Just Plain Lizzie
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Lizzie back in the newspapers!
Today’s South Coast Today puts Lizzie in the Press again with coverage of last night’s “Mock Trial”. Read the story at http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090925/NEWS/909250337
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Trick and Treat!
She’s back and better than ever! Spend Halloween with the Lady with an “edge”. -
Lizzie’s Companion
The Herald coverage in today’s edition of last night’s Lizzie lecture at BCC revealed a particularly interesting tidbit- Lizzie had a lady companion named Trudy. http://www.heraldnews.com/town_info/history/x1789521502/New-Lizzie-Borden-book-teased-at-lecture
It was a common custom of the time for wealthy ladies to have a younger companion to accompany them on trips out of town, shopping excursions and the like. Miss Trudy apparently lived at Maplecroft and enjoyed the elegant library and hearthside of Miss Borden before going off to give matrimony a whirl. How nice to know Lizzie did not lead quite such a reclusive and lonely life as many have thought.
Other snippets read at the lecture included diary entries by a schoolchum named “Lulie” which added a bit more color as to the many moods of Lizzie as a school girl.
The popular lecture series continues through November and is stirring up great interest in the launch of the historical society publication Parallel Lives which will go on sale before Christmas and is probably on every Lizziephile’s Wishlist.
- Sept 28, Annette Holba, Ph.D., author, “Lizzie Borden as Conscious Pariah: A Discussion About Private Life.”
- Oct. 5, Cara Robertson, legal scholar, “What the Jury Heard: Evidence in the Trial of Lizzie Borden.”
- Oct. 19, Kim Dennis, psychic medium, “Lizzie Borden: Her Side of the Story.”
- Oct. 26, Jill Dalton, award-winning actress, “Lizzie Borden Live: From Page to Stage.”
- Nov. 2, Ricardo Rebelo, filmmaker, “The Myth and Media of Lizzie Borden.”
- For information about the lectures or “Parallel Lives,” or to reserve a copy of the book, call 508-679-1071 or visit www.lizzieborden.org.
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Two Thumbs Up for Lizzie the Rock Musical
Reviews
are coming in fast and furious for the new rock musical taking New York by storm. The musical is described as “A rock roadshow retelling of the bloody legend of America’s first and favorite axe-wielding double-murderess and Victorian hometown girl” and is a very fresh and imaginative approach to the old familiar case of 1892. The Internet is humming with praise for the musical which is runningSept 10-Oct 17, 2009
Thurs-Sat at 8pm
Fri & Sat at 10:30pm at The Living Theatre, 21 Clinton Street, New York .Visit the web site at http://lizziebordentheshow.com/index.php for a sampling of what is in store. Now if we can only get the production to visit Lizzie’s hometown- Fall River is ready! Read two reviews from appreciative bloggers at http://showshowdown.blogspot.com/2009/09/lizzie-borden.html and http://blogcritics.org/culture/article/theater-review-nyc-lizzie-borden/
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A Tale of Two Cities
Gallery X will be holding an open exhibit “Lizzie Borden, A Tale of Two Cities”. On August 4, 1892, a terrible crime was committed in the city of Fall River. After all suspects were interviewed, all were cleared except for the youngest daughter of the victims, Miss Lizzie Andrew Borden. The vicious murders and it’s following trial caused the largest media blitz America had ever seen. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson Borden were brutally slain in their home in broad daylight. The trial of Lizzie Borden has lived in the hearts, imaginations, and minds of a larger group of people than one would expect. The crime was committed in the City of Fall River, On June 5, 1893, Ten months later, Lizzie was brought to trial at the Bristol County Superior Court house in New Bedford. After a trial of thirteen days, Lizzie was acquitted for lack of evidence.
The show’s title, “Lizzie Borden, A Tale of Two Cities” is a reference to the connection of these two cities and the national interest the murders in Fall River, and the following trial in New Bedford caused. Nearly every newspaper in the country held front page accounts of the tragedy and it’s proceedings. It seems everyone had their opinion on these bizarre proceedings and the press couldn’t get enough! The exhibit is open to all artists, local and otherwise. All submissions must pertain to Lizzie and/or the Borden tragedy. The limit is three pieces per artist, at $10.00 each. Gallery X will receive A35% commission on any sales. The show opens on October 14, 2009,the opening reception will be on October 17, 2009. The deadline for entries is Sunday October 11,2009 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Gallery X hours are Wednesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. , Saturday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m.
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A Borden September
Miss Lizzie Andrew Borden shows no signs of leaving as August comes to an end. With the advent of the long-awaited Parallel Lives publication by the Fall River Historical Society, and the mock trial at the New Bedford courthouse on the 24th, September promises to be another “Lizzie Month”.As the leaf-peeping season comes to New England, a series of lectures will begin at Bristol Community College sponsored by the Fall River Historical Society and funded by The Grimshaw-Gudewicz Charitable Foundation. The series, which begins on September 14 and runs through November 4th, will feature a wide range of Lizzie-related topics from the Paranormal to the Borden story on stage.
