History in Live Action: The Last of the Mohicans Outdoor Drama and Benefit Cruise

Concerning American Independence, most people think of the Revolutionary War; however, the French and Indian War also played a key role in securing our nation’s freedom. Several of the important battles during those years occurred right here in the Lake George region. Many people have learned about this not through high school textbooks, but, rather in the pages of the internationally known novel, The Last of the Mohicans.

Written by James Fenimore Cooper, America’s first successful popular novelist, The Last of the Mohicans merges the historical events that took place at Fort William Henry, Fort Edward, and sites along the Hudson River with a gripping, fictional story. In fact, what is now known as Cooper’s Cave in South Glens Falls, was the actual location that inspired Cooper to write his tale of love and adventure. Translated into almost every language, the story explores issues including interracial relationships, communion with nature, and the redefinition of family. Following its release, the novel also affected the way the public saw the doomed fate of the Indians: romantic, yet justified.

Beginning Thursday, August 5th, The Last of the Mohicans Outdoor Drama will put into live action the massacre at Fort William Henry, the fictional kidnapping of pioneer sisters, and the conflict between local Native tribes. Michael Dufault, the founder and playwright of the show, conceived the idea at the fort itself while on a visit and stressed during the press conference that “the history of this area is something the world should know about.” The family-friendly production plays through August 10th in the Fort William Henry Museum Courtyard in Lake George, accentuating the journey back in time. It includes live horses, cannon and musket fire, Native American music and dance, 18th century replica costumes, and a cast of professional actors.

In addition to weaving together the area’s rich cultural heritage and its beautiful natural landscape, Dufault also mentioned the increased tourism and economic development that the production would bring. He cited other outdoor dramas such as Tecumseh in Ohio and The Lost Colony in North Carolina that generate millions of dollars each summer with tens of thousands of spectators. In the future, the company would like to have its own amphitheatre.

However, if you can’t wait until August to get a taste of the action, there will be a fundraiser benefit cruise on the Lake George Steamboat Co.’s MOHICAN on Monday, July 12th. The cruise, which is the second annual “Mohicans on the MOHICAN,” departs from the steel pier on Beach Road in Lake George at 7:30pm and will last two hours. Along with taking in the scenery, while aboard you can enjoy period appropriate music, song, and entertainment by costumed performers, watch musket firing demonstrations, and participate in a raffle auction and special door prizes.

Most importantly, you can mingle with the cast members from the show. Conrad Browne Lörcher plays “Hawkeye,” the frontier hero; Claudia Demartino is “Cora,” who attracts the love of Uncas, a Mohican warrior; the novel’s villain “Magua” is played by Richard Mazzaferro, and Adam Collet is “Major Duncan Heyward,” a courageous young colonist. Supporting actors include William Sanderson (from Blade Runner and Newhart?), Steven O’Connor, and Michael Steese, who play “Colonel Munro,” “Montcalm,” and the “Sagamore,” respectively.

The August 5th premiere of The Last of the Mohicans Outdoor Drama will start at 7pm and will be followed by fireworks. The show will then play nightly until August 10th at 8pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and children 4-12 years old. Children under 4 are free.

Please call 518-668-5755 for more information on either event.

–Amber Williams is an Assistant Editor of The Free George. 

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