Original Zombie Musical to Open in Oneida
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Original Zombie Musical to Open in Oneida
By Shane Gilreath
SCN Contributing Editor
[email protected]
Throughout the history of Southern Appalachia, conventional arts have often been a luxury. Others have been long woven into the culture itself, carried through generations of storytellers, musicians, craftsmen, and performers whose creativity helped define the identity of the entire region. In Oneida and across Scott County, that tradition continues to thrive through organizations and individuals dedicated to showcasing natural talents and keeping the arts alive and accessible for the future.
The Appalachian Society of the Arts (ASOTA) has become one of the leading forces behind that effort. Through theater productions, educational opportunities, literary events, and the organization’s overall support for local artists, ASOTA has helped cultivate an arts scene that reflects both the heritage and future of the region. Their work demonstrates that the arts are not simply entertainment, but vital tools for building stronger, more connected communities.
That mission is especially evident in the upcoming production of Zombies! A Musical Comedy, an original musical created by Ace Glaspy and directed by Ashlee Glaspy. Set in Oneida, the production combines comedy, choreography, and original music into a playful take on the zombie apocalypse. Featuring a cast of local young performers, the show gives area students the opportunity to originate roles in a brand-new musical while showcasing the creativity and talents that ooze from the culture.
Performances will take place May 29th, 30th, June 5th, and 6th at 7PM, along with matinee performances on May 31st and June 7th at 2:30PM at the Black Box Theatre inside the Scott County Christian Care Center. Tickets are available through the website at asota.art.
This new production – never before seen – also reflects a broader cultural movement happening throughout the county. Oneida particularly has heavily pushed the arts as not only a means toward tourism dollars but as an overall boost to the economy and with good reason. A recent Americans for the Arts study found that arts and culture generated $151.7 billion in economic activity nationwide in 2022 while supporting 2.6 million jobs.
Local performer Ashley Rowe Slaven emphasized the impact, as well, saying ASOTA productions and other outlets bring visitors into Scott County while allowing residents to enjoy live performances close to home without traveling to larger cities.
“There’s a strong amount of talent in the area that’s just a joy to witness,” Ralph Trieschmann, who directed this year’s Shakespeare in Love, told SCN in February.
That may ultimately be what makes the arts in Oneida so meaningful. Oneida Community Development Coordinator Virginia Bruce agreed, telling SCN in February that “the art society creates space for people of all ages, abilities, and personalities.”
Productions like Zombies! A Musical Comedy are not simply performances. They are reminders that creativity still connects people while strengthening communities.
