Lives and Legacies

Tag: Theatrical Presentations

  • “Twelfth Night at Historic Kenmore” 2019 [Photos]

    Each January, Historic Kenmore presents Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation that imagines the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis spent in their newly built home. The play is set in January 1776 and that year is not a time for the usual celebration. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends.

    The 2019 edition of Twelfth Night at Kenmore took place January 11 and 12. Here are a few photos from the performances.

    Snow begins to fall on Kenmore.
    Snow begins to fall on Kenmore.
    twelfth night 2019 for blog (2)
    Rachel Sargeant as Lucy Thorton Lewis greets visitors in the Passage.
    Rachel Sargeant as Lucy Thorton Lewis greets visitors in the Passage.
    Rae Ehlen as Fielding Lewis (L) and Wilson Johnson as George Weedon (R) share the latest war news.
    Rae Ehlen as Fielding Lewis (L) and Wilson Johnson as George Weedon (R) share the latest war news.
    Anne Lloyd as Mary Washington (L) and Corinn Keene as Nancy Alexander Lewis (R) discuss how the war endangers their loved ones.
    Anne Lloyd as Mary Washington (L) and Corinn Keene as Nancy Alexander Lewis (R) discuss how the war endangers their loved ones.
    twelfth night 2019 for blog (6)
    Ashlee James as Rachel, the washerwoman (L), and Gladys Perkins as Hetty, the cook (R), talk about the wisdom of running away to freedom promised by the British.
    Ashlee James as Rachel, the washerwoman (L), and Gladys Perkins as Hetty, the cook (R), talk about the wisdom of running away to freedom promised by the British.
    Barbara Cochran as Betty Washington Lewis.
    Barbara Cochran as Betty Washington Lewis.
    Michael S. Taylor as John Lewis.
    Michael S. Taylor as John Lewis.
    Singing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."
    Singing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
    Marcus Salley as Pompey, the blacksmith, tends a fire.
    Marcus Salley as Pompey, the blacksmith, tends a fire.
    Sam Fulton as Henry Mitchell, Fredericksburg merchant, alone in the Drawing Room.
    Sam Fulton as Henry Mitchell, Fredericksburg merchant, alone in the Drawing Room.
    Pompy asks Henry Mitchel why he is a Loyalist.
    Pompy asks Henry Mitchel why he is a Loyalist.

  • Coming Soon! “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” [Photos]

    On Friday, January 11, Saturday, January 12, and Sunday, January 13, Historic Kenmore will again present Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation set in 1776.

    This production depicts the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. It is not the usual joyous atmosphere, however. The Revolutionary War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family, their friends, and Kenmore’s enslaved community.  Here are some photos from last year’s performance.

