The Hat Theater Collective Presents The Ballad of Old Manatee

BRADENTON – Bradenton’s newest theater company, The Hat Theater Collective, will open its inaugural production, The Ballad of Old Manatee, at the Manatee Village Historical Park this Friday, April 21.

The Ballad of Old Manatee is a world premiere musical inspired by true events from early Bradenton and Manatee County history. The immersive historical drama was co-created by The Hat Theater Collective Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Danae DeShazer, and Playwright-in-Residence, Derek Brookens.

The Ballad of Old Manatee tells the dynamic love story of James C. Vanderipe and Sarah Lee–and an intense conflict between James and Sarah's father, the Reverend Edmund Lee. This conflict, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, leads to James' death and burial in what is called "The Lonesome Grave."

Audiences will experience this World Premiere Musical among the historic buildings and grounds at Manatee Village Historical Park, including a Florida pioneer farmhouse built in a "Cracker Gothic-style," Manatee County's first courthouse (1860), a one-room schoolhouse (1905), and the Church (1887).

"I’m incredibly thrilled and honored to uncover this gem of a story inspired by true events of early Manatee County history alongside my partner, Derek," said the theater company’s DeShazer in a press release. "Developing new work is certainly daunting, but collaborating with such a dynamic team on The Hat Theater Collective’s inaugural production holds true to our mission of enriching our community through culturally-important storytelling and inspirational theatrical experiences. We hope audiences will not only learn a little more about the early settlers of our community, but also enjoy the immersive outdoor setting at the beautiful grounds of the Historical Park."

A professional director, actor, teaching artist, and choreographer,DeShazer is also the former Associate Artistic Director of McLeod Summer Playhouse in Carbondale, Illinois. She has toured with several youth theater companies, including The National Theatre for Children, Prairie Fire Children's Theatre, and Lexington Children's Theatre. Local audiences might have seen her work at Manatee Performing Arts Center (RENT), Theatre Odyssey's One Act Play Festival (WINNER! That Kiss), or The Players Centre (Broadway on the Bay: The Sarasota Divas; É Spelling Bee).

Co-creator Brookens wrote the book, music, and lyrics for The Ballad of Old Manatee. Brookens’ work was most recently seen as a finalist in The Players Centre’s New Play Festival with his full-length play, Gin Rickey. Originally from Pennsylvania, Derek spent a decade performing professionally across the country. He’s been an actor and songwriter since age 15 and a playwright since 25. His other works include The Sword in the Stone, an original musical adaptation for students.

Joining DeShazer and Brookens on the creative team are Carrie Greenberg, Andrea Knies, and Olivia d’Amico.

Alexander Zickafoose as James C. Vanderipe

Ashley Figlow as Sarah Lee

Lee Gundersheimer as Reverend Edmund Lee

Donna DeFant as Electa Lee

Grace Wolfe as Eliza Burts

Derek Brookens as the Narrator

Jason Ellis will play James C. Vanderipe at select performances

Rounding out the ensemble cast is Susie Lowe, Brandy Harlan, Sean Harlan, and Derrick Duncan.

The production is approximately 75 minutes with no intermission, and will have a limited run on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $27 with a portion of the proceeds going to the Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc. The donated funds will assist in the repairs and maintenance of the historic 1887 Church.

Performance Calendar:

Friday, April 21 at 4:15 PM and 6 PM

Saturday, April 22 at 4:15 PM and 6 PM

Friday, April 28 at 4:15 PM and 6 PM

Saturday, April 29 at 2 PM, 4:15 PM and 6 PM

Friday, May 5 at 4:15 PM and 6 PM

Saturday, May 6 at 2 PM, 4:15 PM and 6 PM

For more information about The Hat Theater Collective, or to reserve tickets to The Ballad of Old Manatee, please visitwww.atthehat.org.