Cast for Play Deep Into Rehearsals

Trial & Tribulations: The Story of the 1847 Matson Slave Trial program will be in Oakland Illinois on September 16, 17, and 18.  The innovative event combines first-person interpretation at two Oakland historic sites, an 1847 meal, and the performance of Three Fifths of a Man, an original drama.

Dr. David Jorns of Oakland is the writer and director of the play. He states, “We have a great group of dedicated individuals for the play this year.”  They are all working hard to make the production memorable.

Four cast members from last year are back: Jacob Norris, Benny Lee, and Bill McBurney (all of Oakland) are recreating their roles as Lincoln, the patient, and Matson respectively.  Stefanie Borntrager, Oakland, is also returning, but has an expanded part this year as Interlocutor #1 and Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.  Borntrager notes, “I loved doing the play last year and had to come back. I love acting and working with Dr. Jorns.

Stefanie is also responsible for recruiting Brittany Olinger, Oakland, who is playing Interlocutor #4. “I really liked watching the play last year, and I’ve been in some of the musicals at the high school, so when Stefanie talked to me about it, I figured I’d give it a try.

Another former cast member recruited April Noel of Kansas to play Interlocutor #2 and Mary Chestnut.  In fact, their first names are the same (April Lee was the recruiter) and they’re playing the same character.

Tracy Flesner, Oakland, rounds out the females in the cast by playing Interlocutor #3 and Mary Corbin.  She is sure to give a feisty rendition of the woman who started the whole issue with her temper.

Four new men have joined the cast. David D. Biggs, of Westfield, portrays Rutherford, and his son David M. Biggs of Newman is lawyer, Orlando B. Ficklin.  Both men have had experience acting in community theater which has been helpful in preparing for these roles.  Randy Walters, Hindsboro, is taking his career talking in front of people as a minister into a new venue by taking on the characters of William Gilman and Joe Dean.  The final man is Ed Adams of Round Lake Heights in suburban Chicago.  Ed attended the program last year and has volunteered with the steering committee this year and agreed to create a new role, Frederick Douglass, for this year’s production.

Public presentations of the program are Thursday and Friday evenings from 4-8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 2:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Participants should plan to attend the entire time to take advantage of the many activities that shed light on this trial and all its participants.  Tickets are $25/person and are limited, so advance purchase is encouraged.  Groups of ten or more will receive a discounted admission price.  Call 217-508-9113 or e-mail trial.tribulations1847@gmail.com to reserve tickets.