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Lizzie haunts on Halloween!
The Eagle Performing Arts Center on North Main Street in Fall River will be hosting LIZZIE BORDEN LIVE in a special All Hallows’ Eve Celebration on Oct 31st at 8p.m. Come dressed as your favorite character from the story! Bring out those leg o’ mutton sleeves, lace and hats, feather fans, boaters and frock coats! Are you a quiet Emma Borden- savvy attorney Mr. Jennings- or an enigmatic Miss Lizzie? Grand prize: one stay at the Lizzie Borden B&B! Tickets $25 available at www.lizziebordenlive.com -
Popular September 24th Event
The 1893 Lizzie Borden trial re-enactment at Bristol County courthouse is the must-see event for September. The courtroom where it all happened in June of 1893 is much today as it was on the day when Lizzie sat on the hard wooden bench and hid her enigmatic face behind her fan. Even the Victorian wooden Defense and Prosecution tables where Robinson and Knowlton held forth are still in place. A large oil portrait of Attorney Knowlton hangs on the wall today. A large turnout is expected and tickets will soon be a hot commodity in the area. An open house will be held the night of the re-enactment from 6 – 7 p.m. when the “trial” begins.The free program is open to the public, with limited seating.
Mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to “Lizzie, Redux Request”, care of Clerk Magistrate Marc J. Santos, Bristol Count Clerk of Courts, 441 County St., New Bedford, MA 02740 for tickets. There will be two tickets issued per request. Tickets will be honored until 20 minutes before the performance, after which there will be a general admission as room is available.
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Patent grant still a hot topic
Today’s ProJo (Providence Journal) carried a story about the recent Lizzie Borden merchandise patent granted to the owners of the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast Museum in Fall River. There’s bound to be more about it in the future!http://www.projo.com/news/bobkerr/kerr_column_26_08-26-09_BVFGNSH_v14.38acb8c.html
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August was a Bizzie Lizzie month
It’s been quite a month for Lizzie Borden doings! August 4th brought the usual re-enactments at the Borden house on Second Street with the Pear Essential Players. With a record attendance and largest cast ever, the little troupe was treated afterward to a tour of Maplecroft . August 21-22 saw the return of Jill Dalton’s Lizzie Borden Live at the renovated Eagle on North Main Street with the Mutton Eaters in attendance. Lizzie has been much in the news and on television this month as word of the patent on Lizzie Borden merchandise was acclaimed in newspapers yesterday. Donald Woods, owner of the bed and breakfast has obtained a national patent protection for all items other than books and publications to use the words “Lizzie Borden” on mugs, tee shirts, key chains, and other gift shop items.A new fiction book is out and available for sale at the historical society in Fall
River. Written by a local author, it has the confession of Emma Borden as the doer of the foul deeds who comes to the writer in a dream. The Fall River Historical Society has revamped their website to include some preview tidbits of the long-awaited book Parallel Lives which will be coming out in several months. All in all it was quite a month for Lizzie. September brings a re-enactment of the New Bedford trial of June, 1893 at the courthouse on County Street as part of the Bristol County Superior Court anniversary year events. Fans and scholars of the Borden case have had a good summer with much to look forward to!
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Another big night at the Eagle with Lizzie Borden Live
Congratulations are due after another successful run of Lizzie Borden Live at the Eagle. Thanks and orchids to all the tech crew, Jack and John, the Donovan Family, box office staff, the Mutton Eaters: (JoAnne Giovino, Barbara Morrissey, Ellen Borden, Shelley Dziedzic)- the incomparable Jill Dalton and all who are happy to see theatre making a comeback in Fall River. See you in Providence at the Columbia in October!
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Lizzie returns to Fall River
Lizzie Borden Live returned to an appreciative audience this evening in Fall River. Miss Dalton was- superb! Tickets available for Saturday night’s performance at the Eagle at the door or pre-paid at this link http://www.lizziebordenlive.com/Schedule.html.
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Warps & Wefts gets a facelift
Warps and Wefts gets a new look for August- and a new address!
The old address and link will still work and transfer you to the new and improved http://lizziebordenwarpsandwefts.com\
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A New Lizzie for Second Street
Introducing Lorraine Gregoire as Lizzie 2009
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Uncle John’s return for lunch
John V. Morse, Lizzie’s mother’s brother, had spent the night before the murders at the Borden’s house in the guestroom where Abby Borden would be hacked to bits the following day. Although John had a good alibi for the times of both killings, he was an early and favorite suspect. John had some training as a butcher, and was a jack of all trades around a farm. Some think he knew about, or was an accomplice to the deeds, although no motive seems clearly apparent. He also received no money or property after Lizzie was acquitted in June 1893.
Joe Radza, an eighth grade teacher from Warren, Ohio will be playing the role of Uncle John Morse this year on August 4th at the Borden house for the annual re-enactments. Uncle John’s behavior when he returned for lunch has always seemed peculiar to students of the case. John bypassed the growing crowds by the Borden’s gate and went into the back yard by the barn and picked up and consumed several pears before ambling slowly up the side steps and going inside to see what was going on. He had a reputation as a peculiar old guy in his boater and old gray suit and string tie. Did he know more than he confided to the police?
