Photos by Ellynne Brice Davis
Hollywood, MD – The woods surrounding the Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood, Md. are haunted this week with ghosts bringing to life tales of the past. The 2015 tour Ghosts of Sotterley tour features favorite characters from years gone by in this re-telling of some of the darkest moments of Sotterley’s history.
So, what do grave robbers, pirates and star-crossed lovers have in common? Their stories are all part of the dramatic tricks and treats and special effects of Lost in the Woods: Tales of the Past. Remaining tours for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31 between the hours of 7 and 10 p.m. are almost sold out. All tickets are $15 per person. Advanced reservations are required and may be made by contacting www.sotterley.org. This event is not suitable for young children. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather, and for the walking tour through outdoor woodland terrain. This event is held rain or shine; there are no refunds.
The Woman Who is the Keeper of the Time Beyond (yours truly!) greets you on the porch of the Gift Shop and strongly advises anyone who continues on the path that no matter what happens, they are not to”… go with the ghosts. “Visitors will then pass by the School Yard featuring Danielle Eldredge, Chloe Harsha, Madison and Samantha Miller, and Madeline Rose. Emily Fox, Katy Kindley, and Katelyn Kovach tell a sad story about a young girl who is “not as innocent as she seems” in “All Alone”. Watch out for ghosts Frank and Pat Greenwell just before you meet Kenneth and Kristina Falson, Scott Fritts, and Christine Henderson as they are “Burying the Dead” in the old Slave Graveyard.
The Grave Robbers scene offers a macabre touch of humor at the small Pavilion at the top of Memorial Trail featuring Jeff Maher, Jared Mathe, and Anna Singer. And you will meet Vince Kolman as a captured grave robber who has been tied to a tree as his punishment.
A more poignant scene features Amber Crone, Trinity Helm, and James Lewiski as Bethany searches for her lost lover in “Bethany and Her Mother”.
And be prepared to be scared out of your wits as you detour through the Asylum with its creepy special effects; the “patients” and the “doctor” are portrayed by Alyssa Fox, Robyn Mathe, Darren and Ismael Meyer, Abby Milkowski, and Sydney Shelley!
As you exit the Trailer of Insanity, you will meet Colin Maher, and David and Luke Randle with their unique line of work in “Father and Son”. And you will hear Ryan Molish’s story of “A Boy and His Sword”. Agatha (alternating actresses Hailey Leukhardt and Maddie Oosterink) offers a disturbing tale of a young woman who has rescued her baby sister but is terribly confused about what she should do next. And be on the lookout for the Wandering Crazies! (Ashley and Samantha Maucher).
Your welcoming Tour Guides for the evening are Claire Van Beek, Lynn Burton, Carmen Crescenze, Helena Fondeur, Joanne Fuesel, Julie Woods, and Marjorie Wytzka.
Participating directors this year are Dawn Lopez, Maddie Oosterink, and Paul Rose. Producer is Dawna Diaz, Wesley Thomas is Technical Director, and Stage Manager is Krista Whites.
Other crew members include Costumer Joanna Woods, and Makeup artists Amber Crone, Ming Diaz, Jeanna Fondeur, Christina Henderson, Georgette Saveage, Anna Singer, Olivia Wright, and Brianna and Donna Whites. Sound is by Jay McKulka, Props are by Christine Barry and Krista Whites, and Tech Support is handled by David and Miriam Bizup, Joshua Clutts, Jaimee, Sharen and Thomas Metcalf, Meghan Thomas, and Larry Whites.
Special thanks go out to the Friends of Sotterley Volunteer Acting Troupe, Sotterley’s Staff and Volunteers, Blue Wind Gourmet, Days Off Deli & Grill, Hardesty Haven Catering, and Mike’s BBQ and Catering.
Official sponsors of the 2015 Ghosts of Sotterley are The Boeing Company, Ming and Dawna Diaz, The Mathe Family, Wesley Thomas, and Metrocast.
If you would like to become a future “ghost”, you may contact events@sotterley.org.
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa at Sotterley, and a Family Plantation Christmas – information on these December events may be found online at www.sotterley.org, or you may call (301)373-2280.
Sotterley Plantation is located at 44300 Sotterley Lane in Hollywood, MD 20036.
