A new spectacular theatrical work performed across Willow Wisp Organic Farm. Created by Farm Arts Collective, this is play #7 in a decade-long series of climate change themed plays being produced by the collective. Who was Johnny Appleseed? Born John Chapman in 1774, he went on to walk thousands of miles across America planting apple orchards to sell to expanding pioneer towns across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.

This year’s DREAM ON THE FARM explores the myths and times of an unique American figure.  Was John Chapman an ascetic saint who walked barefoot spreading his seeds and his New Church bible? Was he a wily entrepreneur who had a nose for making money, always staying one step ahead of expansion? Or was he an environmentalist and the nation’s first nurseryman?  Friend to the native American people and to the pioneers and settlers, Johnny Appleseed was an enigma and his mythology is the subject of this year’s DREAM ON THE FARM. 

The original devised play is directed by Tannis Kowalchuk, text and music by Melissa Bell, Mark Dunau, Doug Rogers, featuring actor-creators Jess Beveridge, Costanza Bugiani, Ginny Hack, Eva McCullough, Grady Parks, John Roth, Jim Sullivan, Kate Schroeder. Set painting and design by Kit Sailer, foley by Debra Thomas, puppet design and build by Ace Thomas and Sue Currier, and lighting design by Calvin Anderson.

IN PRINT Look for Volume One of the Dream on the Farm Plays 2020-2024, to be published this Spring!

Poster design by Jess Beveridge