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Media contacts: Kim Schuette: 614.297.2314 or kschuette@ohiohistory.org
For Immediate Release
Echoes in Time Theatre Looks Back at the 20th Century
Presentations Inspired by Norman Rockwell Exhibit at Ohio Historical Center
(COLUMBUS, Ohio - Dec. 29, 2008) – The Ohio Historical Center will kick off the 2009 season of Echoes in Time Theatre with two different productions inspired by its current exhibit, Rockwell's America. "An Evening with the Post, America's Most Read Magazine" will be the featured presentation in January followed in February by "Courage in the Skies: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen."
Early in his career as an illustrator, Norman Rockwell had a secret ambition to have his work appear on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post. "In those days the cover of the Post was the greatest show window in America," he later remarked. Indeed, the magazine was then reaching an audience of 2 million readers who were entertained with current events articles, editorials, humor, poetry and original illustrations and works of fiction. In "An Evening with the Post, America’s Most Read Magazine," find out from one of its editors, portrayed by Joel Flint of Grandview Heights, Ohio, how the Post became one of America's most respected magazines and launched the career of its best-loved illustrator. Performances are Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29.
Although Norman Rockwell was tuned in to social change and his illustrations kept America aware of World War II through his Saturday Evening Post cover illustrations, none depicted the African-Americans who were serving in the armed forces. In fact, African-Americans were barred from serving as U.S. military pilots until the pressure from civil rights groups led to the formation of an all-Black squadron based in Tuskegee, Ala., in 1941. In "Courage in the Skies: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen," on Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26, hear a young airman tell the story of the squadron that overcame prejudice to become one of the most highly respected fighter groups of World War II. The pilot is portrayed by Tony Gibbs from Canal Winchester, Ohio.
Rockwell's America is the largest interactive Norman Rockwell exhibit in the world and is on display at the Ohio Historical Center until March 1. Guests literally step inside the art of Norman Rockwell and experience it in three dimensions. The exhibit features all of Rockwell's 322 Saturday Evening Post covers and life-size sculptures of his most famous paintings, including a recreation of the artist's studio. Rockwell's America is licensed by The Saturday Evening Post and Curtis Publishing Company, produced by The Becker Group and presented by the Ohio Historical Center.
All Echoes in Time Theatre performances take place twice each Thursday evening at 7 and 8 p.m. Admission to the Ohio Historical Center is $8/adults, $7/seniors, $8/youth ages 6-12 and free for Ohio Historical Society members and children 5 years of age and under. Rockwell's America is an additional $3 per person. Parking is $4 and free for members. For more information, visit www.ohiohistory.org or call 614.297.2300 or 800.686.6124.
The Ohio Historical Center is located on I-71 and 17th Avenue. It is one of 58 historic museums and sites operated by the Ohio Historical Society, a nonprofit organization that serves as the state's partner in preserving and interpreting Ohio's history, archaeology and natural history.
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