Wayne County Life

SUBMITTED by Larry Ann Evans (2-Sep-2011)

Historical Societies to Present Two Civil War Plays

The Museum of Wayne County History in conjunction with the Lyons Heritage Society will be presenting Two Civil War plays, “Solemn Pride” and “Ever True” at the Ohmann Theatre in Lyons Sept. 24 & 25.

Both plays will be directed by Larry Ann Evans and have a local connection. “Solemn Pride” was written by Lyons resident George R. Leighton in 1918 and is a one act play centering on the lives of 9 women on April 10, 1865 when news of the end of the Civil War reaches them. It culminates with historical letter, addressed to Mrs. Bixby from President Lincoln. “Ever True”, written by Lisa Saunders, is the true story of an Alton couple’s devotion to their country and each other in the midst of war’s infidelities, scandals and ever-present threat of death. The story is told through the couple’s letters to each other, Private Charles McDowell and Nancy McDowell, the great grand parents of Lisa Saunders.

The “Solemn Pride” cast is played by Jessica Edgington, Pat Gorthy, Donna Schuldt, Alexis, Brenda & Aria Smith, all of Lyons and Sherryle Godkin-Hoven and Pat Fisher of Clyde and Denise Parks of Geneva.

“The ladies will have to practice sitting and maneuvering with the hoop skirts, especially since you can’t see your feet when you walk!” said Sherryle Godkin-Hoven, President of the Galen Historical Society who is not only performing in the production but also helping out with the period costumes.

The “Ever True” cast is played by Brennan Bastedo of Clyde, Kelsy Raymond of Savannah and Eleanor Stearns of Geneva.

“Both Brennan and Kelsy are very talented high school students, who even though are definitely from the 21st century, seem to possess an old fashion quality which lends credibility to their performance of these two people from 1860’s,” said Evans.

Both plays will be performed at the Ohmann Theatre on Sept. 24 at 7pm and Sept. 25 @ 2pm. There will also be a reception and discussion in “Foxes” after the play to meet and greet the actors and discuss the plays and the civil war.