11/17/2022
Congratulations to Kim Cozort Kay and Kay-Squared Productions!
The North Carolina Society of Historians has honored Kim Cozort Kay with the "Award of Excellence" for her history-based play, “Silver Shadows: Dark Side of the Mountain.”
The award is in recognition for invaluable contributions toward the preservation and perpetuation of North Carolina History. Kim penned the one-woman show and performed it this past July in Morganton at the Historic County Courthouse there.
The play is based on the short life of Frankie Silver who was hung for murdering her husband Charlie in 1831 leaving behind their infant daughter, Nancy. The events of this fateful tale are set In and around Morganton, North Carolina during that time.
In her efforts to bring this story to the stage Ms. Cozort Kay extensively researched surviving court documents and interviewed several descendants of Frankie Stewart and Charlie Silver.
According to the judges of the state award, her attention to detailed research, accurate costumes and music of the time period led to her being awarded this prestigious honor.
Kim’s husband, Kenneth Kay directed the production that featured an original costume design by Jeri Boerger and authentic music arranged by Bill Harbinson. Kim and Kim were in residence in Morganton with their company Kay-Squared Productions. “Silver Shadows: Dark Side of the Mountain” was followed by Ken’s performance of “The Things They Carried.”
“This project has been a part of me for years,” said Ms. Cozort Kay. “I wanted to draw a parallel between Frankie’s plight and women living in modern Appalachia, dealing with loneliness, isolation, and women’s rights. I tried to bring the research I found to help us understand the young woman we know as Frankie, not just the legend. I am truly grateful to be recognized, but the work continues.”
Brava, Kim! 👏👏
