He was a militant abolitionist who was tried and convicted of treason after a failed raid on a military arsenal in Harper’s Ferry. As punishment for his crime, John Brown was hanged Dec. 2, 1859.
The University of Wyoming Theater and Dance Department is hosting a special presentation by Spontaneous Theater Productions of “John Brown’s Body” at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the Arts and Sciences Auditorium.
“John Brown’s Body” is an American epic poem written by Stephen Vincent Benet and chronicles the story of the Civil War from the time of Brown’s raid at Harper’s Ferry to the Battle of Gettysburg. It has been turned into a play and performed a number of times, most notably in 1952-53 when Tyrone Power played Mr. Roberts in the Broadway production.
Lynne Simpson said this is the right time to do this play because this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
This is a reader’s theater production, Simpson said. The performers partially read from the script and there are no elaborate sets. Effects are produced by the lighting and the music that will be provided by the Cheyenne Chamber Singers.
STP is a non-profit organization founded by Dr. and Mrs. Peter Simpson. They founded the organization 40 years ago as a way to bring quality theater to the community. Over the years, they have produced and performed plays such as “Oliver!,” “Cyrano De Bergerac” and “Our Town.”
This will be the final show for Dr. and Mrs. Simpson. “We are retiring,” Lynne Simpson said. “This will be our grand exit.”
This also is the first time the whole family will be on stage together as Dr. and Mrs. Simpson will be joined by their three children. All three have won numerous accolades and awards for their contributions to music and theater.
Pete Simpson Jr. graduated from UW in 1993 and went on to be a member of the Blue Man Group in New York City. In 2011, he was dubbed “Downtowns MVP” by New York Magazine.
Maggie Simpson earned her Bachelors of Fine Art from Boston University, and is a Kahn Award recipient. She directed STP’s production of “The Gin Game” in 1998.
Milward Simpson received a Masters of Art in the humanities from the University of Colorado, and is presently the Wyoming Director of State Parks and Cultural Resources. He also has performed in a number of productions.
“The money we make from this goes to UW,” Lynne Simpson said. All proceeds will be donated to the theater and dance department for use within the department, and for student scholarships. Tickets for the play can be purchased online, at the Wyoming Union information desk or by calling the Theater and Dance Department at 766-6666.
