Stissing Center’s basement became an impromptu storm shelter on Saturday, Sept. 6, just hours before a free performance of “Widow’s Weeds,” a new play written by Little Nine Partners Historical Society president Dyan Wapnick and directed by longtime Off-Off-Broadway veteran Robert Lyons.
Minutes into final rehearsal, a tornado warning forced cast, crew, and staff to evacuate the stage and bunker downstairs. “When the tornado warning was issued, I immediately turned into the tornado warning police and started ushering everybody downstairs,” said Stissing Center Executive Director Patrick Trettenero. “It was chaotic and unnerving, but everyone was compliant. Once the warning was lifted, we just went into make-it-work mode.”
Dutchess municipalities were spared any serious damage, according to county officials. The play went on as planned.
The delay cost the production more than an hour of rehearsal time. But in what Trettenero described as “a rare feat,” the team plowed through a technical run-through in 40 minutes. By curtain, the storm had passed, the lights were ready, and every seat in the hall was filled. The venue was at capacity, with every ticket reserved in advance.
The play tells the story of Mary Ingalls, who in 1842 petitioned for her late husband Elihu’s Revolutionary War pension under the 1836 Pension Act. With his military records and proof of their marriage lost, Ingalls — then 84 years old — relied on memory and witness testimony to make her case. The production was staged in honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The Little Nine Partners Historical Society organized the play alongside a day of Revolutionary War-era programs, including cooking demonstrations, blacksmithing, historical talks, and tours of the Graham-Brush House. The project was supported by a $9,475 grant from Dutchess County.
Trettenero said Stissing Center was proud to host the community play at no cost. “We exist to make an impact in this community, and that show definitely did that,” he said.
A totally engaging play reading—close to an actual performance. Wonderful actors and simple but strong set design and direction! I was completely enmeshed in the story from beginning to end. Thank you for this performance and the history lesson embedded so beautifully into the story line.
I am the third great-granddaughter of Mary and Elihu Ingalls. I learned of my connection to this Revolutionary War couple about ten years ago and immediately began reading the entire pension file. I have written an account of Elihu’s military service and continue to do research about his life.It is very exciting that a play has been written about Mary. She was amazing woman !