The Kentucky showcases the condition of coal miners in Kentucky in the 1800's on the backdrop of a rupturing family. The story centers around the disintegration of the Jackson family as a drifter named Abe, played by Ben Johnston-Urey, drives a wedge through the mining camp and the family with his attempts to persuade the camp to form a union. Joel Burden plays Tommy Jackson, the hardnosed, brawling father who'll go to any means to help his family. Amanda Purcell plays the tormented wife, Maryanne Rowen, who must choose between the life she has with her family and the better life she knows she can create with the union. She gambles her own life to provide a better future for her lone surviving child, Joshua, played by Dan Walther. Look for powerful support from the cast, especially Lucy and the dual role of Sean the Boxing Miner and Abe's Captor. - Ty Smith

The first show is in the bag and the kids were pleased. I still have a few wrinkles to work out with speed of lines and lights. Got good reviews. Guns did not fire--grrrr!!!! That is the house tech's fault as they have bum blanks.

General Hospital:
Michael FB--no problems after the bee sting
Dan W.--voice rough--I think it is changing again!
Amanda P.-- infection--saw doctor and she is on antibiotics--all free!!!

We are off to perform on the Royal Mile this morning. Will send again as soon as I can.

Susan

Of course it is afternoon there and they are about to get ready to go and perform again.  The theatre is really nice.  It used to be a church.  They went out yesterday to 'sell' their show.  Sarah stood on something and gave her good  'Mother Jones' speech and everyone stopped, listened, and took photos.  There is a strike going on so it is timely for their show.  They have seen lots of good shows.  Tonight several are going to see CHICAGO.  The Military Tatoo was awesome -  Lots of military bands including the US Marine Corps.  The seats in all theatres and busses are very small and no leg room (Julie especially would notice that!)  They learned highland dancing.  So far she has only been to one street of shopping and will hit the other one next week.  They have a bus pass that allows them to go around all week.  Usually they travel between the campus and a couple of shopping places.  There is a big hill (people from Illinois would call it a mountain) behind campus but they are not allowed to climb it until before they finish their shows next week in case someone gets hurt!  She said you just walk around the streets and look and say 'oh..there is a castle'.  Really neat.  Streets are very narrow and nobody stops for pedestrians.  As far as shopping, she is most impressed with the shoes...they are all really great and she intends to bring home a pair.  Dan, Cory, and Garrett  have bought kilts and have worn them already.  Garrett is also shipping home a sword and a dagger gun so be ready for that package, Connie!  As they walk the streets is it wall-to-wall people and all kinds of performers on the street.  There is music on the streets, bagpipes and guitar and she saw a Chinese circus.   Overall it sounds like our children are having the time of their lives! 

   The AHSTF staff at the Church Hill Theatre