Missouri History in Performance Theatre (MoHiP)

Seasons

2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | In Progress

2008

Leap for Freedom: The Life and Writings of William Wells Brown
Dave Para and Cathy Barton in 'A Leap for Freedom'

In collaboration with the Friends of Historic Boonville and MU Department of Theatre

February 2, 2008

Thespian Hall, Boonville

At the age of nineteen, William Wells Brown escaped from his St. Louis slaveowner in 1834 and later became a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a lecturer, lyricist, and author – the first African American to publish a play. Presented in a concert reading format, “William Wells Brown’s Leap” is culled from Brown’s autobiographical writing and includes sections of his 1858 play, The Escape, or A Leap for Freedom. Boonville musicians Cathy Barton and Dave Para accompanied the cast of actors in performing period music and songs written by Brown for The Escape.

The cast:

Cast of 'A Leap for Freedom' taking bows
“The Editor is absent”: Tribulation and Triumph in Missouri’s Pioneer Press
Cast of 'The Editor is Absent'

Sponsored by the Missouri Press Association

July 12, 2008

Thespian Hall, Boonville

“The Editor is Absent,” written by Boonville playwright Mary Barile, is drawn from Missouri newspapers published between 1808 and 1858. Joseph Charless, known as the “Father of Missouri Journalism”, is in the spotlight as Missouri’s first newspaper publisher. Folk musicians Cathy Barton and Dave Para of Boonville commence the activities at 7 p.m. and perform vocals and instrumentals of the period throughout the production.

The cast:

with local news personalities

poster for 'The Editor is Absent'Group photo of the cast of 'The Editor is Absent' photo credit: Missouri Press Association

Reunion
Group shot of World War 2 GIs

November 1, 2008 - Society's Annual Meeting

Grand Ballroom, Tiger Hotel, Columbia, Missouri

Script by Mary Paulsell

Featuring the period music of the Boogie Woogie Babes

Reunion, by Columbia playwright Mary Paulsell features letters written by World War II soldiers to loved ones back home. The setting is a reunion of a WWII unit, the 84th Infantry, the Railsplitters. A brother and sister, now in their late 40s, attend a gathering of the 84th, and through their meeting with another veteran and his wife, travel back to a time of heroism, loss, and longing through the letters of the GIs.

The cast: