  SKYLIGHT to Asheville’s 35below for the first three weekends in February. SKYLIGHT will be performed February 2 - February 18, 2018 with performances Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 pm. Tickets are available online at www.ashevilletheatre.org, over the phone at 828-254-1320, or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office.

Winner of multiple Tony, Drama Desk, and Olivier awards including the 1996 Play of the Year Award (Olivier), 1997 Tony Award for Best Play, and the 2015 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, SKYLIGHT was written by playwright David Hare. An English playwright, screenwriter, and film director, Hare has enjoyed tremendous success over a lengthy career that spans nearly half a century.  In addition to his many plays, he has two Academy Awards for the Best Adapted Screenplay for the films The Hours (2002) and The Reader (2008).  

Set in a rundown London flat, SKYLIGHT  takes place over the course of one winter evening in which a school teacher, Kyra Hollis is visited by Edward Sergeant and then later, his father, Tom Sergeant - a successful entrepreneur.  Kyra had been living with the Sergeant family years earlier as an employee and close confidant but then left after her affair was discovered by Tom’s wife, who has since died.  Edward accuses Kyra of leaving him as well, as he saw her as a member of the family and doesn’t understand why she suddenly left.  Later, that same night, Tom appears at Kyra’s flat unannounced resulting in an explosive reunion. As the talk turns to whether their relationship can be re-kindled, it becomes clear that their chances rest on whether they can bridge the chasm that has opened between them.

The cast includes Trinity Smith as Kyra and Andrew Gall as Tom Sergeant.  Both Smith and Gall have numerous credits over many years at virtually every theatre company in Western North Carolina between the two of them.  Lee Wilson rounds out the cast as Edward Sergeant and the production is being directed by Scott Keel.

For more information about SKYLIGHT, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.

Harrah's Cherokee Casinos announce organizational changes

Since its opening in 1997, the leadership team at Harrah's Cherokee Casinos has grown and evolved with the needs of the business. With the arrival of the New Year, Harrah's Cherokee Casinos is pleased to announce new changes to its management team. Effective February 1, the following leadership positions will take effect:

Having served as Regional Vice President (RVP) of Human Resources and External Relations since 2009, Jo Ray will move into the position of RVP of Community Relations and Employee Wellness. Jo's redefined focus will be Corporate Citizenship, HERO (Harrah's Employees Reaching Out) as well as on employee wellness and engagement.

Adele Jacobs-Madden will transition to the position of RVP of Finance and Resort Operations. Adele has served as RVP of Finance since 2013. Her newly expanded role will include Hotel and Facilities of the Resort in Cherokee and the Casino & Hotel in Murphy.

Leeann Bridges will transition from RVP of Marketing to RVP of Human Resources. Ms. Bridges has led the Marketing team at Harrah's Cherokee since 2004. As RVP of Human Resources, Leeann will oversee Employment and Recruiting, Employee Relations, as well as Training and Talent Development.

Brian Saunooke has been promoted to RVP of Marketing. Brian has served Harrah's Cherokee since 2001, and was promoted to Director of Marketing in 2013 where he oversaw Direct Marketing, Total Rewards, Special Events and Promotions as well as Social Media Marketing. 

 "I have the utmost confidence in our leadership team," said Regional Senior Vice President and General Manager Brooks Robinson. "They are all committed to driving results in their areas while ensuring we remain the premier gaming destination in the South. I'm looking forward to the coming expansions at our properties with this great group of individuals."

Winners honored at Spirit of MLK Awards

On January 17, Mission Health and MAHEC recognized team members at the 2018 Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Ceremony who carry on Dr. King’s spirit, leadership and vision to influence unity, equality, equity and justice in both the workplace and their communities. The annual awards ceremony is a partnership between Mission Health and MAHEC that celebrates diversity and inclusion in healthcare.

Brooks Ann McKinney is Mission Health’s 2018 Spirit of MLK Award recipient. Brooks Ann has focused on the medically and mentally fragile, homeless and underserved individuals for nearly 20 years as a strong advocate for improving our population’s access to healthcare and resources throughout these communities. Brooks Ann sees beyond the individual standing on the corner holding a sign for food and works to provide a way out and ensures they are treated with dignity. 

Congratulations to MAHEC’s recipients: Olivia Dorsey (Information Technology) of the Emerging Leader Award, and JoAnne Edgerton (Clinical Services), pictured below with MAHEC president and CEO Dr. Jeffery Heck, of the Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Learn more about diversity, inclusion and health equity at Mission Health at mission-health.org/diversity.php.