Primland will present two performances of Heaven on Wheels, the critically acclaimed musical comedy about the history of stock car racing on Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2, 2011 to coincide with the Martinsville Speedway Sprint Cup Race Weekend.
NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2011
Primland Presents Heaven on Wheels at The Virginia Motorsports Museum and The Rives Theater
Primland will present two performances of Heaven on Wheels, the critically acclaimed musical comedy about the history of stock car racing on Friday, April 1, and Saturday, April 2, 2011 to coincide with the Martinsville Speedway Sprint Cup Race Weekend.
The first performance will be at the Virginia Motorsports Museum, 212 Johnson St, in Stuart, VA on Friday, April 1 at 7:30 PM. The museum will be open at 6:30 PM that evening so the public may enjoy the exhibits before the show. Admission will be $8 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Heaven on Wheels will also be presented at the Rives Theater in Martinsville on Saturday, April 2 at 8:45 PM. The event is called "A Night of NASCAR at the Rives Theater". Monte Dutton a singer/songwriter and NASCAR journalist and Radio Host will perform at 8:00 PM. The actors will hit the stage around 8:45 PM. For more details on the Rives Theater performance and ARTS at the Rives Theater visit www.rivestheater.com
Set in Patrick County in the mythical town of Lovers Leap, Heaven on Wheels is a tribute and a send-up of the sport of stock car racing. Some of the fascinating characters brought to life include Curtis Turner, Bill France, Louise Smith, the Flock Brothers, and Tiny Lund. Racing greats Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, the Allison Brothers, and Dale Earnhardt are also saluted.
The history of Daytona 500 Champions, the Wood Brothers, is featured in the play. Leonard Wood, former crew chief of Virginia’s first family of racing said about Heaven on Wheels:
"The history, comedy, and music are all dead-on for accurate, funny, and memorable entertainment. I’d recommend this show to anybody."
Heaven on Wheels was written by Tally Sessions and Peter Holland and will be performed by Once Upon a Blue Ridge, a professional touring theatre company based in Meadows of Dan. Directed by Peter and Christina Holland, Once Upon a Blue Ridge has toured its original, educational, and entertaining shows to family audiences throughout Virginia and the Carolinas for the past seven years. In 2008, Peter was nominated for a Virginia Governors Arts Award for his one man Lincoln play, Mr. Lincoln’s Office.
Recently, Christina Holland, who taught Drama at Patrick County High School for four years, and who plays Louise Smith, one of the first woman stock car drivers, commented on the upcoming performances:
"I’m thrilled to be performing the show for the people that the show is all about", said Christina.
"Heaven on Wheels is about the pioneer spirit that still lives in Patrick County today. It’s about poor people who struggle to achieve their dreams and have the courage to overcome obstacles."
"But it’s also about having a good time", Christina laughed.
"Those old time racers sure knew how to have a good time. Why, some of them even raced with a monkey in the car!" Christina concluded.
The Presenting Sponsor for Heaven on Wheels is Primland, a pristine Blue Ridge Mountain resort located on 12,000 acres in Meadows of Dan, VA. Primland is the ultimate retreat for outdoor adventures such as world-class golf, hunting, and fishing. The Lodge and Cottages at Primland offer 32 gracious rooms and suites, all appointed with extraordinary amenities. The 11 Mountain Homes provide authentic, rustic comfort in stunning settings. Rejuvenate at the Spa with treatments designed to bring the spark back into life. Guests are welcome to visit for the day or stay for a longer stretch of time. Visit http://primland.com/ for a calendar of special events and packages.
For more info on Heaven on Wheels and Once Upon a Blue Ridge visit www.onceuponablueridge.com
