What it’s about:
The Mooncusser’s Tale is radio play for the whole family based on Cape legends of land pirates. It takes place in Wellfleet in the 19th century and is a poetic ghost story, laden the beauty of Cape sand and sea. Nature and its sounds infuse the story, which will intrigue anyone of any age interested in the unique characters, nature and history of Cape Cod, and indeed any maritime coastal area.
Who’s the Cast:
A real family, Jade, Paul and Quinn Schuyler (with a brief role done by brother Shawn Schuyler) play the fictional family of Captain Ephraim Bowers. The Schuylers appear frequently in Cape theater. They have created a film, “The Runner,” which has screened on Cape. Jade’s play “The Tuna Goddess” premiered to great reviews at Cape Rep this summer (2018). Quinn, 14 years old, is at school on the Cape. Rod Owens (playing Solomon Bowers) is a former English teacher at the Harvey School, N.Y. who has appeared in Cape theater. Macklin Devine, son of director Mo Hanlon, and playwright Art Devine, plays a small role. Press: it might be fun to interview Quinn who can be reached through his parents at 310-902-7010, or [email protected] or [email protected].
Who’s the Author:
Lee Roscoe is a local historian, journalist and environmentalist who worked backstage Off-Broadway and studied theater in Manhattan at HB Studio, Circle in the Square, and American Academy of Dramatic Arts. As an Equity professional, she appeared on stage Off-Broadway in such as the New Pinter Plays, and in the long run of “The Kitchen” directed by Jack Gelber, and in underground films. Her chapter, “Mailer’s Maja and Dark Lady Revealed” in the recently released book, “The Cinema of Norman Mailer” (Bloomsbury Press), received excellent reviews by The British Film Institute. She’s acted at the Provincetown Theater, W.H.A.T. and elsewhere on Cape Cod. Roscoe’s plays have been seen at Provincetown Theater, Playwrights Theater, Boston, Women’s International Theater Festival, Swan Day, Ganameed Theater Project, SlamBoston, the Piano Factory, Boston, Great Plains Theater Conference, Omaha, and at the famed Living Theatre, NYC.
“It Can’t Happen Here” was a sold out benefit for Cape Codders for Peace and Justice at Tilden Arts Center. “The Shame of Daniel Shays” was performed at the Nauset Fellowship.
A Yale Drama Series finalist, Roscoe’s work has been praised by such as David Hare, Judith Malina, The Shaksepeare Theater Company and its director Michael Kahn, Playwrights Horizons, and Howard Zinn.
For radio she co-authored a nationally syndicated radio show “Almanac of the American Revolution.” A version of "The Mooncusser’s Tale" was performed on KUSP FM San Francisco. Her work has also been performed on WBRSFM Boston.
While Roscoe’s adult dramas tackle new forms and intense and varied stories of such as a hyberbolic America gone fascist, a woman harassed, the effect of impoverishment on a human being who has lost everything, or a medieval kingdom at war, “The Mooncusser’s Tale” is suitable for the whole family!Teachers, this can be found in podcast after it is aired and might make a great teaching tool for the history/nature of the Cape! so pass it on. Please feel free to get in touch with Lee Roscoe 508 896 3510.