New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu


Original Stories of Somers Point's Own Richard Somers and Legendary Figure Molly Pitcher to Come to Life at Studio;Space

originally published: 07/19/2024

Finnigan Keane and Ellen Chene, photo by John Alvarez

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- SPQR Stage Company, the Jersey Shore's "Original" theater company, will present a combined performance of two one-acts, "Molly Pitcher—Revolutionary Girl Power" and the world premiere of "Richard Somers—Anatomy of a Hero," both written and directed by Bill Sterritt, SPQR's artistic director. Performances will take place August 5-7, 2024 at Studio;Space in Somers Point. Showtime is 8:00pm each night.

The stories of these well-known American figures, Molly Pitcher and Richard Somers, are real-life dramas that changed the course of history.

Born Mary Ludwig Hays, she became known as “Molly Pitcher” in June 1778 during the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. Though many believe she is just a legendary character rather than real-life heroine, as popular history goes, Hays was delivering water to her husband and other men on the battlefield (hence the “pitcher” nickname). When her husband was wounded in battle, she then took over manning her husband’s cannon. 

“This story of Molly Pitcher during the Battle of Monmouth might be legend and it might be true,” Sterritt said. “We’ll leave that up to the viewer. Regardless, there are incredible lessons of strength and determination to be learned from her.”

Residents and tourists of South Jersey are very familiar with the name Richard Somers who, with deep ties to the region, went to serve in the United States Navy during the First Barbary War fighting Barbary pirates. In 1804 he was ordered to break a blockade of the Barbary pirates in Tripoli, Libya, so his ship, the U.S. Intrepid, was converted into a “fire ship” with its bow packed with powder, shells, and an 11-minute fuse that was to give the crew time to escape. The all-volunteer crew, which included Master Commandant Richard Somers, sailed the Intrepid into the Tripoli Harbor in the middle of the night to close in on the pirate fleet. The ship exploded prematurely. Somers and his crew died in the explosion. Some reports said that the early detonation was deliberately done by Somers to avoid being captured by the pirates, leading to him being considered a U.S. Naval martyr. Whatever any reports say, the true reason for the Intrepid’s early explosion remains unclear to this day.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info



“Richard Somers is a hero—and not just in South Jersey,” said Sterritt, who had the play vetted by a historian in Philadelphia for historical accuracy. “The more I learned of his story, the more I became interested in relaying his story in a play. I believe it will resonate greatly with audiences whether near or far. He defended democracy, which is more relevant and important today than ever.”

The role of Pitcher is being portrayed by Ellen Cheney, of Strathmere, who has performed in numerous SPRQ productions such as “Modern Drama” and “Calliope Rose.” Somers is being played by Finnigan Keane, who was also part of “Modern Drama” and a fan favorite of the Somers Point area. 

Each one-act is 30 minutes long. Tickets are $20 at the door or in advance at Eventbrite.com. Aside from the performances at 8:00pm on August 5, 6, and 7, the performance will be livestreamed on August 5. Tickets for the stream are $20 and can be purchased at StudioSpaceSPNJ.com. Studio;space is located at 112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point, across from The Crab Trap. For ticket reservations, call 323-793-2153 or email spqrstageco@aol.com.

Since 2004, SPQR Stage Company has been testing and redefining the limits of theatre, in theme, form, and purpose. For almost 10 years, SPQR Stage Company’s productions have exhibited ingenuity, in language, concept and staging. From performing in a 40-seat house in Hollywood to the 50-seater studio;space in Somers Point, SPQR has strived to think big and outside of the box. SPQR has always preferred to be ambitious and in front of the curve in all its undertakings.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info


FEATURED EVENTS

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


The

The Diary of Anne Frank

Saturday, February 15, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Algonquin Arts Theatre
60 Abe Voorhees, Manasquan, NJ 08736
category: theatre


 

Dunbar

Dunbar Repertory Company Presents "Two Trains Running"

Saturday, February 15, 2025 @ 8:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 

Dunbar

Dunbar Repertory Company Presents "Two Trains Running"

Saturday, February 15, 2025 @ 3:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ 07748
category: theatre


 

Catching

Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream

Saturday, February 15, 2025 @ 4:00pm
The Historic Palace Theatre
7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
category: theatre


 

CDC

CDC Theatre presents "Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches"

Saturday, February 15, 2025 @ 8:00pm
CDC Theatre
78 Winans Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
category: theatre


 



Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info





 

EVENT PREVIEWS

RVCC

RVCC Holocaust Institute Sets Show Offering Accessible Telling of Anne Frank's Story

(BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- The Institute of Holocaust & Genocide Studies at Raritan Valley Community College will present Bright Star Touring Theatre's production of The Story of Anne Frank on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 10:00am.



Speranza

Speranza Theatre Company presents "In Her Footsteps" - a friendly, immersive theatre experience

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Step into history with In Her Footsteps, a fun, family-friendly, immersive theatrical experience that brings great women from the past to life through dynamic performances, multimedia displays, and hands-on activities. Speranza Theatre Company presents In Her Footsteps weekends from March 1-30, 2025 at the Museum of Jersey City History.



The

The Anthropologists present World Premiere of "axes, herbs and satchels" at Art House

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- The Anthropologists, a NYC-based, female-led, investigative theater company launches the world premiere of their devised play "axes, herbs and satchels." The tour begins in Jersey City at Art House on February 19-20, 2025, followed by stops in Delray Beach at Arts Garage on February 23, and Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana on March 5. The show will return to New York City in Spring 2025 with performances in the Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn.



Passage

Passage Theatre Company presents Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-Winning Play "Topdog/Underdog"

Topdog/Underdog by Pulitzer prize-winning Black playwright Suzan-Lori Parks is receiving its Trenton, New Jersey premiere at Passage Theatre Company, as part of its landmark 40th anniversary season. The play opens February 21, 2025, and runs until March 9, 2025, at the Mill Hill Playhouse. A darkly comic fable of brotherly love and family identity, Topdog/Underdog tells the story of Lincoln and Booth, two brothers whose names were given to them as a joke by their father, foreshadowing a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment.



American

American Theater Group presents "Purlie"

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Broadway veteran Kenny Ingram will direct American Theater Group's (ATG) production of the exhilarating and Tony Award-winning musical Purlie, running March 6-23, 2025, at Hamilton Stage in Rahway. Gary Mitchell, Jr. will provide Musical Direction. Purlie is the 1970 musical adaptation of Ossie Davis's comedic play Purlie Victorious, which just completed a hugely successful revival on Broadway last season.