Bloodletting in These Hills is showing here at Parkway Playhouse August 1-10, 2025. We reached out to Mike Yow, who is portraying Caleb, about his experience working on this production.
What part of this show is your favorite and why?
So many good parts from which to choose, but if I had to only pick one, I’d say the historical Appalachian aspect of it, especially as a history buff and resident of Southern Appalachia here in Western NC.
What about this show do you think will stick with audiences?
I think the heartfelt bits and moments of desperation will haunt audiences a bit, hopefully in a meaningful and thoughtful manner. Oh, and the blood-lettings.
You’re the first cast to perform in a fully staged production of this show. What has the process been like originating this role?
I’m extremely excited to serve as a cast member and fight choreographer for this epic piece of playwriting, and have been honored to have met the playwright, Walter, in a Zoom production meeting just before rehearsals began. I hope audiences will be as psyched about this as we are!
What have you loved so far about working with Parkway Playhouse?
I’ve loved, so far, my return to Parkway Playhouse, after performing here somewhat regularly some years ago, in productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, The 39 Steps, Footloose, Bonnie & Clyde, Dial M For Murder, and The Quiltmaker. Such a great old-school summer stock space with awesomely creative people in it!
How did you get into theatre?
I was probably six or seven when I performed in my first play – I might’ve been Tree No. 7 or some such – but enjoyed it, even perhaps excelling at it a bit, and after a few decades, decided to pursue it professionally back in 2007 or thereabouts. I worked in stage and film/television a good deal in the Atlanta area, then my wife and I (she’s also a thespian) moved to Asheville a dozen years ago to pursue it here in Western NC.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the area?
Other than performing, hiking is great in this area, of course, but I also enjoy working occasionally as a tour guide and going to Biltmore Estate (and Dollywood, not too far away) somewhat frequently.
Tell us about yourself!
I was born in Greensboro, NC, and our family – I have one younger brother – lived in that part of North Carolina until I was 10 or so, wherein we made the move to the North Atlanta area. I lived in and around Atlanta for 40 years, working odd jobs before finally making something of a living acting and working as an acting coach for two major performing arts schools. Met my wife, Karen, back in 2012 and we moved to Asheville back in 2013. Here, I work in theatre, and occasionally film and television, and also work as a tour guide for Asheville (including a ghost tour), run Dungeons & Dragons summer camps for youth, and enjoy hiking, 4.5-rated pickleball, theme parks (Disney, Universal, and Dollywood mainly), and all things Halloween and Christmas. Our household lovingly includes two crazy-cool cats, Callie and Nymeria.
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