The Hobart High Theatre program proudly presents "Roustabout: The Great Circus Trainwreck" by Jay Torrence March 9-11 at 7 p.m. and March 13 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $10 adults and $8 students and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/RoustTickets or at the door. Contact 219942-8521 ext 8193
Many living in the Region don’t realize that in July of 1918, there was a tragic train accident that occurred in Hammond, Indiana killing over 80 circus performers and workers. When the circus people in train cars of the Hagenbach Wallace Circus were sleeping, getting ready to perform in Hammond the next day, a military train whose conductor had fallen asleep at the controls crashed into the back of the wooden circus train. 56 were buried in Woodlawn Cemetery at Showman’s Rest. Torrence wrote the play as a tribute to the lives lost--so their story and lives would be remembered. Part historical fact and part fiction, he lovingly creates characters that “may” have been among those lost. Many are listed as “unnamed” in the cemetery since they could not be identified.
The HHS Theatre Department first performed this show 7 years ago after their director Cathy Nelson was told about this play from a graduate of her program, Zach Leonard. She reached out, Jay reached back, and a lovely working relationship between Nelson, her students, and Jay began. Torrence is a writer, performer, and founding member of the Neo-futurist’s out of Chicago.
In 2020, the week before the COVID-19 shutdown of schools, the troupe performed his play "Burning Bluebeard." To date, they are the only high school given permission to perform these plays--previously only done professionally and at the college level.
Nelson and group worked with Torrence Feb 4 at HHS. On Feb 14, the group visited the site of the crash at Hammond and the Showman’s Rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. Student’s, both cast and crew, were inspired by both experiences.
This show promises to be a very special experience.