In 1916, no one knew the booming town of Treadwell-home to the largest gold mine in the world-was on the brink of its ultimate destruction. In one momentous year, as infrastructure crumbles, fires rage, and war looms, young engineer George Barnett arrives in the territory of Alaska with "guts and genius," not expecting to fall in love or carry the safety of the miners and the town on his shoulders. Treadwell Gold is written by Rachel Atkins and inspired by the book of historical nonfiction by Sheila Kelly. The play is based on real people and events. Treadwell Gold takes us to a time when science and engineering were looked to with faith that progress was always an option and engineering could always make our lives better. Treadwell Gold runs in limited engagement at Perseverance Theatre, June 22 - July 3.
Playwright Rachel Atkins is a Seattle-based playwright and teaching artist. She is the scriptwriter for Living Voices/Theatreworks USA, the educational theatre company with whom she has twelve different multi-media shows in ongoing national touring repertory. Author Sheila Kelly first heard about the Treadwell gold mines as a child. Her father and aunts were born and raised in the town between 1899 and 1925. She was captivated by her aunts' stories of gracious living on the frontier in Treadwell, Alaska, a hard rock gold mining town that had country club amenities. Sheila's walks among the present day ruins of the ghost town inspired her to pull the pieces together and bring the people and the place back to life. Treadwell Gold, An Alaska Saga of Riches and Ruin is the first book to do this.
The production is led by Art Rotch, artistic director of Perseverance Theatre. The cast includes Perseverance Theatre company members Bryan Crowder, James Sullivan, Tom Robenolt, and Frank Henry Kaash Katasse. The play features sound design by Lucy Peckham and costumes by Elizabeth Rocha. Special events will be listed on the Perseverance Theatre Facebook page and at ptalaska.org.
In Juneau, tickets to Treadwell Gold are available at the Perseverance Theatre box office, the JACC, Hearthside Books, by calling 463-TIXS, and at ptalaska.org. Treadwell Gold is specially priced at $25 with $20 for military and seniors, $20 for subscribers, and $15 for youth. $15 Rush tickets are available 30 minutes before curtain for each performance, space available. Show dates and more information at ptalaska.org.
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