In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 83^o and Sunny

📰American and Israeli Hostages Shown in New Hamas Video as Families Plead for Their Release

📰Durham’s COPA Finds Success in Community Support Amid Economic Challenges

📰North Carolina’s Small Towns in Crisis Over Water and Sewer Capacity Amid Growth

🗓️Event Highlight: Student-Directed One Act Play Festival at East Chapel Hill High

🗓️Upcoming Events 

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American and Israeli Hostages Shown in New Hamas Video as Families Plead for Their Release

Hamas released a distressing video showing hostages Keith Siegel and Omri Miran, captured on October 7, pleading for their release and expressing their sorrow over missing significant family celebrations. Siegel, 64, grew up here in Chapel Hill and moved to Israel a while ago. Families and officials are urgently calling for their release, emphasizing the emotional impact of the situation. The Israeli government faces increasing pressure to secure a deal for the hostages' freedom as national and international attention mounts. See the full story and video from Abc11.

COPA Finds Success in Community Support Amidst Economic Challenges

COPA, a Durham-based restaurant, overcame severe financial hurdles by rallying community support through a successful online outreach via social media. Facing challenges from the pandemic, high mortgage rates, and increased operating costs, the owners publicly sought help to prevent foreclosure. The community responded quickly, providing the necessary funds to keep the restaurant open. COPA's experience underscores the importance of local support for independent businesses and the owners’ commitment to adapting their business model in response to changing market conditions. See the post that inspired the community to step up on their Instagram page.

North Carolina’s Small Towns in Crisis Over Water and Sewer Capacity Amid Growth

In North Carolina, the need to expand water and sewer infrastructure is becoming urgent as populations grow. Towns like Pittsboro and Creedmoor face developmental delays due to outdated systems. At a Triangle Community Coalition meeting earlier this month, experts discussed the benefits of utility consolidations, such as Pittsboro’s merger with Sanford, which has helped increase infrastructure capacity. The state encourages these mergers through grants. Meanwhile, the private sector, led by companies like Aqua, collaborates with developers and towns to manage water services, especially outside city limits. Additionally, new EPA regulations on harmful chemicals present further challenges, requiring utilities to upgrade facilities while expanding them, complicating development efforts.

Excitement Builds as the Student-Directed One Act Play Festival Nears

As spring unfolds, the anticipation for the annual Student Directed One Act Play Festival at the local Black Box Theater at East Chapel Hill High School is palpable. This year, the festival is set to showcase a vibrant collection of one-act plays, each directed by a talented student director. Scheduled for this Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. and Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 7:30 pm, promising audiences an evening of compelling drama and raw talent.

This year’s lineup is particularly diverse, featuring a wide range of themes and narratives that reflect the creative breadth and depth of the students involved. From introspective dramas to light-hearted comedies, the festival offers something for every theater enthusiast.

Play Lineup and Teams

Coffee Break

Directed by Evermore Love-Harman and managed by Diana Burkert, this play features a dynamic female duo that explores the intricacies of modern life and personal connections.

Mr. and Mrs.

Directed by Sebastian Kaylie with stage management by William Pazzula, this play delves into the nuanced interactions of its characters, highlighting the often-comedic undertones of domestic life.

Finger of God

Under the direction of Andrea Wang and stage managed by Avery Pescoe, this drama presents a gripping narrative involving characters Strickland and Benson, bringing suspense and intrigue to the stage.

Matterhorn

Directed by Ana Diaz Sachica with Toni Pithan Nunes managing the stage, this play takes the audience on a journey of ambition and discovery through the experiences of its protagonists, Arleen and Jerry.

Come to the Garden Maude

This garden-themed drama, directed by Diego Heredia and stage-managed by Floriana Sueldo, invites the audience into a world of deep reflection and beauty through its characters Phoebe, John, and Jill.

Two Conservations

Akihisa Tsuboi directs this intriguing exploration of human interactions, with Ainsley Adams serving as stage manager. The play features four characters, each representing different facets of society.

In Case of Fish

This quirky and thought-provoking piece directed by Jacob Smith and managed by Adeline Gold involves characters entangled in a surreal, yet revealing scenario that promises to captivate the audience.

Ballgirl

Directed by Elise Owre with Elise Anderson managing the stage, this play explores themes of ambition and identity through the eyes of its young protagonist, Marcy.

The Student Directed One Act Play Festival not only provides a platform for emerging talent but also enriches the cultural tapestry of our community. It offers a unique opportunity for student directors to showcase their work, for actors to shine on stage, and for audiences to enjoy fresh and innovative theatrical works. If you recall from our interview with theatre teacher, Hope Love, these students have been training to real-world production standards which should prove to result in a great weekend of entertainment, comedy, and drama. Make sure to mark your calendars and support these young artists as they take the stage in what promises to be a memorable series of performances.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the festival are now on sale and can be purchased online through the links below. Given the popularity of past festivals and the limited seating available, early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

• Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

• Friday, May 3, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

Jazz Open House

Enjoy a jazz brunch buffet and yoga class while experiencing the new jazz art hanging in the B.N. Duke Annex atrium. 

This event is free and open to the public.

Tuesday, April 30, from 12 to 5 p.m. in the B.N. Duke Annex.

Fridays on the Front Porch

Experience the charm of Chapel Hill each Friday at the Carolina Inn’s “Fridays on the Front Porch” event. Located at 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill, the event is sure to be a great way to enjoy the season. Running every Friday from April 19 through October 25, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this local favorite is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Although the first event on April 19th has been canceled due to anticipated bad weather, the series promises plenty of excitement with live music, handcrafted cocktails, North Carolina beers, and a diverse selection of food from local food trucks. The event caters to all age groups, making it an ideal outing for everyone looking to unwind in a festive atmosphere. Click here to see the lineup. (Linked has been updated) This Friday, May 3rd, listen to the Morgan Creek and enjoy Doherty's Paddy Wagon, and Gussy's Greek food trucks!

Cat’s Cradle

@ The Cave