“There Once Was…”- Tales of Ireland

5 Stories + 6 Actors + 1 Musician + No Rules = A Frenzy of Theatrical Creation

Bald Mountain Theater is proud to announce the return of its annual event for all ages, “There Once Was …”. In this iteration, tales are drawn from the rich storytelling tradition of Ireland. Professional actors, directors, and musicians, including some of Burlington’s finest, showcase the results of a week-long creative intensive. Cael Barkman, Chris Caswell, Andriana Chobot, Jordan Gullikson, and Sasha Olinick have come together in collaboration with Artistic Director Ethan Bowen to stage vibrant stories in innovative ways. Featuring fickle fairies, rowdy ghosts, forlorn selkies, and sorceress stepmothers, these tales paint a mirthful, moving portrait of a country steeped in magic.

“This is my chance to gather together some of my favorite performers”’ says Bowen, “and unleash them on some great stories. The emphasis is on creative theater: how does someone “fly” with two sticks and a long piece of fabric? How do we create monsters and three-headed snakes? How do we tell these stories in the most fun way possible?” Of last year’s “There Once Was …,” audience member Rob Gardner said, “[Musical Director] Jake Wildwood’s music seamlessly shifts from instrument to instrument and provides the emotional underpinning against which the artistry of these talented actors unfolds with real grace and wit.” Bald Mountain Theater, based in Rochester, VT, specializes in developing stories and fairy tales into theatrical productions that surprise and challenge audiences to see these stories in a new light.

Wild, wonderful, and playful, “There Once Was …” is a treat for the whole family.

Ensemble- Cael Barkman, Ethan Bowen, Chris Caswell, Jordan Gullickson, Sasha Olinick, & Killian White (replaced by Andriana Chobot in 2019)
Select stories adapted and directed by: Ethan Bowen, Chris Caswell, Jordan Gullickson, & Sasha Olinick
Musical Director: Jake Wildwood
Story Researcher and Curator: Killian White