SPQR Stage Company to highlight tragic death of Richard Somers off Tripoli
SOMERS POINT — SPQR Stage Company has announced the performance of two one-act plays featuring New Jersey heroes of American history.
“Richard Somers — Anatomy of a Hero” and “Molly Pitcher — Revolutionary Girl Power” were written and will be directed by Bill Sterritt, SPQR’s artistic director. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Aug. 5-7 at Studio;Space in Somers Point.
“The stories of these well-known American figures are real-life dramas that changed the course of history,” Sterritt said.
Residents and tourists of southern New Jersey may be familiar with the name Master Commandant Richard Somers, who has deep ties to the region and served in the U.S. Navy during the First Barbary War fighting pirates off the coast of Libya.
In 1804, he was ordered to break a blockade of the Barbary Pirates. The ship he commanded, the USS Intrepid, was converted into a fire ship by packing its bow with powder, shells and an 11-minute fuse that was to give the crew time to escape.
The all-volunteer crew, which included Somers, sailed the Intrepid into the Tripoli Harbor in the middle of the night to close in on the pirate fleet. But the ship exploded prematurely, killing Somers and his crew the explosion.
Somers was born in 1778 in the city named for his family. He was appointed a midshipman in the U.S. Navy in 1797 and is recognized as among the first heroes of the fledgling U.S. Navy.
The bodies of all 13 crewmen washed ashore the next day and were buried in an unmarked communal grave. The Libyan government unearthed the remains in 1949 and moved them to the Old Protestant Cemetery in Tripoli, where they remain today. Efforts to repatriate the remains to the U.S. have been unsuccessful.
“Richard Somers is a hero — and not just in South Jersey,” said Sterritt, who had the play vetted by a historian in Philadelphia for historical accuracy. “The more I learned of his story, the more I became interested in relaying his story in a play. I believe it will resonate greatly with audiences whether near or far. He defended democracy, which is more relevant and important today than ever.”
Mayor Dennis Tapp said he is looking forward to seeing the play.
“Any way that we can honor Richard Somers is definitely great for Somers Point and a tribute to the family,” he said.
“Molly Pitcher”
Born Mary Ludwig Hays, she became known as “Molly Pitcher” in June 1778 during the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey. Although many believe she is just a character of legend rather than a real-life heroine, as popular history goes, Hays was delivering water to her husband and other men on the battlefield (hence the “pitcher” nickname). When her husband was wounded in battle, she then took over manning his cannon.
“This story of Molly Pitcher during the Battle of Monmouth might be legend and it might be true,” Sterritt said. “We’ll leave that up to the viewer. Regardless, there are incredible lessons of strength and determination to be learned from her.”
The role of Pitcher is being portrayed by Ellen Cheney, of Strathmere, who has performed in numerous SPQR productions such as “Modern Drama” and “Calliope Rose.”
Somers is being played by Finnigan Keane, who was also part of “Modern Drama” and a fan favorite of the Somers Point area.
Each one-act is 30 minutes long. Tickets are $20 at the door or in advance at Eventbrite.com.
The performance will be livestreamed Aug. 5. Tickets for the stream are $20 and can be purchased at StudioSpaceSPNJ.com.
Studio;space is located at 112 Woodland Ave. in Somers Point, across from The Crab Trap.
Call (323) 793-2153 or email spqrstageco@aol.com for tickets.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
– Photo courtesy of SPQR Stage Company