Full house!

Earlier this year I was sent a play by a local author, an adaptation of a novel based on the true story of a local man who emigrated to North America in the 1870s, was lost to his family and years later found to have been one of the cavalrymen who died at the battle of Little Bighorn. She had been asked to write something to open our annual festival in September. 
I sent it to an experienced local director, who pronounced it unstageable without a complete rewrite. After discussion with the author I cut the text by a third (removing General Custer completely, to her chagrin) and we advertised an audition (which then had to be postponed because of the death of my father). The play had two male parts (the main ones) and two female ones. When we finally held the audition four women turned up. They all seemed good, so rather than delay further, we decided to be bold and go for an all-female cast.
After a read-through we agreed to make further cuts, bringing the play to half its original length. As the actors contributed their ideas the production became less static and more energetic. We rehearsed through August and September, added an atmospheric soundtrack and some appropriate music. Finally this week came the technical and dress rehearsals, and last night we performed it to a full house who were spellbound and gave the cast a prolonged standing ovation.
I'm just waiting to hear the verdict of the director who pronounced it unstageable. (Fair play to him, he was in the audience.)
The picture is of our fabulous actors celebrating afterwards. Extras show our hero Will James and Arthur Nicholas, the solicitor's clerk who finally tracked him down. 

*It was a good day for getting things finished. Earlier I sent a completed book manuscript to the publisher!