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Arts & Entertainment

Grosse Pointe Theater and Historical Society Team for Fifth Annual 'Talking Headstones'

Researched stories are written by playwrights of the GPT that reveal the life and times of people who lived in the area.

GROSSE POINTE - St. Paul’s Cemetery is once again the site of the Grosse Pointe Historical Society and the Grosse Pointe Theatre’s collaborative production of Talking Headstones, Oct. 11 -14 at 7:30 p.m.

The fifth annual dramatic event is presented on a specially created stage lit by hurricane lamps and torches.  . Since there is no electricity available in the cemetery, GPT member Sal DeMercurio of St. Clair Shores designed the staging and built a system of torches to light the show.

Carefully researched by the GPHS volunteers and staff and written by playwrights of the GPT, the stories reveal the life and times of people who lived in the area. 

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Talking Headstones is a wonderful venue to learn about GP history and experience outdoor theatre. Collaborating with the Grosse Pointe Theatre allows each group to flourish in their areas of expertise,” said Izzy Donnelly, education director for the Grosse Pointe Historical Society.

The Vernier Roadhouse is featured in this year’s vignettes.  Jerry Nehr of Grosse Pointe Woods portrays the proprietor, Edmund Vernier.

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“While it was a “rollicking place in the 1890s and early 1900s,” the Vernier Roadhouse met its demise in 1933,” said Harry Burkey, director of Talking Headstones.

From 1812,"Fall of Detroit" by Dianne Pegg features the remembrances of Catherine Campau Moran, Phelice Moran, George Moran and Uncle Joseph Moran.

The story from 1856, "Temperance," is also written by Dianne Pegg and highlights Charles Moran Jr. and Virginia Moran St Aubin.

"Remembering" by Gwenn Samuel is a recollection of life in 1865 from the point of view of Catherine Peltier Beaufait and Louis Beaufait.

Peter DiSante has created a snapshot of 1867 in "New Church,” featuring the thoughts of Pauline Vernier Van Antwerp and Catherine Van Antwerp Kerby.

Completing the 19th century, “Don’t Forget,” based on events in 1891, features Louis Allard and Theresa Allard.

1925 is presented in "Roadhouse," written by Peter DiSante and incorporating the words of Edmund Vernier.

Lighted, free parking is available at Grosse Pointe Methodist Church, across the street from St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Bring lawn chairs and a flashlight.  And dress for the weather.

Tickets are available by calling the Grosse Pointe Theatre at 313-881-4004.

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