“The audience has been enthusiastic with the play and the weather has been absolutely perfect. Everything has gone surprisingly smooth”, said Jim Stoner, director of The Black Cyclone.
The Black Cyclone is a play about Charles Follis. The running back played for the professional team in Shelby in the early 20th Century. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, is the first African-American professional football player.
“The play begins when Charles is in his teenage years and it carries on throughout the rest of his life to 1910 when he dies,” said Stoner.
“This is an action filled play. It has 56 scenes total and there are three stages. In the middle of the stages, there is a field that is 30 by 40 feet,” said Stoner.
Dan Friertag, lighting director, made a significant contribution to the outdoor play. “The lighting is very impressive. There are four 30 foot lights on each corner. There are four lights that are focused on wagons in the play. I am very pleased with the lighting director,” said Stoner.
Michael Barbosa plays Charles Follis in the play and brings the pioneering running back to stage with his own flair. “Mike wanted to be Charles. I had him create himself as the character and he has brought a lot of enthusiasm to this role. I am very impressed with what he has done,” said Stoner.
In its first weekend ,the play enjoyed some significant national attention. “NFL Films was in attendance on Friday night and we spoke with them. Charles is getting the national recognition that he deserves and it is wonderful. NFL Films will feature some of the interview in NFL Films Presents,” said Stoner.
The performance also enjoys support from local businesses. Sponsors of the play include Richland Bank, Sturm Financial, and Banks & Associates CPA’s.
Seated area tickets cost $34 and there are blanket seats available for a $30. The play will continue August 16 – 18, beginning each evening at 7 p.m.
From www.blackcyclone.org
Groups of 20 or more are $3 off per ticket. Pleas Call Victoria Cochran to make arrangements at 419-892-2929.
Most nights will sell out. Any leftover tickets will be available, but there may not be many left. We recommend buying tickets in advance.
Please note that this is an outdoor event. Prepare for tempature changes, dampness, bugs, and heat. If in the barn, please be advised that it is a working barn (animals/hay) in the basement.
Parking is free. Is is close to the Visitor Center. If forced to have the performance in the barn there is a walking distance of approximately 1,000 feet. For guests who cannot walk that distance, there will be designated golf cart shuttle areas, which operate before and after the show.
See more at: http://www.blackcyclone.org/tickets
