Uncle Tom’s Cabin Performed at the Huron Playhouse in 1950

The play Uncle Tom’s Cabin was performed at the Huron Playhouse during its 1950 season, opening on July 26. The Huron Playhouse was founded in 1949 by Dr. Frederick G. Walsh of the Bowling Green State University’s Speech Department. Plays were performed at the McCormick Middle School in Huron, Ohio. William G. Bale directed Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Joann Herd played the character of Chloe, who opened the play with the singing of a Southern tune. Patricia Brewer played Eliza, who escapes slavery by crossing the icy river. Uncle Tom was portrayed by William Bale, who told the audience about the follies of slavery.

John Nagy was the technical director. He supervised the set construction, which included six different settings. The Sandusky Register Star News of July 27, 1950 reported that the audience was very appreciative of the actors, who gave two curtain calls. The play was based on Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, which greatly educated the general public about the effect that slavery had upon families. The Huron Playhouse was Ohio’s oldest continuing summer theatre when it closed permanently in 2018.