John Henry Teaches Lessons of Humanity for All Ages

Media Contact:

Kristen Gleason
Director of Marketing
The Paramount Theater
215 East Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.979.1922 ext. 103
kristen@theparamount.net

For Immediate Release

October 11, 2007

The well-known folklore figure of John Henry-- the “steel-drivin’ man” whose incredible size and strength was legendary and unmatched until the invention of the steam drill -- comes to life in Mad River Theater Works’ vibrant, evocative play appealing to audience members of all ages.

Showing Henry as a flesh and blood human being who became a hero because of his willingness to put his entire heart and soul into the struggle with mechanization, this production focuses on the importance of respecting all people and recognizing the challenges we all face in our daily lives.

With storytelling, drama, and music, Mad River Theater Works will present John Henry at The Paramount Theater on Sunday, October 21 at 3 pm. Youth/Child prices are available for this performance.

While there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding this folk legend, many people believe that Henry was an actual person who lived from approximately 1840 to 1875. Mad River’s production is based on the traditional folk song, “John Henry,” historical research, and information from folklorists who have attempted to trace the origins of the John Henry stories and songs through interviews with people who might have known the “real” John Henry.

Over the years, many different artists have offered their own versions of the legend. The play produced by Mad River illuminates not necessarily the “true” story, but the truth behind the story -- the reasons John Henry and his song have proved so enduring. Remembered for his famous contest with the newfangled steam drill, Henry won the day but died soon afterwards of a broken heart.

This tale speaks to young and old alike and carries a strong contemporary parallel about the importance of our humanity in the face of changing technology. John Henry realized that ordinary men could not compete with the iron workhorses of the industrial revolution, and that the days of men like him were numbered.

Mad River Theater Works has been creating plays based on American folklore for over 17 years. Centered in West Liberty, Ohio, the company is one of only a handful of professional theaters in the United States based in rural communities.

The ensemble has developed over 25 original plays that reflect the rich diversity of the rural Midwest, and nurtured a core of committed professional artists -- actors, directors, and musicians who have come to live and work with Mad River from all parts of the United States, and have professional credits in venues from New York to California. Mad River reaches an audience of over 50,000 people in more than 200 performances annually.

The company creates plays that combine music and drama to tell stories about people from the back roads and small towns of America -- plays based on American history that show the grit and humanity of characters from the past in a unique theatrical style.

While the ensemble often reaches back into history to cast a new light on personalities and events that have shaped our nation, the plays explore contemporary issues. Believing that theater can make a difference in the life of a community, their works focus on issues of community breakdown, the importance of individual cultures, racism and tolerance, and the changing role of women.

Mad River’s unique mission has attracted the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as foundations, corporations, and individuals. Every Mad River Theater Works production is a world premiere.

Tickets for John Henry on Sunday, October 21 are $25.50. A Youth/Child price of $20.50 is offered to those 12 and under. Group discounts are also available.

Tickets are currently on sale online and through The Paramount's Box Office at 434.979.1922.

For more information about Mad River Theater Works and John Henry, please visit www.madrivertheater.org.