Life is a journey for actress Lisa Leone Dickerson of Middletown. Her stage life, that is. Dickerson is one of seven cast members going back in time to showcase, honor and perform the women from Harrisburg’s past in the Open Stage production of “Stories from Home: City Beautiful.”
Among the historical figures that Dickerson will portray are Mira Lloyd Dock and Gabriella Gilbert, founder and first president respectively of The Civic Club of Harrisburg. Both of these historical women yearned to improve not only the city’s aesthetics but also the quality of services for its residents. The journey for Dickerson, though, has been the theatrical road she’s traveled to give these women—and Harrisburg’s history—breathe and depth.
“Typically, actors rehearse for about six weeks,” she says. “This has been doubled that because of the creation aspect.”
That aspect started from scratch as each character – sans script – was built by actors from the ground up. Improvisation exercises were used to allow the free flow of ideas, and scenes were put together on the spot that told of the accomplishments of the women being portrayed. After all that, even area actress Linde Stern’s original monologue about Mary Sachs seemed to come from Sachs herself.
Pictured left to right: Tia McMillen, Lydia Jane Graeff, Lisa Leone Dickerson, Louis Bianco, Kara Miller, Linde Stern.
“We spent a great deal of time talking about ‘our’ women,” Dickerson recalls. “We spoke of who they were, their contributions and how the stories could fit into the whole. When we were five weeks out, a marked transition occurred where we stopped being writers/creators and became actors and director. At that point, the process became like a more traditional rehearsal.”
“Stories from Home: City Beautiful” marks the second installment of this project that embraces the history and culture of the area. Last year’s production focused on the market districts of the city and involved many older members of the community in its audience. June’s performances celebrate the achievements of turn-of-the-20th-century Harrisburg citizens – developers, businessmen, politicians, artists and philanthropists – who had a vision to make their capital city great.
Dickerson has participated in both shows and discovered that this year’s rehearsal was approached with more confidence after breaking new ground last year.
“I remember thinking the first go-round, ‘What the heck are we doing?’ and being unsure, until we opened, if we even had a show,” she says. “This time, though, it was like going through labor after you have already given birth once.”
And whether you’ve lived in Harrisburg all your life or if you’re someone who won’t leave home without your GPS, “Stories from Home: City Beautiful” will make one appreciate all that Harrisburg once was, what it is now and what it could become.
“The audience will see and recognize many of the figures in the piece depending, of course, on their ages and familiarity with Harrisburg’s history,” says director Anne Alsedek. “On the other hand, young people and newcomers to the area will enjoy discovering the rich history and heritage of the town.”
Audiences will not only witness and listen to living history, but will get to discuss issues and ask questions of today’s visionaries through post-performance talk-backs.
On Saturday, June 8, Linda Ries of the PA State Archives will lead the discussion. On Thursday, June 13, it will be Tara Leo Auchey of today’s the day Harrisburg; Sunday, June 16, The Civic Club of Harrisburg; Thursday, June 20, historians David Morrison and Jeb Stuart; Saturday, June 22, The Art Association of Harrisburg; and Saturday, June 29, The Bellevue Park Association.
As an added treat, Open Stage has commissioned an original “City Beautiful” song written and performed by Louis Bianco, in contemporary urban style.
“Stories from Home: City Beautiful” will be performed June 7 to 29. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. www.openstagehbg.com
