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Robert Inman to Adapt Mitford Series

Robert Inman, noted author and playwright (Crossroads, The Christmas Bus), has agreed to adapt Jan Karon’s Mitford Series into a play to be produced by the Blowing Rock Stage Company in 2007. Kenneth Kay, Producing Artistic Director of the Stage Company will share writing credit.

The play, tentatively titled “Jan Karon’s Journey to Mitford” will have its World Premiere on September 5, 2007 at the Stage Company’s new home, The Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock. It will run through September 16 for a total of 13 performances.

“We are just ecstatic that Jan Karon has given us permission to undertake this important project,” said Kay. “We are equally excited that Bob Inman has agreed to come on board with pen, uh … lap-top in hand.”

“Bob Inman,” Kay continued, “is a writer who possesses great skill and insight. He’s already partnered with us on several productions and we’re grateful to have him back. Bob truly understands the collaborative nature of the theatre process.”

Discussing his role in the writing process, Mr. Inman had this to say. “Thirty million readers can't be wrong: Jan Karon is a superb storyteller whose characters and their lives resonate with all of us. I'm honored to be invited to adapt her novels to the stage, and at the same time humbled by the challenge.”

“My job is to faithfully translate Mitford and its people to a new medium and bring Jan's work to new audiences. Jan and I share the same guiding artistic principle -- that all stories are about people, and that characters are the heart of any tale.”

“Jan Karon’s Journey to Mitford” will be a central attraction of “Mitford Days”, a four day (Sept 12 -16) city-wide celebration in Blowing Rock. Many of the characters and settings in the Mitford Series are loosely based on people and places in Blowing Rock.

The main attraction, of course, will be Ms. Karon herself. The celebrated author will be making several guest appearances during “Mitford Days.”

Tickets for “Jan Karon’s Journey to Mitford” will go on sale in the fall of this year.

For additional information about “Mitford Days” please contact the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce @ 828-295-7851