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| Orpheum Theature and Monmouth College Present "Our American Cousin" |
The Orpheum Theater and Monmouth College are proud the present "Our American Cousin," the play Lincoln was watching the night he was assassinated at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
Show days and times are Saturday, April 4th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 5th at 2:00 p.m.
"Our American Cousin," by British playwright Tom Taylor, premiered in 1858 to rave reviews. The "Cats" of its day, "Our American Cousin" ran for more than 1,000 shows before gaining notoriety as the play at which Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1965.
The plot tells the tale of an awkward, boorish American who goes to England to claim his inheritance. Along the way he falls in love, helps the Trenchard family escape financial ruin at the hands of the evil Mr. Coyle, and demonstrates to his aristocratic English relatives that "Yankee ingenuity" has many merits.
"Audiences should expect to see President and Mrs. Lincoln at both performances," added Bill Wallace, Monmouth College professor and one of the play's directors. "While we will pay our respects at the moment in the play that Lincoln was shot, ticket holders will get to see the conclusion of the play unlike the poor patrons who attended on that fateful night in 1865."
"Our American Cousin" is a co-production effort between the Orpheum Theatre and Monmouth College as part of the year-long, statewide Lincoln celebrations. Monmouth College is staging the production with the Orpheum Theatre providing original scenic flats from the historic venue's vaudeville days. Monmouth College is providing the actors and production crew, while the Orpheum Theatre is providing the venue, advertising and ticket sales.
"Partnerships between not-for-profit entities - whether cultural or education - is likely the wave of the future in this economic climate," said Kate Francis, Orpheum Theatre president. "Competition is healthy. Collaboration is even better."
In addition to main stage performances of "Our American Cousin" on April 4 and 5, Monmouth College and the Orpheum Theatre will present a series of lectures and an exhibit of Lincoln memorabilia and estate items. The symposium and exhibit are free and open to the public on Saturday, April 4 from 2-4:30 p.m. Lectures include topics such as conspiracy theories surrounding Lincoln's assassination and the life and times of Mary Todd Lincoln.
"In the midst of all Illinois' political ailments, the Orpheum Theatre and Monmouth College are pleased to present a weekend full of activities celebrating one of Illinois' finest icons," concluded Ms. Francis.
Tickets for "Our American Cousin" are on sale now by phone at (309) 342-2299 or online at www.theorpheum.org. Ticket prices are $15.00, $20.00 and $25.00. MasterCard and Visa are accepted. The production is sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Jeremy McNamara. |
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| 04 03 09 by Newsroom |
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