Ventfort Hall Opens it's Summer-long Play
LENOX — Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum will open its summer-long production of “Colors of War: A Story of Love and Courage” on Sunday, June 22, with a benefit performance and Opening Reception. Produced by Ventfort Hall in cooperation with Shakespeare & Company, the play is part of Ventfort Hall’s 2008 theme of “Civil War: Birth of the Gilded Age.”This one-woman, one-hour show tells the extraordinary story of Civil War hero Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, leader of the first all-black fighting regiment in the North – a history made known to the world by the Academy-Award winning film “Glory.” “Colors of War: A Story of Love and Courage” relates Shaw’s personal and professional struggles through correspondence he sent to his new wife, Annie Kneeland Haggerty of Vent Fort, the original mansion located in Lenox where Ventfort Hall stands today.
Written and directed by Mary Guzzy, Annie lies at the heart of this show and actress Susannah Melone will reprise her portrayal of Haggerty. Shaw is revealed, through his letters, as a man of extraordinary moral character who grew to understand and recognize racism – both in himself and in culture. He respected, and was respected in return by the men he commanded.
Starting Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. “Colors of War: A Story of Love and Courage” will continue its summer run every week on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m.. The play will close Sunday, August 31.
All performances are at Ventfort Hall, 104 Walker Street in Lenox. The June 22, opening benefit performance, which includes a reception with the actress and director is $50. Tickets for all other performances are $25 per person with discounts for groups of 10 or more. Reservations are encouraged due to limited audience space. For further information and to purchase tickets call Ventfort Hall at 413-637-3206.
