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Behind the Scenes (Sea to the Sky)

 

Gerri Hollins as Mary PeakeEzra Hill with "Mary Peake's students"International singer and voice teacher Gerri Hollins records her segment as Mary Peake.  The children surrounding her are Gerri's own piano and voice students.   Gerri is also the founder of the Contraband Slave Historical Society in Hampton and was instrumental in helping us develop the script.

The students pose with Ezra after their session is complete.

 

 

 

JIM STENSVAAG AND STEVE SCHEFFLERThe Great Debate from backstage Jim Stensvaag (left) provided the voice for the Northern Debater during the "Great Debate" sequence.  He is the recently retired historian at the Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe.  Jim's retelling of the Benjamin Butler story to author David Messick transformed the entire scope of the Civil War sequence.  As you'll see in the production, the Civil War is told from the perspective of those who lived in Hampton, Virginia.

Next to Jim is Steve Scheffler.  He engineers the sound, arranges the music, and portrays the Tailor in this production. 

On the right, David Messick and Kathie Davis practice "The Great Debate."   Costumes are still being assembled so the puppets are working in their t-shirts!

 

 

John Ericson and the Christopher Newport puppet

 

Johh Ericson as Christopher Newport.  Now here's a trivia question for you... did Christopher Newport have a hook on his hand?  Great question... and it depends on who you ask.  In our production he didn't have one, then he did, and then he didn't again.

Isn't this a great looking puppet?  It was created by Jill Harrington of Prince Puppets.

 

 

Craig T. Adams and Tim Tharrington recordBenjamin Butler puppetOn the left, Craig T. Adams and Tim Tharrington confront one another as Benjamin Butler and John B. Cary.  Craig T., of Fuzz and Stuffing Puppets, also constructed the Powhatan and Pocahontas puppets.  Tim has been working with Rainbow Productions as an actor since 1979.

Benjamin is to the right.  What a great puppet face created by Jill Harrington!

 

 

 

Ezra Hill and Norm Otto in the StudioNorm Otto and Abe LincolnOn the left, Ezra Hill and Norm Otto (as Abe Lincoln) record "The Emancipation Proclamation."

There's Norm with Lincoln on the right.  This picture was taken after the first dress rehearsal back in October. 

 

 

 

Marvin Sylvest as Collis P. HuntingtonOn the right, Former Phoebus High School Drama Teacher Marvin Sylvest portrays Collis P. Huntington.  Newport News Shipbuilding's first ship, the Dorothy is constructed onstage during Collis P's song.

 

 

 

The First MateTo the left is one of the Jamestown Settlers.  Again, a great puppet face by Jill Harrington and a great costume by Regina Smith.  Tim Tharrington, seen above, provides the voice for this character as well.  There's a very funny story about recording this guy's lines but you're going to have to ask us about it after the show.  You've got to "hear" the story for it to make any sense.

Keep checking back, we'll add more photos as the show develops.  Please come see us on tour or invite us to your next event. 

 

 
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Last modified: July 06, 2010