“A Fate Worse Than Death OR the Search for Brother Bill” A Benefit for Trinidad Coastal Land Trust
Born in a Trunk - the Trinidad Melodrama Company, is proud to announce that it is reviving the classic play “A Fate Worse than Death or The Search for Brother Bill”. The play was last performed in Trinidad in 1980. Written by Max Gilroy, with a musical score by Val and Thomas Phillips, this vaudevillian musical tale creates colorful characters and an entertaining story. The play is directed by Jayne Bauer; a fan favorite who has been involved with Born in a Trunk productions since 1975. She has always helped with costume design, hair and makeup, and playing outrageously funny roles. This year she decided to turn her talents to directing. She has put together a talented cast with some veteran actors from past Born in Trunk productions and some new faces. Set in the seaside village of Trinidad, California at the turn of the century. The play opens with the sweet Helen (Julia Hjerpe) wandering lost looking for her dear brother Bill (John Bishop) this leads her to Jadro’s (Jim Willits) saloon where she finds herself in the clutches of dirty Dawson (played with relish by Richard (Dick) Keiselhorst), the foulest fisherman that ever unbattoned a hatch in Trinidad Bay. Some characters are trying to help poor Helen while others have ulterior motives. It’s a rollicking good time in seven scenes. Will good prevail? Will Helen find her brother? Will Bascom Murgatroyd (Alison Silver) the flint hearted money lender nab Helen, or will Eric (Scott Leonhardt) win her heart? Will Liverpool Liz (Greta Daniels) win Bill’s heart? This is a traditional melodrama and the audience is encouraged to cheer for the heroes and heroines and to boo and hiss at the villains. There will be two shows, performed at the Trinidad Town Hall - Friday, March 20th at 7:30 pm, followed by a Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm on March 21st. This is a fundraiser for the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust. Wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase, as well as sweet and savory snacks to benefit the Trinidad Civic Club. Tickets are $10 and are available at Hair Unlimited in Arcata and online at www.trinidadcoastallandtrust.org.
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