Historic Cherry Hill is thrilled to announce that we will be holding auditions for “Murder at Cherry Hill,” a dramatic tour exploring the true story of a murder that took place at the historic site in 1827 through storytelling and live actors.
On May 7, 1827, Jesse Strang, a hired hand at Cherry Hill, climbed onto the shed roof of the house and shot boarder John Whipple through his bedroom window. Strang had been having an affair with John Whipple’s wife, Elsie, a member of the elite Lansing and Van Rensselaer families. The murder resulted in two sensational trials and Albany’s last public hanging.
We are searching for an actor to portray JESSE STRANG, a hired hand at Cherry Hill. Strang is in his late 20s-early 30s, a man of “good stock” who became a drifter after faking his own death to escape gambling debts.
Rehearsals will be held in September with performances on October 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26,27, 28. Performances will be split between two actors who will serve as understudies for one another. An honorarium of $200 will be offered.
Auditions will be held on September 5 at 7 PM. You will be asked to read a selection from the script. Please email deborah@historiccherryhill.org if you need to set up a different time.