News Releases
‘Liberty!’ breaks records, begins 32nd season
ELIZABETHTON – Organizers say it’s been a great year for Liberty! and they believe the new one may be even better.
The Official Outdoor Drama of the State of Tennessee begins its 32nd season July 15 at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton, and continues for a three-weekend run – Thursdays through Saturdays – beginning each evening at 7:30 in Fort Watauga Amphitheater.
The previous season was long – even grueling, by normal standards – but resulted in some extraordinary milestones for the historic area and its flagship drama, with portions of it presented to more than 10,000 people in 2009.
“It’s been busy, but it’s been wonderful,” says Jennifer Bauer, manager of the historic area. “We have had some really great experiences together this past year. Our volunteers make it all possible, and it is a great joy to witness the success they have achieved.”
The cast and crew packed up costuming and properties and headed for Nashville in the fall to headline the Tennessee History Festival. It was the first time such a production had been presented in the Bicentennial Capitol Mall and, despite early inclement weather, the East Tennesseans must have impressed their Middle Tennessee neighbors – the largest crowd in the history of the mall turned out for the opening performance.
A group from Liberty! returned to Nashville in April, invited by Sen. Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) to conduct the opening convocation of the Tennessee State Senate. Escorted to the well of the chamber by the Tennessee State Parks Honor Guard, members of the cast presented the immortal prayer first delivered by Rev. Sam Doak to the volunteers who mustered at Sycamore Shoals in September, 1780.
The volunteers became known as the Overmountain Men, marching for 13 days before locating the western flank of the British Army at King’s Mountain, S.C. The stunning victory they won is hailed by historians as the turning point of the American Revolution.
Several new roles have been added to the drama that tells the stories of James Robertson, John Carter and John Sevier – and many more – who settled in the Watauga and Nolichucky river valleys, beginning what would become Tennessee.
The 2010 season will also mark the opening of Carter’s Trading Post – in homage to the original store opened by pioneers Carter and partner William Parker shortly after they arrived on the frontier in 1771.
The new trading post will offer delectable period foods featured in the drama, including “Teeter’s Turkey Legs,” “Carter’s Corn-on-the-Cob,” “Adelaide’s Cooling Water” and “Aggie’s Cobbler,” along with popcorn, candy and a variety of soft drinks.
“We hope to continue to enhance the enjoyment and understanding for our patrons,” said Paul Gabinet, advisor to the supporting Friends of Sycamore Shoals. “The opportunities here are great and we want to maintain our forward momentum in giving our guests a truly one-of-a-kind experience here at Sycamore Shoals.”
Michael Barnett, president of the FSSSHA, is taking on one of the new roles, portraying frontier preacher Matthew Talbot, the first pastor of Sinking Creek Baptist Church, considered Tennessee’s oldest church still in its original location.
The owner of Big John’s Closeouts in Elizabethton, Barnett also brings a businessman’s point of view to his leadership efforts. “In addition to the trading post, we are investing in some new signage, promotional materials and quality advertising. All of that works together to help bring more people to the drama and more visitors to the park. And, of course, that is a great plus for Elizabethton and the entire region,” Barnett said.
“I believe this drama is vitally important to us in many ways. Obviously the history here is unparalleled. But so too is the modern value for our community, as we come together in a celebration of the best of our past – it does something really good for all of us who participate,” Barnett said.
(Liberty! runs Thursdays-Saturdays, July 15-31, in the Fort Watauga Amphitheater at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton. Performances begin nightly at 7:30. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for students. Children 5 and under are admitted free. For more information, call SSSHA at (423) 543-5808).
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