Photo Flash: ROEBLING: THE STORY OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE at Kelsey Theatre

It's a quintessentially American story of perseverance against all odds, one that features Trenton's most famous family. By special invitation, Theater To Go presents "Roebling: The Story of the Brooklyn Bridge" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre for one weekend only: Friday, Nov. 11 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.

A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on Nov. 11. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

Based on the true story, "Roebling" is written by New Jersey playwright Mark Violi and directed by Ruth Markoe, with an original dramatic score by Frank Grullon. It's 1869 and, after years of preparation and a battle with New York's notoriously corrupt government, John Roebling is awarded the design and steel contract to build a bridge over the East River from New York to Brooklyn. The construction spans 14 years and involves 600 workers, at least two dozen of whom die in the process - including John Roebling himself. Enter John's daughter-in-law, Emily Roebling, who surprises the establishment of the day by becoming the driving force in the bridge's completion and ensuring that the Roebling name is forever attached to this iconic structure.

The cast includes Rob Lanchester of Franconia, NH, as John Roebling, an Equity Guest Artist who is reprising his role from productions in 2010 and 2014; Kevin Palardy of Doylestown, Pa., as John's son, Washington; Mariel Rosati of Ivyland, Pa., as daughter-in-law Emily; Jennifer Huckleberry of Columbus as Mary; Philip Rieschick of Hamilton as Haldis; Dan Hickey of Marlton as E.F. Farrington; Kevin Hallam of Hamilton as Dr. Smith; Dennis McGuire of Levittown, Pa., as Horatio Allen; Chris Scheid of Yardley, Pa., as C.C. Martin; Jordan Castro of Columbus as Nathaniel Dickey; and John Russell of Hamilton as Mr. Aiken. In addition to Lanchester, Rosati, Huckleberry, Hallam, McGuire and Russell are all reprising their roles in this show.

Tickets are $20 for adults; and $18 for seniors and students/children. They may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure. More information about the play is available at www.RoeblingPlay.com.

Photo credit: John M. Maurer

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