William Davidson Play One Night Only at the Vogue
Scottish merchant James Fraser (Shawn McCarthy) seeks the counsel of his fiancée Rachel DeWolfe (Lisa Savage) about dealing with his ally, William Davidson. (Photo by Sydney Clay)
This past April, as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations for William Davidson, hundreds gathered to witness the drama of his courage in the face of many trials and his success in establishing the first English-speaking settlement in the region. Such was the popularity of that theatrical performance that the Miramichi Highland Society and the Friends of Beaubears Island have agreed to reprise it for one night only. Courage in the Storm: A Tale of William Davidson returns to the stage at 7 pm on Friday, November 20th, at the Vogue Theatre, 50 Cunard Street, in Chatham.
Loyalists Benjamin Marston (Greg Donovan) and John Willson (Barry MacKenzie) plan their strategy for the 1785 election campaign. (Photo by Sydney Clay)
The two-act play deals with Davidson’s role in the settlement roughly between 1785 and his death in 1790. Though it may be trite to imply that the production has “something for everyone”, it mixes moments of political drama and personal struggle with more jocular episodes and some humour as well.
Along the way, the audience will see William (played by Neil Wallace) interact with his indomitable wife Sarah (played by Dorinda Glover), Loyalist opposition in the form of Benjamin Marston and John Willson (played by Greg Donovan and Barry MacKenzie respectively), and the enigmatic Charlotte Taylor (played by Cindy Rule).
Charlotte Taylor (Cindy Rule) appears unmoved by political arguments of William Davidson (Neil Wallace). Photo by Sydney Clay.
Chris Matheson will once again direct the performance, and will once again be pulling double duty as his MVHS Drama Club prepares to stage Pollyanna later this year.
Adding to this already worthwhile and exciting production is that it is being staged as a fundraiser for the Friends of Beaubears Island’s Summer Student Program, providing longer summer employment to qualified students interested in our rich culture and storied history on the Miramichi. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased from members of the Highland Society or by calling 624-4485.
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