The Bostonian Society presents the premiere of Cato and Dolly, an all-new live play by Playwright Patrick Gabridge at Boston’s historic Old State House, running Friday, July 6 – September 29, 2018.
The new play, commissioned specifically for the Old State House’s Through the Keyhole exhibition, reveals life behind the door of the Hancock House, Governor John Hancock’s 18th century Beacon Hill home.
In addition to viewing the historic door itself, on public view for the first time in decades, visitors to Through the Keyhole will experience the new 20-minute play, which offers a glimpse of everyday life behind the Hancock door through the eyes of those who lived there: Cato Hancock, an enslaved person in the Hancock household and Dolly Hancock, John Hancock’s wife and First Lady of Massachusetts.
Cato & Dolly premieres on Friday, July 6, 2018 at the Old State House and will run for nine performances per week Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. through September 29, 2018.
“The play Cato & Dolly will help visitors experience a different meaning behind the Hancock House door, giving life to the real people who lived at the dawn of the American Revolution,” said Nathaniel Sheidley, Executive Director of the Bostonian Society.
Cato & Dolly will feature Boston-based actors Stephen Sampson and Felton Sparks as “Cato,” and Margaret Clark, Marge Dunn and Becca Lewis as “Dolly.” Elliot Norton Award winner Courtney O’Connor will direct the play.
The play is included in the price of admission to Through the Keyhole at the Old State House, 206 Washington Street. Adults $10.00, discounts apply for seniors and students. Youth ages 6-18, Massachusetts Teachers, EBT Cardholders, US Military and Veterans are admitted free. For more information see www.bostonhistory.org or call 617-720-1713.
