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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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August 4th is coming soon!
Preparations go into full swing this week as the house performing troupe, The Pear Essential Players, dons their fake beards and leg ‘ o mutton sleeves to bring history alive once more. Performing only once a year, on the anniversary of the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, the players come from many states and cities to re-enact the details of the day in 1892. Performances will take place on the hour and tickets may be purchased for each timed performance in the gift barn behind the house at 92 Second Street. This year’s cast featured 13 key characters from the well-known story. To learn more about the cast, visit their web blog at http://pearessentialproductions.wordpress.com/
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Fall River Rising Photo Exhibit Opens
Good things happening in the city. Read the article here: http://www.heraldnews.com/entertainment/x2141119034/Fall-River-featured-in-photo-exhibit
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New domains for old friends
Oak Grove Cemetery has a new domain for its Friends group at
http://friendsofoakgrovecemetery.org/
Fall River Painted Ladies is now at
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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.
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Lizzie Borden’s Favorite Hymn
Sung by Vida Turner at Lizzie’s private wake, many seem to find meaning in Lizzie’s requested and favorite hymn. Rev. Cleveland from the Church of the Ascension on Rock St. gave the prayers to a select few employees. Miss Turner received a check for her services and was told not to repeat where she had been. This version is from a period hymnal and the text is the text Lizzie would have known. Do you see any hidden significance? Try it at home on your piano.
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Sale at the Abbey Grille, Lizzie’s old church
Bidding was brisk today as the sale of equipment from the former Abbey Grille and Culinary Institute was put on the block. Everything from cookie sheets to the handsome 6 foot fountain in the courtyard was up for grabs-even the liquor license. The Fall River Herald News has the full story http://www.heraldnews.com/business/x737364449/Abbeys-assets-sold-off-piece-by-piece
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The return of Lizzie Borden Live & The Mutton Eaters
July 1st is getting mighty close to the big week in Fall River when Jill Dalton reprises her smash hit from June 20th- Lizzie Borden Live. Also making a “comeback” will be the irrepressible Mutton Eaters on hand to add a bit of period dash to the streets of Fall River, the Borden’s house on Second St. and the trolleys. The Mutton Eaters are an armchair sleuth group devoted to Borden research and interpreting the roles of key historical characters in the case. It will be a big week for the little troupe as Tuesday August 4th will be the re-enactments at the house where it all began as the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast Museum marks the anniversary of the famous crime. Lizzie Borden Live will once again sparkle at the new -old Eagle on Friday and Saturday, August 7&8. Get your tickets early!
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Lizzie Borden Live June 20, 2009
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The Eagle Reopens and Lizzie Comes Home
What a wonderful day for Fall River with the newly- renovated Eagle’s building reopening as an arts and events center and the Fall River performance of Lizzie Borden Live. Fittingly, on the anniversary of Lizzie’s return to Fall River triumphant from her acquittal in the New Bedford court, Jill Dalton brings Lizzie home again.
The old Eagle restaurant, built to look like the interior of the elegant Fall River Line boats was the perfect venue for small stage theatre and Lizzie Borden Live in particular, which has an intimate rapport between actor and audience.
The Mayor and many other city officials were in attendence to support the event as well as the Mutton Eaters in costume as Borden-related characters who manned the trolleys, served hors d’oeuvres and chatted with playgoers.
The period architecture, polished and restored interiors and wonderful food by White’s restaurant were enjoyed by excited guests mingling on the mezzanine with special Lizzie cocktails created for the evening. Miss Dalton delivered an impeccable performance, filled with nuance and subtlety- richness and texture, which ran the gamut of emotions. At times the audience forgot to breathe, at times bursting forth with laughter and applause at little comments which Fall Riverites appreciated especially, as most are familiar with the Borden story.
All too soon it was over, the audience was thrust back into 2009. But for 80 magical minutes the Past came alive once more as we were all treated to a new perspective on Miss Lizzie Borden and her life at Maplecroft, and Fall River opened a new door to a brighter future for the arts in the city. Come August, the Eagle will once again host Lizzie Borden Live during the second week of August. Best wishes to the Eagle as they begin a bright new future, and continued success to Lizzie Borden Live, and Miss Dalton, wherever she and Miss Lizzie play. Orchids and kudos to the Donovan family for bringing back a real treasure on North Main Street and to Miss Dalton for revitalizing a Fall River legend of a different sort!
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Fall River Spirit on Lizzie Play at the Eagle
(photo by Rick Snizek-Fall River Spirit)
An excellent article in the Spirit proclaims the importance of bringing back “downtown” Fall River as a place for weekend fine dining and entertainment, citing the upcoming Lizzie Borden Live production as an important step in revitalizing Main St. To see the entire article click on this link http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090618/PUB03/906180393
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Lizzie Borden Live to return in August
As more seating is installed at the old Eagle restaurant on North Main Street to accommodate the sell-out crowd for Saturday night, plans have already been finalized for an encore performance in August. The play, written and starring Jill Dalton has been performed to wide acclaim in NJ, NY, RI and Arizona, and is at long last playing to the place where it all began- Fall River, Massachusetts. The Saturday event will begin with trolley rides circulating among area restaurants and Lizzie sites, a special Lizzie cocktail will be featured, and when the doors to the Eagle open at 6:30, a light buffet and passed hor d’oeuvre supper will be served by the Mutton Eaters (a costumed Borden history society). Here is a portion of the Mutton Eaters’ Saturday night cast release from their website:
“The old Eagle restaurant has been beautifully converted for the occasion and a flock of Mutton Eaters will descend to be on hand to meet and greet playgoers in the lobby. Dr. Dolan has a new derby hat for the occasion and Mrs. Borden will be circulating with a tray of hors d’oeuvres and tips for flaky pie crust! Alice Russell, Bridget Sullivan, Emma Borden and Mrs. Churchill will have something to say about everything, and undertaker, Mr. Winward will be glancing over the crowd for prospective future business! Best news of all- Miss Lizzie Borden Live will be returning in August- that all-important month!!”
