Stage Fright: 1964
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: President Lyndon B. Johnson will give remarks during a live, nation wide television broadcast right here in Easton! The Distinguished Ladies of the Hellfire Club invite you to this gala event. With host Twig Hammerstein of Doris Radio Program fame and musical guests The Teddy Bears & The Cardigans. Don’t miss this opportunity to show your support for LBJ! Sponsored by L.L. Baker Foundations & Basements. In the year 1964, TV was king and Lou Baker, owner of the Avalon Hotel, was sure to capitalize on it. A television crew was set to live broadcast what was to be the Country’s premier presidential campaign gala for Lyndon B. Johnson. As a series of unfortunate events unfurl, will pop star Jenny Chambers survive the night? The Acid Test in the Basement sponsored by Other Half Brewing.Many thanks to our generous patrons: Other Half Brewing, Lyons Rum, Piazza Italian Market. ATTENDEES SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR EXTENSIVE WALKING, MATURE THEMES, AND A NIGHT THEY WON’T SOON FORGET.
From the author: I came up with the concept of Stage Fright after a firsthand encounter with Marguerite, ghost of the Avalon. The story was originally written in 2015 as a feature length screen play. This was way more than could be fit into a 90-minute stage play and so much storyline was left on the cutting room floor. Following the success of Stage Fright 1 in 2022, there was a resounding request for more. More questions, more answers, more clowns! How does the story of Marguerite end? Written as a sequel to last year’s hit show, Stage Fright: 1964 picks up right where we left you hanging last Halloween. - Casey Rauch
From the director: Like so many Eastern Shore natives, I left our little peninsula to see what the rest of the world had to offer. What I found out there was a deep and passionate love of theatre and filmmaking. I worked professionally and lived the big city life, but in my heart my hometown kept calling to me. So I moved back, like so many, started my family and built a life here. I thought my days of avant guard theatre were over... Until Stage Fright. There is a need in our community for projects like this and not just for the audiences we serve but for those participating as well. We’re craving human connection, live entertainment and meaningful storytelling. Not to mention it’s TONS of fun. The sheer amount of talent in our cast and crew is worth supporting, but more than that it’s the art. Stage Fright is a piece of art, created by many hands. Created by a community. -Cecile Storm
Content Warnings: This experience is based on the ghost stories of the Avalon and deals with themes of civil rights, racism, murder, and revenge which some may find triggering. There will be dark spaces, loud noises, strobe, haze, as well as dark areas and spaces that are small and confined. The choice of where to go and what to see is yours. If you feel uncomfortable you will be able to move to a new area, to talk to one of our stewards, or to take a breather in the Stoltz Listening Room. The bar itself can be noisy, so if you need a quiet space, please let a member of staff know. For more details email [email protected]
Age Restrictions: This production is recommended for ages 16+. Guests must show ID at the box office. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible guardian.
What to wear: This is a promenade production and footwear you can walk and climb stairs comfortably in, is strongly recommended. There is no dress code for the Standard shows; however, it is Halloween, and we’d love to see you in costume. We recommend leaving handbags and coats at home, as you’ll be moving around and need your hands free.
Dress code for Sunday’s Directors Cut: modern day cocktail, black tie, period 1960s costume and/or Halloween costume required. To rent a period costume please contact [email protected]
Masks: We ask all audiences to wear a signature Stage Fright theatrical mask. This will give you anonymity throughout the performance to help you feel empowered to explore, and also to make you distinguishable from the performers. These masks can be taken off in the Stoltz Listening Room. It will fit over most glasses; however, if you have the option, wearing contact lenses is recommended.
ADA: This experience is wheelchair accessible. It takes place across three levels with some areas only accessible by elevator for wheelchair users. Some areas of the show will be restricted due to the existing architecture.
Groups: You will be on your feet and it can be difficult to remain with your companions. You may be invited to take a path exclusively open to you. To get the most out of the performance we recommend you go it alone, although it will always be your choice.
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