MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
One of Hutchinson’s most unique fall traditions returns this month as Stage 9 presents the 19th annual Talking Tombstones on Saturday, October 25, at Eastside Cemetery, 500 South Cleveland.
The event, directed this year by Stage 9 board member Meischa Zimmerman, brings history to life as local actors portray notable former Hutchinson residents at their gravesites, sharing their life stories and contributions to the community.
“I figured I’d never directed before, and this seemed like a good way to start,” Zimmerman said. “It’s been a great experience, and I’m excited for people to see how we’ve brought these stories back to life.”
Featured Characters and Cast
This year’s production features 10 historical figures — the largest cast in the event’s history. Among them:
• Wendy Pope as teacher Elizabeth Randall
• PJ Ford as suffragette Henrietta Briggs Wall, who co-owned Wall & Wall Dry Goods — the same building where Stage 9 now performs
• Sarah Winkler as Etta Coley Riggs
• Jo Stroupe as Pauline Martin
• Rachel Hein as Mary O’Loughlin, written by her great-granddaughter
• Jordan Gajewski as pharmacist Charles Ed Sidlinger
• Matt Christian as Nick Spainer
• Will Miller as Ben Butler, a former slave
• Jason Probst as former mayor George Washington Hardy
• Eli Jackson as attorney James Uttered Brown
All of the figures portrayed are buried in Eastside Cemetery.
Writers and Research
Zimmerman credits a team of local writers and historians — Christi Grunwald, Donna Davis, Tony Loewen, Gina Long, Joe Woody, and Tyler Davis — for crafting the monologues that bring each story to life. Many actors also conducted their own research to accurately portray the personalities and experiences of those they represent.
Show Format
Two performances will be offered: a seated show at 5 p.m. for those unable to walk the grounds, followed by walking tours beginning at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to arrive around 7 p.m. to be placed in guided groups. Volunteers will lead each tour safely through the cemetery by lantern light.
“We even have a contingency plan if the weather turns bad,” Zimmerman said. “If needed, we’ll move the performances to the mausoleum and make it work.”
Community Support
Talking Tombstones is supported by numerous community sponsors, including Eagle Media, Dillons Credit Union, First National Bank, Commerce Bank, Decker & Mattison, the Hutchinson Community Foundation, Memorial Art, Bogey’s, Chris Corey Insurance, Craft Electric, and Wayne’s Printing.
“The support from local businesses and volunteers makes this possible every year,” Zimmerman said. “Hutchinson really steps up for the arts.”
Tickets are available online at stage9hutch.com or at the event’s on-site box office tent. Both cash and credit cards are accepted.