    John Lewis (Michael S. Taylor) encourages Betty Washington Lewis (Barbara Escamilla Cochran) to reveal who the Twelfth Night king and queen shall be.
    John Lewis (Michael S. Taylor) encourages Betty Washington Lewis (Barbara Escamilla Cochran) to reveal who the Twelfth Night king and queen shall be.
    Betty Washington Lewis (Barbara Escamilla Cochran) welcomes guests to her home and offers a holiday toast.
    Betty Washington Lewis (Barbara Escamilla Cochran) welcomes guests to her home and offers a holiday toast.
    Patriots George Weedon (L-Wilson Johnson) and Fielding Lewis (R-Rae Ehlen) worry about the latest war news.
    Patriots George Weedon (L-Wilson Johnson) and Fielding Lewis (R-Rae Ehlen) worry about the latest war news.
    Hetty, an enslaved washerwoman and house servant (Ashleé James), overhears Weedon and Lewis discussing Dunmore's Proclamation, which promised freedom to slaves who fought for the British.
    Hetty, an enslaved washerwoman and house servant (Ashleé James), overhears Weedon and Lewis discussing Dunmore’s Proclamation, which promised freedom to slaves who fought for the British.
    Mary Washington (Anne Lloyd) admonishes Nancy Alexander Lewis (Corinn Keene) to be mindful of her duty as a Patriot woman.
    Mary Washington (Anne Lloyd) admonishes Nancy Alexander Lewis (Corinn Keene) to be mindful of her duty as a Patriot woman.
    Rachel, an enslaved cook (Gladys Perkins), clears the dining room table after the ball's grand meal is complete.
    Rachel, an enslaved cook (Gladys Perkins), clears the dining room table after the ball’s grand meal is complete.
    Having heard about Dunmore's Proclamation, Hetty wonders how she might escape slavery and join the British cause in the hope of gaining freedom.
    Having heard about Dunmore’s Proclamation, Hetty wonders how she might escape slavery and join the British cause in the hope of gaining freedom.
    Fielding Lewis, Jr. (Sam Fulton) and George Weedon debate the wisdom of suspending horse racing in Fredericksburg as part of the effort to stay focused on the war effort.
    Fielding Lewis, Jr. (Sam Fulton) and George Weedon debate the wisdom of suspending horse racing in Fredericksburg as part of the effort to stay focused on the war effort.
    The Lewis family sings "The First Noel."
    The Lewis family sings “The First Noel.”
    Henry Mitchell (Preston Simms) talks with Pompy, an enslaved blacksmith (Marcus Salley) and wonders whether he might as well become a Loyalist since his neighbors already seem to think that he is one.
    Henry Mitchell (Preston Simms) talks with Pompy, an enslaved blacksmith (Marcus Salley) and wonders whether he might as well become a Loyalist since his neighbors already seem to think that he is one.
    Twelfth Night 2018 for Blog (11)
    Twelfth Night 2018 for Blog (12)
    Lucy Thorton Lewis (Cynthia Palmer), wife of John Lewis, acted as a guide for the evening and narrated our story.
    Lucy Thorton Lewis (Cynthia Palmer), wife of John Lewis, acted as a guide for the evening and narrated our story.
    Lucy Thorton Lewis (Rachel Sargeant), wife of John Lewis, acted as a guide for the evening and narrated our story.
    Lucy Thorton Lewis (Rachel Sargeant), wife of John Lewis, acted as a guide for the evening and narrated our story.
    The "Twelfth Night at Kenmore" cast.
    The “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” cast.

    Performance dates: Friday, January 11, Saturday, January 12, Sunday, January 13
    Performance times: 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

    Reservations required. Call 540-370-0732 x24 or email hayes@gwffoundation.org

    Cost: $12.00 adults, $6.00 ages 3-17; under age 3 free.

  • The Lying Valet [Photos]

    This past weekend at Historic Kenmore, the Fredericksburg Theatrical Society presented three performances of the 18th century play The Lying Valet at Historic Kenmore.  Here are some photos of the play.

    (l-r) Roody Labaze as Sir Gayless, Christian Humphrey as The Lying Valet Timothy Sharp, and Brianne Cook as Miss Kitty Prye
    Brianne Cook as Miss Kitty Prye
    Roody Labaze as Sir Gayless
    Gabrielle Fox as Mistress Melissa
    Christian Humphrey as Timothy Sharp, The Lying Valet
    Brianne Cook as Miss Kitty Prye
    (l-r) Christian Humphrey as The Lying Valet Timothy Sharp and Roody Labaze as Sir Gayless
    Gabrielle Fox as Mistress Melissa disguising herself as a Frenchman
    The cast of the Lying Valet: (l-r) Brianne Cook, Gabrielle Fox, Wilson Pezzuto (director), Christian Humphrey, and Roody Labaze
    Brianne Cook as Miss Kitty Prye
    Brianne Cook as Miss Kitty Prye
    (l-r) Christian Humphrey as The Lying Valet Timothy Sharp and Roody Labaze as Sir Gayless
    (l-r) Christian Humphrey as The Lying Valet Timothy Sharp and Roody Labaze as Sir Gayless
    Christian Humphrey as Timothy Sharp, The Lying Valet
    Christian Humphrey as Timothy Sharp, The Lying Valet
    Gabrielle Fox as Mistress Melissa disguising herself as a Frenchman
    Gabrielle Fox as Mistress Melissa disguising herself as a Frenchman
    The cast of the Lying Valet: (l-r) Brianne Cook, Gabrielle Fox, Wilson Pezzuto (director), Christian Humphrey, and Roody Labaze
    The cast of the Lying Valet: (l-r) Brianne Cook, Gabrielle Fox, Wilson Pezzuto (director), Christian Humphrey, and Roody Labaze
    Gabrielle Fox as Mistress Melissa
    Gabrielle Fox as Mistress Melissa
    (l-r) Roody Labaze as Sir Gayless, Christian Humphrey as The Lying Valet Timothy Sharp, and Brianne Cook as Miss Kitty Prye
    (l-r) Roody Labaze as Sir Gayless, Christian Humphrey as The Lying Valet Timothy Sharp, and Brianne Cook as Miss Kitty Prye
    Roody Labaze as Sir Gayless
    Roody Labaze as Sir Gayless
    Brianne Cook as Miss Kitty Prye
    Brianne Cook as Miss Kitty Prye

