Who: The Tabard Theatre Company presents Michael John LaChiusa’s musical Queen of the Mist

What: Tony-nominated musical theatre composer and librettist Michael John LaChiusa’s musical is based on the true story of teacher Anna Edson Taylor, who in 1901 at the age of 63, wanted to make a name for herself — so she took her life and destiny in her own hands to become the first woman to go over Niagara Falls! Self-reliant Anna also designed her own barrel. And she lived to tell about it! Queen of the Mist’s story is told through smart dialogue and richly arranged melodies created by LaChuisa. 

When: Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 28, 2019 (See schedule below)

Where: Tabard Theatre (formerly Theatre on San Pedro Square), 29 N. San Pedro Street, San Jose, CA 95110 (Parking is validated for most performances at the San Pedro Garage directly across the street)

Why: Based on an astounding and outrageous true story, Anna Edson Taylor, who, in 1901 at the age of 63, set out to be the first woman to shoot Niagara Falls in a barrel of her own design. Navigating both the treacherous Falls and a fickle public with a ravenous appetite for sensationalism, this unconventional heroine vies for her legacy in a world clamoring with swindling managers, assassins, revolutionaries, moralizing family, anarchists and activists. Convinced that there is greatness in her and determined not to live as ordinary, she sets out to battle her fear and tempt her fate. With a soaring score that incorporates turn of the century themes with LaChiusa’s signature complexity and insight, QUEEN OF THE MIST is the story of a single great fall, and how one woman risked death so that she could live.

2012 Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical

 “...the gifted LaChiusa continue[s] to treat the musical as an American art form.”  — Backstage

"...gorgeously haunting score… unquestionably beautiful.” — NYTheatre.com  

“An imaginative new musical that is smartly crafted and distinctively composed... beautifully orchestrated…" — New Jersey News Room

“Queen of the Mist is a thrilling work... ingenious orchestrations... brilliant.” — Capital

“Queen of the Mist is smarter than most musicals and certainly more musically engaging.” — Exeunt

Box Office: 408.679.2330 or www.tabardtheatre.org/tickets

Tickets:  $38* - $48

Cabaret Seating: $48  

Tiered Seating: $38 (*Discounts available for seniors and full-time students)

Performance Schedule: 

Friday, April 5 @ 8:00pm (Opening Performance)

Saturday, April 6 (1:30pm to 2:00pm. Free hands-on presentation for visually impaired patrons. Everyone is welcome.)

Saturday, April 6 @ 3:00pm

Sunday, April 7 @ 2:00pm

Friday, April 12 @ 8pm

Saturday, April 13 @ 8:00pm

Sunday, April 14 @ 2:00pm

Friday, April 20 @ 8pm

Thursday, April 25 @ 8pm

Friday, April 26 @ 8pm

Saturday, April 27 @ 3:00pm & 8:00pm

Sunday, April 28 @ 2:00pm (Closing Performance)

Photo:  Photography: Edmond Kwong/ImageWurx; Stephanie Whigham. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

THE ARTISTIC TEAM: Director: Karen Altree Piemme. Music Director: Samuel Cisneros. 

THE CAST: Sam Barksdale, Marla Cox, Steve Roma, and Molly Thornton as Anna Edson Taylor

THE STORY: It’s 1901. School teacher Anna Edson Taylor is 63 years old and decides to shape her future and destiny by being the first woman to go over Niagara Falls and survive. Outrageous for a 63-year-old woman. Even more outrageous for a woman in 1901! Queen of the Mist is her story before and after her life-changing adventure in a barrel, which she also designed. With great imagination and creativity, six performers bring to life Anna’s story and the people who populated it, including her various managers, family members, friends, nay-sayers, anarchists… This is a story of courage, passion, and perseverance. All told through Michael John LaChiusa’s brilliant and highly acclaimed script and score. 

PRODUCTION DESIGNATED NON-PROFIT:  For every production Tabard designates a local non-profit to receive a portion of its concession proceeds. The designated non-profit for Queen of the Mist is Arts Angels, Tabard’s program that places arts mentors and educators in under-served schools, bringing the arts to young people who otherwise have no or limited access to performing arts. 

Tabard Theatre (formerly Theatre on San Pedro Square) — The Destination for Arts Discovery —  is located in the heart of historic San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose amid a bustling restaurant district. This intimate and unique venue brings a touch of Manhattan to the South Bay with its rustic yet edgy feel. Old brick walls, plush leather seats, antique wood plank floors, sweeping red velvet drapes and a 35-foot mahogany bar create a casual cabaret atmosphere. The full bar also offers a variety of food choices that may be enjoyed while watching the show.

Tabard's Mission
Tabard’s mission is to provide live entertainment experiences that are enlightening, appropriate and affordable for audiences of all ages. We champion new works, innovative interpretations, and unique plays rarely staged. Tabard is an inclusive environment where the community can participate in every aspect of the plays, musicals, educational programs and music concerts we produce. With altruistic attention to the underserved, Tabard reaches out to communities such as the visually impaired and children in low-income areas, and donates a portion of each production's concessions proceeds to a designated local charity.