**** Recommended The Mystery of Amelia Earhart starring Leslie Goddard was an absolutely fascinating show. I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about Earhart. Goddard, a historian, author, actress and lecturer, did extensive research into Earhart’s childhood and private life as well as her more public persona. In fact, she was totally immersed in Earhart, so much so that she never broke character, even in the Q & A after the show. 4 Spotlights
Goddard wore a simple pair of beige slacks and scarf at the neck of a white blouse. Just like Earhart, she added a leather jacket, a pilot’s helmet and goggles to reinforce her flying credentials. Her props included a steering wheel, a sled, a ladder, a globe, luggage – including an authentic Amelia Earhart suitcase – and miscellaneous boxes. She used most of them as she described Earhart’s life.
Act II started with a cameo appearance by Philip Potempa as gossip columnist & radio personality, Walter Winchell.
Amelia Earhart was an amazing woman who was a trailblazer for women in non-traditional careers particularly aviation. In the Q & A after she doffed the wig and became Leslie Goddard again, Goddard said that it’s ironic but true that If Earhart hadn’t disappeared the way she did, she might have faded into obscurity like so many other women in history.
The Mystery of Amelia Earhart runs just five days: July 17th at 2:00 pm; July 18th, 19th and 20th at 2:00 and 7:30 pm; and July 21st at 3:00 pm. Running time is approximately 90 minutes with an intermission followed by a Q & A at the end of the performance. Tickets are $40. FYI (219) 836-3255 or www.theatreatthecenter.com.