Replica of Wright Brothers biplane takes flight in Banner Elk
The 2023 season of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre will feature stories that touch on the history, culture, and traditions of life in North Carolina, including the season’s final show, “The [W]right Sister.” This original musical by Summer Theatre Director Janet Speer tells the story of Katharine Wright, the historically overlooked, yet undeniably significant, sister of Orville and Wilbur.
While Speer’s story shifts the focus from her brothers onto Katharine, her journey, and her invaluable contributions to the association between the Wright family and “first in flight,” it does not stray far from the plane at the heart of the flight story. In fact, a half-scale replica of one of the original Wright flyers will be taking center stage when the musical opens on Sunday, July 23.
Keith Martin at Carolina Mountain Life spoke with the four local craftsmen and woodworkers who are volunteering their time to bring the aircraft to life. Read Martin’s article on page 41 of the magazine’s Spring 2023 issue and learn more about all the behind-the-scenes work going into the production before opening night.