    Check kenmore.org/events for event listings of future theater productions and other special tours, exhibits, and programs or follow us on Facebook.

  • Coming Soon! “The Lying Valet” at Historic Kenmore

    This weekend at Historic Kenmore, The George Washington Foundation will present three performances of The Lying Valet performed by the Fredericksburg Theatrical Society.

    First performed in London in 1741, The Lying Valet was written by David Garrick.  “If there was one name to know on the London stage in the 18th century,” as we’ve noted in a previous blog, “it was David Garrick. As a writer and actor, he was synonymous with celebrity” and was one of the leading thespians of the time.

    Garrick as Hamlet
    Etching of David Garrick in Hamlet from Dramatic Characters, or Different Portraits of the English Stage, 1773. Public Domain. Credit: Wikipedia

    The Lying Valet was performed many times in the British Colonies and perhaps could have even been the very first play that life-long theatre fan George Washington ever saw!  As noted in an account ledger he kept, twenty-year-old George saw a play for the first time ever on June 2, 1752 during June Fair in Fredericksburg.  June Fair was a annual community gathering where Fredericksburgers and other Virginians sold farm goods and land, settled debts and tried court cases, gambled on horse races, and enjoyed a play.  Whatever the play was that Washington saw on that day in 1752, it was performed by the Murray-Kean Company of actors. Intriguingly, The Lying Valet was indeed one of the plays in their repertoire but there is no way to know if the play was performed on that day at June Fair.

    The Lying Valet tells the story of William Gayless, who lost all of his money after a series of bad choices. Left only with one chair, Gayless attempts to rectify his situation by marrying the rich young lady Melissa, whom he has come to care for, despite the advice of his servant. Timothy Sharp, Gayless’ lying valet, finds himself weaving a few lies to save face for his master, all the while Kitty Pry, a servant to Melissa, attempts to uncover the truth. One thing leads to another as Sharp finds himself caught on the brink of disaster, and it looks as though Gayless will never have a wedding. Will everything end happily, or will lies, consumption, Frenchmen, drunk cooks, half truths, and a significant lack of funds ruin the whole plot?

    This weekend’s performances of They Lying Valet take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, October 21.  Admission is $10 for adults and $5.00 for students. Pre-purchase of tickets is not necessary as payment will be taken at the door.  The performances take place in the Crowninshield Museum of Historic Kenmore at 1201 Washington Avenue in Fredericksburg.

    The Lying Valet poster

  • Photos: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” 2018

    Each January, Historic Kenmore presents Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation that imagines the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis spent in their newly built home. The play is set in January 1776 and that year is not a time for the usual celebration. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends.

    The 2018 edition of Twelfth Night at Kenmore took place January 5, 6, and 7. Here are a few photos from the performances.

