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Cold Water Army - a workshop production

The Back Pack
Austin, TX

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"You see, this exceptional fish, if I do choose to believe in it, is for you merely an object of monetary exchange - a way out of your present financial impasse - whereas to me, J.J. Finchley, this creature might possibly be something else. Might possibly be...a sign."
- Cold Water Army (Act 1, Scene 10)

Come play the audience at this workshop production of a new play by Michener Center playwright Tegan Mcleod.

The Story:

As The Great Blizzard of 1888 brings Louisville, KY to a standstill, a monstrous fish is caught and stored overnight in an Irish tavern; it's presence here will forever change the lives of those forced to take shelter in the tavern overnight.

COLD WATER ARMY tells the fortunes of Dallin, the tavern-keeper with an impossible debt to pay; Adalyn, a devout member of the Cold Water Temperance movement; and Farielle, daughter of one of the first free Black coal-miners in Kentucky. While Dallin struggles to find a way to pay for his father's mistakes and keep the liquor flowing, Farielle wants to skip town and get away from the likes of Mr Finchley, local bigwig, and his nefarious side-kick, Topper, while Adalyn longs do God's work and close the tavern for good.

As their fortunes collide, the surreal presence of the fish and two little girls who accompany it, bears down on them; secrets are revealed, and soon they realize that they're all related to an act of arson and murder.

Death and redemption stalk them all, leading to a climax of biblical proportions.

The Ensemble:

Written by Tegan Mcleod
Direction by Lily Wolff
Design by Bruno-Pierre Houle

Performances by Bria Washington, Ursula Walker, Nate Jackson, Huck Huckaby, Reagan Tankersley, Juliet Robb, Quevette Terrell and Judd Farris.

Scenic Artisan - Zac Thomas
Movement Direction - Robin Grace Thompson

The Perks:

Libations on the patio pre-preformance, intermission drinks at Turlach's Tavern, and an informal post-show talk at the bar. Join the creative team behind this project to discuss the past, present and future of this theatrical tale...