“John James Audubon: Before His Birds” will be presented on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 19 and 20, at 7 p.m. in the museum garden of John James Audubon State Park in Henderson, Ky. The play was written by A.J. Casey and is co-directed by Casey and Steve McCarty, technical director at Henderson Fine Arts Center.
“John James Audubon: Before His Birds” focuses on Audubon’s life and his influences as the creator of the masterpiece “Birds of America.” His intense love affair with his wife Lucy, as well as his many years spent gathering inspiration and material in Henderson, Ky., played heavily into Audubon’s life and success and are chronicled in Casey’s original play.
The gorgeous outdoor setting of the play’s presentation is in keeping with Audubon’s love of the natural world, and is a fitting tribute to Audubon’s many treks into the wilderness surrounding Henderson, Ky., during his time there. The museum itself will lend a dramatic backdrop to the production.
A.J. Casey holds a theatre degree from Murray State University and currently teaches at RiverBend Academy arts school. “John James Audubon: Before His Birds” is Casey’s first full-length script and was written as a thesis project. He created the script in cooperation with the Audubon Bicentennial Committee as part of Audubon in Henderson: A Bicentennial Celebration – 1810-2010.
The local cast includes: John (Chris Reaves); Lucy (Megan Mortis); Capt. Jean Audubon and Artistic Admirer (Frank Furbush); Anne Moynet (Megan Nantz); William B. and Thomas B. (Rick Chandler); Woman and Lady Artistic Admirer (Brianna Barron); Dacosta, Attendant and Mr. Bowen (Kurt Denton); Assistant (Isaac Vaughn); Thomas Bakewell (Adam Casey).
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children and students. Tickets may be purchased at Matt’s News & Gifts in downtown Henderson and at the Audubon State Park museum.
The play will be preceded on Thursday, Aug. 19 by the opening reception and awards presentation of Views of Audubon, an exhibit of paintings inspired by landscapes and wildlife of the park, from 5 to 6:45 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 20, a drawing for a 2010 Jeep Wrangler will be held prior to the play at 6 p.m. in front of the Tea House; $25/ticket entries. The proceeds will help support the Audubon in Henderson: A Bicentennial Celebration – 1810-2010. For more information on bicentennial events, visit: www.audubon2010.com
About Audubon in Henderson: A Bicentennial Celebration – 1810-2010:
John James Audubon arrived in the river town of Henderson, Ky. in 1810 with his wife and infant son. Audubon loved the frontier spirit in Henderson, and as he worked to support his family through business he also spent much time roaming the woods, observing and painting the many species of birds abundant in the area. Audubon’s skills as an artist grew during his years in Kentucky, and after nine years in Kentucky, he went on to publish his ornithological works in the masterpiece, “The Birds of America.” In celebration of the bicentennial of Audubon’s 1810 arrival in Henderson County, the Friends of Audubon, Ohio Valley Art League and the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources have come together to celebrate with a wide variety of events. For more information, visit www.audubon2010.com. For more information about Audubon State Park and other Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov
© Joi for Kentucky Restaurants, Food, History, Lakes, Tourism, News, 2010. |
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