Step into the Past

Summer 1816. The war of 1812, America’s second War of Independence, has ended. In the wake of the victory over Great Britain, Americans experienced a surge of patriotism bonding citizens of the young republic to one another. Songs were sung, celebrations held, and yes, there may have even been a performance or two to commemorate the event.

This summer, a local theatre company is bringing history to life with an original play - Huzzah! An Evening of Fanciful Mirth and Merriment Celebrating Americana. The story focuses on a bumbling company of actors, The Tarpley Theater Company, as they perform their own tribute to the end of the second War of Independence and their late leader of the company, Samuel P. Tarpley, Sr.

The Shadow Players are producing this uproariously funny summer entertainment. The group is a local theatre company that has performed for the Harford community for eleven years. They are unique in that the stories they tell are almost entirely original works. Huzzah! is no exception. Written and directed by Patrick Perkins, this play offers not only an original story, but also the opportunity for audience members to interact with the actors throughout the show.

In the 18th and early 19th century, there was no divide between the actors and their audience. With what the theater community refers to as “the fourth wall” gone, audience members were free to shout for encores, give a cheer, or take a jab at the performers and the performers were free to shout right back.

The director of the production, Patrick Perkins, spoke about preparing the cast to act in this vintage style. “I asked the cast to think about how their character would respond to a positive and negative comment from the audience. The challenge is not to break their character even when responding to something unscripted.” He informed us that Huzzah! is the first mainstage revival for the company. New material was contributed by Conor and Erin Perkins, two of Perkins’s children.

No matter the challenge, this company of actors is up to the task! From lively songs of American tradition to a puppet show of the battle of Fort McHenry, they bring history to life in a hilarious, fun-filled way. In speaking to members of the cast they shared their excitement for this new production and what makes it stand out from others in the area. Brennan Traube (playing Thomas Thomas) shared “The audience can change the play at any moment.” Adam Nelson (playing Sam Tarpley, Jr.) added “Huzzah! tells the stories behind our country's origin through such likable characters who tell it in a witty and relatable way. You can’t get that anywhere else.”

Huzzah! An Evening of Fanciful Mirth and Merriment Celebrating Americana opens Wednesday, August 1st at 8pm and will run through August 4th. The closing show on August 4th will be a dinner theatre at 6pm featuring a fried chicken meal to fit the time. Tickets are available for purchase. Visit www.shadowplayerstheatre.org for more details. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the past come to life and truly be a part of their story.

-M.E. Dempsey