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Miz Liz-home again!
Today’s Fall River Herald offered two articles about the upcoming weekend performance of Lizzie Borden Live at the former Eagle restaurant. The Mutton Eaters, armchair sleuths devoted to the study of the Borden case, will be on hand in costume as characters from the Past to mingle with guests and assist on trolley tours.
http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x2122537493/Mutton-Eaters-have-a-taste-for-history
For more news about Lizzie Borden Live and Saturday’s activities click on this link http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x702342820/Downtown-to-host-dinner-drinks-and-a-murder
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Lizzie’s Garden in June Bloom
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Welcome Home Miss Lizzie
The Eagle Performing Arts Center35 North Main Street
Second Floor
Lizzie Borden is coming back home to Fall River on the 116th anniversary of her acquittal in New Bedford Superior Court this June 20th. New York writer and actress, Jill Dalton, resurrects the spirit of Fall River’s most infamous character in a chilling, solo performance entitled,
Lizzie Borden Live
“I wanted to give Lizzie a voice to tell her own story following her day in court,” stated Ms. Dalton. “That’s something she was not able to do when she was doped up on morphine during her famous murder trial.”Lizzie Andrew Borden was found innocent in a court of law, but judged guilty in the court of public opinion. She was condemned by society and shunned in her hometown. Ms. Dalton powerfully evokes Lizzie’s emotional turmoil and psychic trauma. She wrote the play from Lizzie’s point of view so that “the audience can hear her side of the story for the first time.”The legend comes to life with humor, empathy and insight when Lizzie steps on stage at the Eagle Performing Arts Center on 35 North Main Street at 8 PM on Saturday, June 20th. This production, sponsored by the Luso American Gallery of Antiquities, is funded in part by grants from the John and Abigail Adams Program of the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Four Cities Collaborative of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.“In addition to this state support, the Mayor’s Office and the Arts Uniting Fall River collaborative have participated in the planning and promotion of this community event and fundraiser,” noted LAGOA curator, Stephen L. Cabral. “Our organization is committed to promoting the arts, preserving our cultural history and providing scholarship funds for promising students. Lizzie Borden Live will help support these goals.”Jill Dalton is an award winning New York actress with a long list of television and theatre credits. She has appeared in Law and Order, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, As the World Turns, All my Children, One Life to Live and Saturday Night Live. The East Lynne Theater Company in Cape May, New Jersey commissioned this play, which opened to standing ovations from the audience and critics alike. Ms. Dalton won the 2007 Jacoby Award for her portrayal in Lizzie Borden Live. This dramatic crime thriller is set 13 years after the double murder at Maplecroft, the Highlands mansion Lizzie bought with money inherited from her father. According to the Red Rock News of Sedona, Arizona:“Dalton gives a compelling performance capturing the humanity, humor, irony and sadness of a woman who had time to reflect on horrific events. She enacts a Lizzie that has never been portrayed anywhere in stage, screen or literature. ”Fall River native son, Jack McCullough, is the director of the show, which has toured New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Arizona. Mr. McCullough, a graduate of the Trinity Repertory Conservatory in Providence, RI, has also made his mark on stage and screen, but prefers to work behind the scenes of Lizizie Borden Live. Jack has envisioned this homecoming since the play first opened. He insists that this production will make the audience think twice.“We are very excited about performing on stage in the heart
of Lizzie’s old neighborhood. Jill and Lizzie have a compelling
story to tell. People come to see Lizzie expecting to find a monster and instead they discover themselves.”
Check your calendar and order your $40 tickets from LAGOA, Inc. by calling 508-673-6624. Seating is limited to 160 so make your reservations now. The doors of the Eagle Performing Arts Center will open at 6:30 PM. Harpist, Judy Mitchell will set the musical tone for the night, and members of the Mutton Eaters, dressed in period garb, will greet and engage the guests at the light buffet and cash bar prior to the show.Lizzie Borden Live challenges the audience to rethink the legend that is Lizzie Borden. Think you know her? Think again!Stephen L. Cabral, Ph.D.
Curator/President
Luso American Gallery of Antiquities, Inc. (LAGOA)
484 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720
Tel. 508-673-6624
www.lagoagallery.org -
Brownell House Happenings
A visit on April 24th revealed a great change to the house on Green Street where Lizzie Borden’s sister Emma was staying at the time of the murders. The house is undergoing extensive renovations. The back kitchen annex is demolished, the heavy vegetation is removed, and the house has received siding recently. The interiors have been gutted and rewired with the walls stripped back to the studs. The graceful staircase to the second floor just inside the front door will remain, as well as the handsome wide-planked floors and the original wide granite base slab for the front exterior stairs. The lightening fixture shown in the entry foyer was of course added on some time after the original construction. The owner of the property who is ordering the renovation plans to move in soon. Neighbors out on the street seem happy something is finally being done to clean up the old property.