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• The Trilogy                • The Cast                     • The Video

'The Trilogy'

1800 - 'An Evening in the Kendall Tavern 1800' - concerns the Tavern's first owner, Jonas Kendall (1757-1844) who was elected to the Massachusetts State legislature to  select the presidential electors (who ultimately cast their votes for president). 

The curtain opens to find several local townsmen engaged in a spirited tavern discussion about the national presidential election of 1800 which pits former friend and colleague Thomas Jefferson against the incumbent John Adams. The discussion which incorporates many local historical yarns becomes quite focused when a traveler and his lady, supporters of Mr. Jefferson, join the locals who are largely supportive of their native Mr. Adams. 

                                              Read the play and fascinating foot notes here.

                                    Meet the tavern characters

1841-55 - 'The Coming Crucible' - details the developing abolitionist movement and the local response lead by the Kendall Tavern's second owner General Nathaniel Estabrook. The tavern was a stop on the underground railroad. 

The play introduces the heretofore obscure and tireless crusader Frances Drake, who championed women's rights, racial equality (not abolition alone) and witnesses her aiding the escape of the fugitive Shadrack Minkins whose freedom in the shadow of the 1850 Compromise draws official rebuke from President Millard Fillmore and the Union preservationist, Daniel Webster. 

Leominster's Mrs. Drake was visited by and corresponded with such notables of the cause as William Lloyd Garrison, Fredrick Douglas, Wendell Philips, The Weston Sisters and Judge Thomas Russell.  The production features the actual whip used by the Leominster Anti-man hunting league as part of its initiation rite on loan from the Leominster Historical Society. 

                                                 Read the play and fascinating foot notes here.

1812 - 'The War of 1812' - the tumultuous years of the early republic are recounted by the vexing political discourse of Jonas Kendall and other community leaders who are at the peak of their careers and influence. Three of the participants will ultimately serve their community in the Congress of the United States. While the anti-war federalists dominate much of the local opinion, the Republicans put forth a surprising opposition. 

 

The Performances!

'An Evening in the Kendall Tavern 1800' was first performed October 18th 2003. Coincidently set Thursday Oct 23rd 1800, a day when ancient New England welcomed its first snow, the inaugural season likewise welcomed its first snow on Thursday Oct 23rd 2003!

In response to popular demand (and local curiosity) 2004 required two performances, the second of which was filmed for local cable and has been aired ad infinitum!

'The Coming Crucible' was performed Sept 23 and 24th, 2005. 

'The War of 1812' was performed September 2007.