The size of the stage has dictated the size of the cast. I couldn't do “Cheyenne Blood” with a large cast and wrote it as a two-character play. The other is character is Monahsetah (the young Cheyenne woman Custer captured at the battle of the Washita). The play begins with Wynkoop's resignation (actually it is also ends at the time of his resignation, but it isn't stated) when he realizes that he can't be responsible for more innocent people being murdered. I chose Monahsetah as I wanted someone who lived through the events of the 1860s and also as she was in close proximity to Wynkoop due to her father following Cheyenne Chief Black Kettle's lead. Wynkoop knew her by association of his relationship with her father, Little Rock (also a chief).
Tanya Thomas is playing Monahsetah. She is a good actress and I'm thrilled to be working with her. Tom Eubanks is the artistic director of the Elite Theatre Company. Our friendship and working relationship goes way back. In fact he has directed every performance of the Wynkoop one-man over the years, which dates back to 2002 and four states.
The play is an extension of the Wynkoop one man show, which covers his introduction to the West, first contact with Indians, original hostile view toward Indians, Sand Creek, his complete turnabout, and his efforts to get the Indians a fair deal. The play is dramatic and different. For comments on the one-man show which played in Cheyenne, Oklahoma, last December, contact the Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, which paid for the production. The Washita phone number is: 580.497.2742.
The play opens on April 24 and plays through May 24 (Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM, Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM, with one Thursday night performance on May 7 at 8:00 PM). Tickets are $17.00 ($15.00 for students and seniors; think a senior is 62 years old). Call (805) 483-5118 for reservations. If you get a message, leave your phone number and they'll call you back.
Here is a link to an Elite Theatre Company blurb on the play: www.elitetheatre.org…. Click on the tabs to see pertinent information about the theater company, such as address, etc. There is a restaurant next to the theater called La Dolce Vita.
Are you on Facebook? If so, I have some photos posted there from the one-man show in Oklahoma last December.
Louis
— David DeWitt