    John Lewis (Michael S. Taylor) encourages Betty Washington Lewis (Barbara Escamilla Cochran) to reveal who the Twelfth Night king and queen shall be.
    John Lewis (Michael S. Taylor) encourages Betty Washington Lewis (Barbara Escamilla Cochran) to reveal who the Twelfth Night king and queen shall be.
    Betty Washington Lewis (Barbara Escamilla Cochran) welcomes guests to her home and offers a holiday toast.
    Betty Washington Lewis (Barbara Escamilla Cochran) welcomes guests to her home and offers a holiday toast.
    Patriots George Weedon (L-Wilson Johnson) and Fielding Lewis (R-Rae Ehlen) worry about the latest war news.
    Patriots George Weedon (L-Wilson Johnson) and Fielding Lewis (R-Rae Ehlen) worry about the latest war news.
    Hetty, an enslaved washerwoman and house servant (Ashleé James), overhears Weedon and Lewis discussing Dunmore's Proclamation, which promised freedom to slaves who fought for the British.
    Hetty, an enslaved washerwoman and house servant (Ashleé James), overhears Weedon and Lewis discussing Dunmore’s Proclamation, which promised freedom to slaves who fought for the British.
    Mary Washington (Anne Lloyd) admonishes Nancy Alexander Lewis (Corinn Keene) to be mindful of her duty as a Patriot woman.
    Mary Washington (Anne Lloyd) admonishes Nancy Alexander Lewis (Corinn Keene) to be mindful of her duty as a Patriot woman.
    Rachel, an enslaved cook (Gladys Perkins), clears the dining room table after the ball's grand meal is complete.
    Rachel, an enslaved cook (Gladys Perkins), clears the dining room table after the ball’s grand meal is complete.
    Having heard about Dunmore's Proclamation, Hetty wonders how she might escape slavery and join the British cause in the hope of gaining freedom.
    Having heard about Dunmore’s Proclamation, Hetty wonders how she might escape slavery and join the British cause in the hope of gaining freedom.
    Fielding Lewis, Jr. (Sam Fulton) and George Weedon debate the wisdom of suspending horse racing in Fredericksburg as part of the effort to stay focused on the war effort.
    Fielding Lewis, Jr. (Sam Fulton) and George Weedon debate the wisdom of suspending horse racing in Fredericksburg as part of the effort to stay focused on the war effort.
    The Lewis family sings "The First Noel."
    The Lewis family sings “The First Noel.”
    Henry Mitchell (Preston Simms) talks with Pompy, an enslaved blacksmith (Marcus Salley) and wonders whether he might as well become a Loyalist since his neighbors already seem to think that he is one.
    Henry Mitchell (Preston Simms) talks with Pompy, an enslaved blacksmith (Marcus Salley) and wonders whether he might as well become a Loyalist since his neighbors already seem to think that he is one.
    Twelfth Night 2018 for Blog (11)
    Twelfth Night 2018 for Blog (12)
    Lucy Thorton Lewis (Cynthia Palmer), wife of John Lewis, acted as a guide for the evening and narrated our story.
    Lucy Thorton Lewis (Cynthia Palmer), wife of John Lewis, acted as a guide for the evening and narrated our story.
    Lucy Thorton Lewis (Rachel Sargeant), wife of John Lewis, acted as a guide for the evening and narrated our story.
    Lucy Thorton Lewis (Rachel Sargeant), wife of John Lewis, acted as a guide for the evening and narrated our story.
    The "Twelfth Night at Kenmore" cast.
    The “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” cast.

  • Video – Coming Soon: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore”

    A preview of “Twelfth Night at Kenmore,” a dramatic theater presentation at Historic Kenmore on January 5, 6, 7. Visit kenmore.org for event details.

  • Photos: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” 2017

    Each January, Historic Kenmore presents Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation that imagines the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis spent in their newly built home. The play is set in January 1776 and that year is not a time for the usual celebration. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends.

    The 2017 edition of Twelfth Night at Kenmore took place this past weekend. Here are a few photos from that performance.

    Historic Kenmore in the snow on Saturday night.
    Betty Washington Lewis (Barbara Cochran) welcomes her Twelfth Night guests and toasts the season while stepson John Lewis (Michael Taylor) looks on with a smile.
    Lucy Thorton Lewis (left-Sarah Hall) persuades Nancy Alexander Lewis (right-Corinn Keene), who is worried about the war, to rejoin the party.
    The Lewis Family sings a carol in the Dining Room.
    Betty, Lucy, and Nancy talk in the Dining Room.
    Fredericksburg merchant Henry Mitchell (left-Preston Simms) laments to Pompy (right-Marcus Salley) about how his neighbors whisper about Mitchell’s alleged loyalty to the crown.
    Rachel (left-Gladys Perkins) argues with Hetty (right-Ashleé James) about the future that war might bring for the enslaved community and if that future will include freedom.

  • Photos: Last Year’s “Twelfth Night at Kenmore”

    On Friday, January 6, Saturday, January 7, and Sunday, January 8, Historic Kenmore will again present Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation set in January 1776. It is the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. It is not the usual celebration, however. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends.  Immerse yourself in the experience the candlelight, music, and decorations of an eighteenth-century Christmas!

