Influential Women of History - A Perfromance Sries
Professional storyteller and actress Paddy Lynn brings a performance series of three shows featuring Harriett Beecher Stowe, Letters from the Oregon Trail and Emily Dickinson to the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens. Presented by Loyola University and the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, produced in cooperation with the Kirk Players this series will delight, entertain and inspire. In celebration of Black History Month, Women's History Month and Poetry month audiences will be seated in the Great Hall of the Mansion.
On February 24, 2013 Meet Harriet Beecher Stowe. This little five foot woman from New England stirred the conscience of America on issues of slavery and influenced the course of American history. Harriet was a housewife with six children, yet also a true abolitionist who was determined to write a novel so powerful that it would change the way people viewed slavery. Her book sold millions of copies world-wide and, next to the Bible, became the bestselling book ever. It was translated in over 60 languages. She became an overnight sensation at a time when America was on the brink of the Civil War. Her popularity spread far and wide and made her a shaper of public opinion. It is no wonder that upon meeting her, President Abraham Lincoln said, “So this is the little lady who started this big war.”
March 24, 2013 brings a historically accurate tale of life on the trail told through a woman's letters home. Letters from the Oregon Trail describes the Oregon Trail migration and was one of the most important events in American History. The Oregon-California trail was a 2,170 mile route from Missouri to Oregon and California that enabled the migrating of the early pioneers to the western United States. This trail was the only feasible land route for settlers to get to the West Coast. From 1843 until 1869 when the first transcontinental railroad was completed, there were over 500,000 people who made the trip in covered wagons pulled by mule and oxen. Some went all the way to Oregon to farm and others went to California to search for gold. The trip usually took 4-6 months by wagon traveling 15 miles a day whereas the only other route to the west, by sea, took a full year.
April 24, 2013 concludes this series with Meet Emily Dickinson This extraordinary story provides insight into Emily's life, love, and inspiring poetry. Audiences are welcomed into the home of Miss Dickinson and are treated to her warmth and hospitality as they hear her share her fondest memories of life in Amherst, Massachusetts. Laugh, cry, and reminisce with Emily as she speaks of her childhood, life before and after the Civil War, and all the important people that surrounded her. Delight in her emotional and intellectual charm, and all her eccentricities as she shares some of her most memorable poems. Discover why Emily Dickinson, with an opus of more than 1,775 poems to her name, has become one of the country's most preeminent poets of the nineteenth century and perhaps, all literary tradition.
Series Package; $48.00; Any Two shows: $36.00; Single Show: $20.00; Day of Performance: $25.00. For tickets and more information visit www.kirkplayes.org or call 847-521-6192.