The Town’s History Takes Center Stage: The Story Behind “Finding Patience”

Imagine traveling through Holly Springs history, guided by a character who weaves through centuries of local life, from the trials of the Civil War to the struggles for equality and the challenges of modern-day society. This is the experience of “Finding Patience,” first produced as a play in 2017 and as a musical in 2022. Both productions featured a large cast and crew, the majority of whom were local residents dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of Holly Springs.  

Here is the story of “Finding Patience”

There were 11 shows for the first production and 14 shows for the second production, all of which were sold out.  

“Finding Patience” transformed Holly Springs history into a moving artistic experience, thanks to playwright and director Angie Ottosen-Staheli. Staheli was inspired to write the play after moving to Holly Springs, driven by a powerful desire to research and share the multilayered history of her new home. She gleaned information from local historians, interviewed residents, and spent years researching to uncover the story of Holly Springs.  

When adapting the show into a musical, she wrote lyrics and collaborated with composer Jeremy Phillips to craft songs that amplified the powerful, sometimes uncomfortable, emotions inherent in the historical stories. The play's themes, as explored in the historical context of Holly Springs, include slavery, race relations, war, faith, injustice, forgiveness, courage, and, as the main character Patience says, “living a life that means something.” The production aimed to honor the sacrifices and hard work of the diverse people who laid the Town's foundation, while calling modern-day residents to “stand for right and stand up tall,” assuring them that they “will be remembered for it all.” 

The Town of Holly Springs commissioned both productions and provided space for rehearsals and performances at the Holly Springs Cultural Center. The Town also provided promotional support and assisted with set construction and ticket sales for numerous shows.