    Performance times: 3:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.
    Reservations required. Call 540-370-0732 x24 or email hayes@gwffoundation.org
    Cost: $12.00 adults, $6.00 ages 3-17; free ages 3 and under.

    Here is a collection of photos from the last performance way back in January.

    The Lewis family and guests sing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
    Betty Washington Lewis (L-Barbara Cochran) and Nancy Alexander Lewis (R-Corinn Keene) determine to smile through the troubles of war.
    George Weedon explains to Captain Richard Taylor (Sam Fulton) why horse racing ought to be banned during the war.
    George Weedon (L-Rae Ehlen) and Fielding Lewis (R-John Hollinger) lament the burning of Norfolk and Dunmore’s Proclamation.
    Captain Taylor, John Lewis (Mike Taylor), and George Lewis play cards.
    Rachel (Gladys Perkins), enslaved cook, and Hetty (Ashlee James), enslaved washerwoman and house servant, ponder the future.
    Rachel ponders the future that war might bring for the enslaved community and if that future will include freedom.

  • Photos: “Twelfth Night at Kenmore” 2016

    Each January, Historic Kenmore presents Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation that imagines the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis spent in their newly built home. The play is set in January 1776 and that year is not a time for the usual celebration. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends.

    The 2016 edition of Twelfth Night at Kenmore took place this past weekend. Here are photos from that performance.

    Kenmore is ready for the party.
    George Lewis (Joe Ziarko) gazes out the window and ponders enlisting in the Continental Army.
    George Weedon (L-Rae Ehlen) and Fielding Lewis (R-John Hollinger) lament the burning of Norfolk and Dunmore’s Proclamation.
    The dessert table includes a hedgehog cake.
    Candles light the Passage
    Betty Washington Lewis (L-Barbara Cochran) and Nancy Alexander Lewis (R-Corinn Keene) determine to smile through the troubles of war.
    The Lewis family and guests sing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
    The Payne Family provided music for the performance. (L-R) Zach, Kelsey, Kaylee, and Luke.
    George Weedon explains to Captain Richard Taylor (Sam Fulton) why horse racing ought to be banned during the war.
    Captain Taylor, John Lewis (Mike Taylor), and George Lewis play cards.
    Wassail in a punch bowl.
    Sausage cooking over the fire in the kitchen.
    Rachel (Gladys Perkins), enslaved cook for the Lewis family, tends the fire.
    Rachel ponders the future that war might bring for the enslaved community and if that future will include freedom.

  • Photos: Last Year’s “Twelfth Night at Kenmore”

    This coming weekend — Friday, January 8, Saturday, January 9, or Sunday, January 10 — Historic Kenmore again presents Twelfth Night at Kenmore, a dramatic theater presentation set in January 1776. It is the first Christmas that Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis celebrate in their newly built home. It is not the usual celebration, however. War brings fear, doubt, and frustration to the Lewis family and their friends.

    Here is a collection of photos from last year’s performances.

    George Weedon (Sam Fulton) and Fielding Lewis (John Hollinger) remark upon the Christmas decorations.
    Betty Washington Lewis (Amy Wolf) and daughter-in-law Nancy Alexander Lewis (Juliana Jones) ponder how the war might impact the family.
    George Lewis (Will Goldstein) expresses his desire to enlist in the Continental Army.
    George Weedon, a leading Fredericksburg patriot and tavernkeeper.
    Our excellent musicians for the evening: Zach, Kelsey, Kaylee, and Luke Payne.
    Two-hundred-year-old violin on display in Kenmore’s dining room
    Violin is on loan by Wayne A. Hill, Violinist/Composer
    Rachel (Gladys Perkins), enslaved cook, and Hetty (Ashlee James), enslaved washerwoman and house servant, ponder the future.

    Immerse yourself in the experience the candlelight, music, and decorations of an eighteenth-century Christmas!

    Performance Times: 3:00, 3:45, 4:45 and 5:30 p.m.
    Reservations required. Call 540-370-0732 x24 or email hayes@gwffoundation.org
    Cost: $12.00 adults, $6.00 ages 3-17; free ages 3 and under.