VRT | It's Vashon Isle
When
Runs from
Friday October 13 2023
to Sunday October 15 2023
Approximate running time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Venue
Event Notes
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Location: Vashon Center for the Arts
Vashon Repertory Presents: It's Vashon Isle!
A benefit for Vashon Island Heritage Museum. Produced in partnership with Vashon Heritage Museum and Voice of Vashon. Written by and starring Jeff Hoyt
In 1926, Vashon Island was losing population due to an agricultural depression. To promote the island to the surrounding area in the hope of luring new residents to Vashon, the editor of the island’s newspaper took to the Seattle airwaves to make his case. For a full hour, he extolled the island’s many attributes, employing an ornate, early-century style and prose that was part P.T. Barnum and all P. Monroe Smock. Along the way, Smock promised gifts to listeners who responded, while introducing island singers and performers, who threaded the broadcast with musical entertainment.
This October, Voice of Vashon’s Jeff Hoyt will embody Smock in a re-creation of his iconic 1926 radio address. Historic images from the era will accompany every picture painted by Smock’s rosy oratory. Hoyt will also stage conversations with modern-day island guests to offer context and perspective on the era. And, of course, there will be music from both the original program and more recent odes to Vashon by contemporary island performers.
$25 General $22 Seniors Youth (18-) pay what you will at the door
Location: Vashon Center for the Arts
Vashon Repertory Presents: It's Vashon Isle!
A benefit for Vashon Island Heritage Museum. Produced in partnership with Vashon Heritage Museum and Voice of Vashon. Written by and starring Jeff Hoyt
In 1926, Vashon Island was losing population due to an agricultural depression. To promote the island to the surrounding area in the hope of luring new residents to Vashon, the editor of the island’s newspaper took to the Seattle airwaves to make his case. For a full hour, he extolled the island’s many attributes, employing an ornate, early-century style and prose that was part P.T. Barnum and all P. Monroe Smock. Along the way, Smock promised gifts to listeners who responded, while introducing island singers and performers, who threaded the broadcast with musical entertainment.
This October, Voice of Vashon’s Jeff Hoyt will embody Smock in a re-creation of his iconic 1926 radio address. Historic images from the era will accompany every picture painted by Smock’s rosy oratory. Hoyt will also stage conversations with modern-day island guests to offer context and perspective on the era. And, of course, there will be music from both the original program and more recent odes to Vashon by contemporary island performers.