The Mendocino County Museum Road Show, a series of historical vignettes based on oral histories and other primary sources, will play around the county for three weekends in April. This year’s show includes a new band, Poonkinney Antique, and acting by Fort Bragg mayor Lindy Peters. Here’s the press release:
Mendocino County Museum Road Show spotlights our past
Willits, CA: This April 2017, the Mendocino County Museum’s Road Show returns to five venues with all new material – seven actors will portray more than 50 characters accompanied by a brand new Road Show band! For three triumphant years – 2014, 2015 and 2016 – the Museum Road Show has played to packed houses across the county, bringing our history to life through stories and song.
Drawing solely on transcribed archives of recorded oral histories and other primary source materials, audiences vividly experience true local stories brought to life in an amazing ensemble presentation of sound, image, and virtuoso acting. To further illustrate and enrich these great stories, Artistic Director and Production Designer Linda Pack has chosen a cavalcade of extraordinary vintage photographs of our county’s history – forming the backdrop upon which the incredible tales will unfold.
This year’s stories include the pivotal Frolic shipwreck, and the birth of the lumber industry; schooners and stagecoach lines – the only way in the early days to transport goods or people; the truth about the Mendocino Indian “Wars”; Grace Hudson, her paintings, and her love for the Pomo; and the scandalous and comical tale of the Cattle King of Round Valley and the Fraud Queen of Spiritualism.
In addition to Artistic Director Linda Pack, the Museum Road Show cast is made up of six renowned local actors, including: Dramaturge Kate Magruder, actor, director, writer and founder of Ukiah Players Theatre (UPT); Stage Director Ricci Dedola, a Mendocino-based actor and director; actor Nichole Phillips, who just enjoyed her directing debut with The Importance of Being Earnest at UPT; teacher and founder of Willits Shakespeare Company Billy Hetherington; Ukiah-based actor Tony Rakes, frequently featured on the UPT stage; and Fort Bragg’s own mayor, Lindy Peters!
This year’s band, Poonkinney Antique, has come together specifically for the Museum Road Show. Erin Brazill, Joey Goforth and Ryan Kroll play original and traditional folk songs, with a sound combining fiery gypsy jazz and sweet, pure bluegrass. Deeply committed to our county’s history and to telling our stories, past & present, Poonkinney Antique is a group of gifted and hardworking local musicians.
The Museum Road Show will play for three weekends in April at the following venues: Opening night Friday, April 7, 7:30 pm at Willits High School; Saturday, April 8, 7:30 pm at Arena Theater in Point Arena; Saturday, April 15, 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm at Mendocino College Center Theatre in Ukiah; Friday, April 21, 7:30 pm at Anderson Valley Grange in Philo; and closing night on Saturday, April 22, 7:30 pm at Cotton Auditorium in Fort Bragg. Doors open half an hour early for guests to find their seats and enjoy pre-show music.
Advance tickets are $18 for Adults, $14 for Seniors (65 & over) and Youth (20 & under). At the door ticket prices are $20 Adults, $15 Seniors/Youth.
All tickets are available online through www.MendocinoMuseum.org, by calling the Museum at (707) 459-2736, or by visiting the Mendocino County Museum at 400 East Commercial Street in Willits during open hours, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets for individual shows can also be purchased at specific outlets in the cities of the performance venues: Mendocino Book Company (Ukiah), Arena Market & Café (Point Arena), Harvest Market (Fort Bragg), and Boont Berry Farm (Boonville). Advance purchase is strongly recommended.
The 2017 Museum Road Show is generously supported by Broadcast Partner KZYX and local businesses, including: Braggadoon, Ingel-Haven Ranch/Magruder Meats, North Coast Brewing Company, Mendocino College Foundation, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Mendocino Traveler’s Guide, The Book Juggler, Emandal-A Farm on a River, Harvest Market, Handley Cellars, Gowan’s Oak Tree, Frey Vineyards, Mendocino Book Company, Lia Patterson RE/MAX Full Spectrum, Room to Bloom Preschool & Infant Center, Brewery Gulch Inn, Arena Market, Mariposa Market, Django’s Rough Bar & Café, Down Home Foods, KOZT, Mendocino Coast Model Railroad & Historical Society, Albion Doors & Windows, Bolliver’s Fine Food & Confections, Sparetime Supply, DripWorks, Shanachie Pub, Redwood Roofers and Ukiah Brewing Company.
Contact: Paloma Patterson [email protected] Phone # 707-459-7822