The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
‘Star of Freedom’ a poignant love story
ESSEX — As we struggle every day with the complications and complexities of our lives, with everything from the pandemic to climate control to the unsettling war in Ukraine, it is comforting to look back to other eras fraught with change.
The Ivoryton Playhouse is offering such an opportunity with a world-premiere production of “Star of Freedom,” conceived and directed by the Playhouse's own Artistic Director Jacqueline Hubbard, with music and lyrics by Jeff Blaney and book by Lawrence Thelen
It is being staged until May 1.
The tragedies of a lack of food and finances drive Irish immigrant Sean to our shores on the eve of the Civil War. His younger brother Luke, unfortunately, doesn't survive the terrible journey over, so Sean, a brave and adventurous Danny Adams, seeks a new life on his own.
He soon finds himself fighting for the Union cause until the killing becomes too much for him to bear. In deserting, he makes himself a target with a price on his head for anyone in search of a bounty.
Along his way, Sean has a lively and boisterous band of followers to share his joys and misadventures: Brian Russell Carey, Luke Darnell, Ben Hope and Richard E. Waits, who use guitars, banjos, fiddles, cello, mandolin, accordion and harmonica to mark his progress.
Songs such as “I Love Beer,” “God Bless This Land” and “We Will Go Down to the River” express the sentiments foremost in the pioneer spirit.
In the Virginia woods, Sean meets another stranger, Chloe, who is also running from her past. Ayla Stackhouse's Chloe is a newly freed slave who yearns for a brand new start.
Using the North Star as their guide, they determine to go west together to the Colorado Territory to start a new life. They acknowledge that if there is no struggle, there is no progress.
Join Sean and Chloe as they trek westward with a wee bit of tender, poignant and charming love as their constant companion.
For tickets ($55 adults, $50 seniors and $25 students), call The Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St., Ivoryton, at 860-767-7318 or go online at ivorytonplayhouse.org. Performances are Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees Wednesday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Please bring your vaccination card, photo ID or a recent negative COVID test and a mask.