Magnolia's Memories V

When: Saturday, March 8, 2008, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Historic Magnolia Cemetery, Bounded by Main, 19th, Florida, and 22nd Streets, Baton Rouge

Cost: $25 - $35

Age limit: 13+

Categories: Performance art, Community

Description: Historic Cemetery Drama Brings Baton Rouge Ancestors Back to Life
Tickets Now on Sale

The Foundation for Historical Louisiana (FHL) will bring notable Baton Rougeans back to life by telling their intriguing personal stories in the popular Magnolia 's Memories V. This year’s event is scheduled March 7 and 8 in Historic Magnolia Cemetery in Baton Rouge

The former Baton Rougeans featured this year include one of the first women to serve in the Women’s Army Corps, Ellen Bryan Moore; an African -American physician whose parents were slaves, Dr. Thadeus Walker; silent film screen writer, Vallie Mentz Seitz; Dr. Robert Henry “Harry” Aldrich, a prominent young physician who was allegedly murdered by Judge George Kent Favrot, who went on to a stellar political career in Louisiana after the murder; and pioneer educator in the South, W. H. Nathanial Magruder. Director Robert Wilson will be in character as Charles Rabenhorst, the “gatekeeper.

“Magnolia’s Memories V” is a heritage “edutainment” program sponsored by the Foundation for Historical Louisiana with a portion of the proceeds dedicated to the historic cemetery. “We’re calling back some of Baton Rouge’s most illustrious characters and citizens. Through this drama, we are continually learning about our own history—who we are and how they shaped our great city,” says Baton Rouge filmmaker Randy Walsh, who is the co-producer, along with FHL Board Chairman Lenore Feeney and Walsh's business partner, Sandra Stokes.

It is an entertaining living history initiative which introduces attendees to notable citizens of the community by means of dynamic monologues i and dialogues in the landmark setting. Professional actors and musicians come together to create this special evening.

Performance dates are Friday, March 7, and Saturday, March 8 for “Magnolia’s Memories V.” Rain dates are March 14 and 15. The outdoor drama vignettes are set in candle-lighted Historic Magnolia Cemetery on Florida Boulevard and North 22nd Streets in Baton Rouge. The drama is based on narratives from news archives, descendants, diaries, military records, logs, history books, and local legend.

“Past performances have been sold out,” says FHL Executive Director Carolyn Bennett. Tickets are $25 for members and $35 for non-members and must be reserved by calling FHL headquarters at The Old Governor’s Mansion, 225-387-2464. Seven performances are conducted each evening, giving small groups “front row” seats at each grave site. Theatre goers walk from one gravesite to the next and are seated during each performance.

For more information and tickets, contact Foundation for Historical Louisiana headquarters at 387-2464.

Event posted Feb. 18, 2008
Last updated March 4, 2008