Molly Pitcher Comes To Life In Upcoming Somers Point Play

SOMERS POINT, NJ — Many are familiar with the legend of Molly Pitcher, a Revolutionary War tale that takes place here in New Jersey. Her story will come to life in a short, one-woman play presented by SPQR Stage Company.

“Molly Pitcher” will be performed 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 4 and 5, at studio;space in Somers Point.

Though many believe she is just a legendary character rather than real-life heroine, the nickname of Molly Pitcher has historically been commonly attributed to Mary Ludwig Hays. As popular history goes, Hays was delivering water to her husband and other men on the battlefield (hence the “pitcher” nickname) during the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey in June 1778. When her husband was killed in battle, she then took over manning her husband’s cannon.

“This story of Molly, from her days on the dairy farm up to the battlefield and becoming the heroine of the Battle of Monmouth during the American Revolution, illustrates some real ‘revolutionary’ girl power,” said Bill Sterritt, SPQR artistic director and playwright of this show. “Whether she actually existed or is merely a fable, there are great lessons to be learned by this incredible character.”

Pitcher is being portrayed by Serena Lehman, an actor, singer, and voiceover artist from Boston, who has been passionate about acting since childhood. Most recently she acted in The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and at the Pleasance Theatre in London. She has also been in several short films and national commercials and industrials.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Aside from the performances 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Nov. 4 and 5, the performance will be livestreamed on Nov. 4. Tickets for the stream are $10 and can be purchased at StudioSpaceSPNJ.com. Studio;space is located at 112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point, across from The Crab Trap. For ticket reservations, call 323-793-2153 or email spqrstageco@aol.com.