Wayside Theatre Presents ROBERT E. LEE AND JOHN BROWN , LIGHTING THE FUSE 8/29-9/26

Wayside Theatre Artistic Director Warner Crocker announced today the cast for the third production of the season, Robert E. Lee and John Brown; Lighting the Fuse. This is historical play with music is written by Crocker with music by Wayside Theatre resident composer Steve Przybylski. Robert E. Lee and John Brown; Lighting the Fuse begins performances on August 29 and close on September 26. The production is part of the "Quad State 150th Anniversary of John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry in 1859." Robert E. Lee and John Brown; Lighting the Fuse is sponsored by Q102-Clear Channel.

Robert E. Lee and John Brown; Lighting the Fuse tells the story of the tumultuous period in American History leading up the American Civil War. It focuses on John Brown and his infamous raid on Harpers Ferry and Robert E. Lee, who was assigned to quash Brown's attempted rebellion. Both men became and remain major symbols of this uniquely American conflict. The brief episode that brought them together on the banks of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers became a touchstone for both sides in the eventual war and is often overlooked and overshadowed by the scope of the war's significant impact on American history and culture.

Artistic Director Warner Crocker has assembled a talented cast of actors for the nine member cast. Wayside Theatre veteran John Alcott will return after several seasons' absence to play John Brown. Mr. Alcott has appeared in many past Wayside Theatre productions including A Christmas Carol, Art, Talley's Folly, Blithe Spirit, Robert E. Lee and John Brown, and The Last Night of Ballyhoo among others.

He will be joined by veteran Wayside Theatre John Dow (Robert E. Lee and John Brown) recreating the role of Robert E. Lee. Mr. Dow is a Washington D.C. based actor who has performed at Arena Stage, Everyman Theatre, The Studio Theatre, American Century Theatre, The Folger Shakespeare Library, Olney Theatre Center and the Woolly Mammoth Theatre among others. The role of Frederick Douglass will be played by Stephen Seals (Robert E. Lee and John Brown), a Richmond, Virginia based actor who has performed at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, Encore! Theatre, and Theatre IV among others. These three actors will be supported by a six man ensemble of actors playing multiple roles including JEB Stuart, John Brown's sons, James Buchanan, citizens of Harpers Ferry and various other characters involved in the raid and events leading up to it. The ensemble includes Vaughn Irving (Man of La Mancha, Buddy- The Buddy Holly Story, Southern Crossroads, Shadow of the Raven), Ricky Hesson (A Christmas Carol, The Comedy of Errors, Romeo and Juliet), Sun King Davis (Man of La Mancha, A Christmas Carol), Cody Murphy (Man of La Mancha), Dave Sucharski (Man of La Mancha), and Jayson Belew (Man of La Mancha).

Directed by Warner Crocker, Music by Steve Przybylski, Set Design by Til Turner, Costumes Design by Tamara Carruthers and Lighting Design by Paul Callahan.

According to Crocker, "this is an exciting group of performers who will be asked to perform a large array of characters in telling the story. While the focus of the story is certainly on the principle characters, I believe the six man ensemble as a unit will prove to be an equally compelling character in its own right."

Crocker continues, "I am fascinated by the complexity of these men and the complexity of the issues. I am equally fascinated by the shortcuts we take in examining our own history and heritage that often belies that complexity. I believe that the play examines that complexity in a way that only live theatre can do."

Robert E. Lee and John Brown; Lighting the Fuse begins performances with Saturday, August 29 at 2:30pm and 8:00pm. The official Opening Night is Sunday, August 30 at 6:30pm. Performances will continue through September 26. Ticket prices are $25 to $30 dollars for adults. Ticket price for children 17 years and under is $10 for any show. Senior and Student discounts are available upon request, as well as group discounts. Wayside Theatre also sells discounted subscriptions for the entire season with options that fit any budget and any schedule.

Performances each week for Robert E. Lee and John Brown; Lighting the Fuse will be Wednesday, Saturday Sunday matinees at 2:30pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 8:00pm.

Wayside Theatre is the second oldest professional theatre in The Commonwealth of Virginia and is celebrating its 48th season of presenting high quality, professional entertainment. Patrons can obtain single tickets, subscription packages, and group packages by calling the Box Office at (540) 869-1776. Additional information can be obtained on the theatre's website at www.waysidetheatre.org. Wayside Theatre is located in Middletown, Virginia on Route 11, Main Street, just north of the intersection of I-66 and I-81.