The Night The Cardiff Giant Sang Rossinni On The Lawn
by Charles R. Traeger
Directed by Wallace Norman
Directed by Wallace Norman
|
Production Team
Assistant Director - Vicky Devany Scene Design - Bob McBroom Lighting Design - Zack Jacobs Costume Design - Dean Powers Sound Design - Joseph Simon |
Production Stage Manager - Jillian Zeman
Assistant Stage Manager - Danielle Disher Assistant Stage Manager - Raisa Noelle Assistant Stage Manager - Richard Ralff |
WORLD PREMIERE WHAT IS A CARDIFF GIANT AND WHY IS HE SINGING ROSSINI ON THE LAWN? One of the most famous hoaxes in America occurred in 1869 with the unearthing of a 10-foot tall stone Giant by workers digging a well in upstate Cardiff, New York. Heated religious debates erupted concerning Genesis (6:4): “There were giants who once lived on earth.” The discovery of the 'petrified man' created a huge sensation and thousands of believers and curiosity seekers flowed into the town to view him, only to learn a year later that the giant was a hoax created by George Hull, an avowed atheist, who made a fortune selling tickets to see the bogus body. Fast forward to 2006 in Cooperstown, NY where Traeger has set his play, home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Glimmerglass Opera, and the Farmers’ Museum where the Cardiff Giant is still on display. During the off-season a mysterious man who calls himself George Hull is arrested after breaking into the Farmers' Museum. The arrested man claims to have heard the giant sing and says that he will sing again. Who is this charming, wise, yet strange and suspicious man? Is he a prophet? Is he dangerous? Is he a lunatic? Is he the only one who has heard the Cardiff Giant sing? Will the Giant sing again? Join us to unravel the mystery.