Manassas, VA 6/26/07

HISTORIC THEATRE PRODUCTION BRINGS THREE EDUCATIONAL GENERATIONS OF ARTISTS TOGETHER
HISTORIC THEATRE PRODUCTION BRINGS THREE EDUCATIONAL GENERATIONS OF ARTISTS TOGETHER: The Gray Ghost Theatre Company combines the talents of Rex McGraw, Ken Elston, and Jill Matarelli Carlson; bringing education full circle.

 

 

   Ken Elston took Directing Class from Rex McGraw at Ohio State University; he went on to become a professor himself, teaching at Western Illinois University, where Jill Matarelli Carlson was his student in Movement and Stage Combat Classes; Carlson is now a professor at East Carolina University. This generational trio of educator/theatre artists is in the process of collaborating on The Gray Ghost: The Story of John S. Mosby During the Darkest Days of the Civil War.

Elston, who now teaches at George Mason University, is the writer and co-director of The Gray Ghost, a play about local legend Col. John S. Mosby. Mosby’s story is often marginalized or left out of history books, yet, he lived an amazing life and his story is one that needs to be told. “Mosby was a tactical genius and master of guerrilla warfare,” said Elston. “He innovated techniques which are still studied and utilized by the military. He was also a gentleman who held a deep respect for human life and he was driven by a true sense of honor.” Passion for this particular story may be what inspired Elston to invite his mentor, Rex McGraw, and former student, Jill Matarelli Carlson, to collaborate on this project. McGraw is the Co-Director for Ghost, and Carlson is in charge of Fight Direction. “I jumped at the chance to work with Ken again! It’s a very gratifying experience to be working with your mentor as a professional; especially on show that has such tremendous theatrical, historical, and educational value.,” expressed Carlson. Elston added, “As the three of us were rehearsing the other night, I felt this sense of history – not only from the show itself – but through what we have all taught each other over the years. It’s what this company was founded on and it has really come full circle as this production is presented to the public.”

Gray Ghost Theatre Company supports education and historic preservation through the arts by generating theatre of exceptional quality and illuminating history. The company employs professional and local artists of high caliber with the intent to create, produce, and promote plays that illuminate aspects of local, national or cultural history, encourage family participation in theatre going, and serve educational purposes. For more information go to www.grayghosttheatre.com. Or Call: (703) 993-8482. For tickets to The Grey Ghost go to www.tickets.com. Or Call: 1-888-945-2468.

If you’d like more information about this topic, or if you would like to schedule an interview with Ken Elston, Please call:
(571)277-3826, or Email at: info@grayghosttheatre.com