**** Recommended The uber-talented Leslie Goddard returned to Theatre at the Center for another of her one-woman shows, The Life and Legend of Lizzie Borden. Yes, indeed, it was Lizzie Borden herself, telling her story. 4 Spotlights
On a set furnished with absolutely gorgeous and unique antique pieces including a highboy, a dry sink, rocker, settee, stove, even a pump – all from Phil Potempa’s family farm. By the way, Phil told me he hauled all of it himself!
Lizzie Borden was preparing a tea for some of the neighborhood children who like to chant that horrible verse outside her window. She hoped that by inviting them in, they’d see that she wasn’t a monster.
On that fateful day, she said, her sister was away visiting a friend. Her father had been in town on business but returned to take a nap. Her stepmother wasn’t feeling well so she was resting in her room. Lizzie was in the barn. When she came into the house, she found her father in the sitting room covered in blood. She was so upset, she ran to a neighbor’s for help. The neighbor – audience member Carolyn Jacobs – went upstairs with her and screamed a most excellent scream when she ‘saw’ the body.
Although she was arrested, jailed and tried (Phil Potempa served as the judge) for the murder of her father and stepmother, Lizzie Borden was found not guilty because there just wasn’t any evidence. In this show, Goddard laid out all the evidence pro and con. She went on to say that the crime was never solved.
Leslie Goddard is a historian, author, actress and lecturer who does extensive research into the characters she plays, as we saw in the spring show, Violet Jessup – Titanic Survivor. She stays in character even in a Q and A, at least until she takes off the headpiece! As Lizzie, she said she couldn’t take off the wig, but she’d still revert to herself for more questions.
The Life and Legend of Lizzie Borden runs through November 1st at Theatre at the Center, the Center for Visual & Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Parking is free. Running time is about 80 minutes with an intermission. Tickets are $40. FYI (219) 836-3255 Ext 1 or https://www.theatreatthecenter.com