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Second Street August 4th 2009 Cast
The Pear Essential Players present the annual re-enactment of the famous Borden murders on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at the scene of the crime on Second Street in Fall River. For more information on times and tickets, please visit http://www.lizzie-borden.com/
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The Return of Lizzie Borden
LIZZIE BORDEN LIVE
Winner best actress: JACOBY AWARD
Back by popular demand. LIZZIE BORDEN LIVE is returning to The Eagle Performing Arts Center, 35 North Main Street, Fall River, MA for two performances in August. Friday the 21st at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday the 22nd at 8:00 p.m.. 117 years ago on these dates Lizzie Borden was sitting in the Taunton County Jail, where she resided for 10 months, awaiting trial. Tickets ($30). Purchase on line at www.lizziebordenlive.com (click on Schedule page) or at the door.
Lizzie Borden Live debuted in Fall River at the Eagle in June to a sold out house. Ms. Dalton said, “We are thrilled to finally bring Lizzie Borden Live to Fall River and the response was overwhelming.” Jerry Donovan, who recently restored the Eagle, said “The play and its sell-out mark the beginning of a new era in the city. ” Mayor Robert Correla praised the play saying it was powerful and exceptionally performed. Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter, who attended the play with his wife Dottie. Said, “If she was innocent, that was an incredible price to pay. If she was guilty, she got what she deserved. But it raises aspects and a side of this story I never had considered.”
“Jill Dalton, who plays Lizzie and wrote the play stunned audience members with her delivery, which featured many laughs, many somber notes and a compelling tragedy.” Ric Oliveira, O Journal
On a hot August morning the bodies of Andrew Borden and his wife were found bludgeoned to death. Their youngest daughter, Lizzie, became the only suspect. Innocent in a court of law. Guilty in the court of public opinion. Condemned by society. The legend comes to life with humor and insight as the real Lizzie steps on stage.
“Dalton is nothing less than superb in her depiction of the character, as her Lizzie is alternating sweet, innocent, witty and savagely murderous. The audience is left to decide which Lizzie is the real one.” Ed Wismer, Cape May Star Wave
Jill Dalton, (writer/performer) an award winning New York actress with a long list of television and theatre credits, was commissioned by the East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May, N.J. to write the play where it had a successful five week run garnering praise and standing ovations from audiences and critics alike. Ms Dalton won the 2007 Jacoby Award for her portrayal of Lizzie in Lizzie Borden Live. Ms. Dalton wants the audience to decide for themselves if Lizzie Borden was guilty of killing her father and step-mother on August 4, 1892.
The true crime thriller is set 13 years after the double murder in Maplecroft, the mansion Lizzie bought with money inherited from her father. “Dalton gives a compelling performance enacting the humanity, humor, irony and sadness of a woman who’s had time to reflect on horrific events.” Susan Johnson, Red Rock News
Jack McCullough, (director) born in Fall River, said, “We had to get down to the very marrow of the bone, otherwise there’s no point in telling the story. People come to see Lizzie expecting to see a monster and instead they find themselves.”
Haunting the performance is music written by Emmy winning and Tony nominated orchestrator and composer Larry Hochman, who created his original pieces based on the script and his personal observations during rehearsals.
Dalton’s credits include: Law and Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Rachel Getting Married, Veronika Decides to Die (2009), Wall Street, Another World, All My Children, One Life to Live, As The World Turns and Saturday Night Live. Ms. Dalton was also a stand up comic for several years and won the Mary Jo Comedy Show Award for stand-up comedy in NYC.
McCullough, a graduate of the Trinity Repertory Conservatory in Providence, R.I., also directed another of Dalton’s solo plays, My Life in the Trenches, most recently at the Kitchen Theatre in Ithaca, NY and at the Ensemble Studio Theatre, the International Midtown Theatre Festival NYC, the One Festival and the 78th Street Theatre Lab in NYC. As an actor he appeared in Third Watch, Desperate Measures, The Observer, Osmosis Jones, Spenser: for Hire, Mr. North and Providence.
Seating is limited to 150. The doors of the Eagle will open at 7:00 PM. Prior to the performance there will be a cash bar and members of the Mutton Eaters, dressed in period garb, will meet and greet the guests.
Lizzie Borden Live challenges the audience to rethink the legend that is Lizzie Borden. Think you know her? Think again!
The Eagle Performing Arts Center
35 N. Main Street
Fall River, MA 02723
Tickets ($30). Available at www.lizziebordenlive.com (click on Schedule page) and (CASH ONLY) at the door.
Press contact: Jack McCullough (917) 806-3243 or lizziebordenlive@gmail.com
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July 19th- Happy Birthday Lizzie Borden
Officially now time to wish Lizzie a Happy 149th. Bouquet from an unknown admirer arrived at 92 Second Street shown below in the dining room. Her favorite pansies were blooming in her garden, but to resident black house mascot Max, July 19th is just another day.
