New historical drama starts at theatre festival
Freeport Theatre Festival is presenting the premiere of a new historical drama, “President Arthur's Inspiration.” Written and directed by Mike Firek, the play opens Friday.
“President Arthur's Inspiration” was inspired by the real-life correspondence between Julia Sand and Vice President Chester Arthur.
The role of Sand is being played by Kristy Bronder and Vice President Chester Arthur is being portrayed by Mike Firek.
According to a Freeport Theatre Festival news release, the show “dramatizes the ability we have as human beings to influence each other in a transformative dimension using thoughtful words and pen and ink.”The story begins July 2, 1881, the day President James Garfield was shot.A parade of historical characters frame the story of Arthur's transformation from “machine” politician to “respected” president.Those characters include Rutherford B. Hayes (Christopher Vertosick), New York “boss” Roscoe Conkling (Tom Abbott), James G. Blaine, Secretary of State and Conkling's bitter enemy (Brett Brunory), and Ulysses S. Grant (Darrell Milstead).Stepping into the role of Arthur's sister, Mary McElroy, who served as first lady is Lisa Camerlo.After opening this coming Friday, the play will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 27.All performances begin at 7 p.m. at the theater on the Steele Farm on White Cloud Road, two miles southeast of Freeport via Route 356, in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County. The building has barn doors that can be thrown wide open.Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for those in the military and those age 65 or older; and $10 for students. Reservations are essential and available by calling 724-295-1934 or visiting www.freeporttheatrefestival.org.
