Commissioned by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History this interactive play recreates an 1855 abolitionist fundraiser as it tells the story of the Underground Railroad. The show includes 19th century dance, parlor games, song, and an auction aimed to raise monies and conscience for the abolitionist cause. The audience be encouraged to participate in all aspects of the festivities. The Abolitionist Fundraiser includes period dance and dance music, Spirituals, and the the “auctioning” of a quilt provided by “industrious members of the Ipswich Female Anti-Slavery Society". The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History commissioned McMath to write the work, and it was presented as “An Afternoon with the Caldwells, 1855: the Abollitionist Fundraiser” in the Hall of Musical Instruments as part of a day-long celebration of the “Within These Walls” exhibit (2002). |
The USO Show
Presented as a WW II "Hangar Dance", the show features 30 minutes of 1940s jokes and tight harmonies. First produced to benefit the Commemorative Air Force, National Capitol Squadron in Leesburg VA, it was next produced at the Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum (Centreville, Virginia location). |