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'Blue Jacket' show won't go on this summer
> Comment: Will you miss the show?
Thursday, May 08, 2008
XENIA — There will be no galloping horses nor nightly flurry of flaming arrows at Caesar's Ford Park Amphitheatre this summer.
For the first time in 27 years, there will be no "Blue Jacket."
Extras
The outdoor drama has been halted by an accumulated deficit of more than $100,000 and DNA-tested proof that the title character was not a white man who became an Indian war chief. He was all Shawnee.
Board members for the nonprofit producer First Frontier Inc. have called a retreat on Saturday, May 10, to begin charting the future of an institution they intend to revive as early as 2009.
If they do, it won't tell the same story. It may not even have the same title. It will still focus on the Shawnee Indians, who lived and fought for their way of life in the Greene County region.
"We will not be rewriting this script. We'll be writing a new one," said Xenia businessman and board President Jim Harworth, who spearheaded 11th-hour efforts to keep the show running in 2006 and 2007. "It doesn't make sense to change the story, yet keep the name 'Blue Jacket.' "
The first priority "is to establish a solid business plan, which is something 'Blue Jacket' has needed for years. There's been no marketing and no advertising. No wonder attendance has been down. I couldn't run my business (Detroit Tire Co. in Xenia) this way."
Those interested in joining the effort as volunteers or donors should write to First Frontier at P.O. Box C, Xenia, OH 45385, or by e-mail at firstfrontierxenia@yahoo.com.
Comments
By David
August 2, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
I enjoyed both Blue Jacket and Sleepy Hollow, hope something does come back. Does anyone know if the psyho path is going to run in 2008?
By Yvonne
May 16, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
I saw Blue Jacket twice and enjoyed it both times. Both times were several years ago, so maybe some of the other comments regarding earlier shows as being better could have some merit. I also saw Techumseh in Chillicothe and enjoyed it, too. But then, I am interested in anything concerning native americans…maybe because I had a great-grandmother who was Indian from the Delaware nation. I’ve read books that were supposedly histocially true and Blue Jacket was always portrayed as being white
By Standing Tall
May 9, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Cara, you just showed your ignorance. At no point was I bent, just making an observation. Thanks for the laugh but you might want to save those snide remarks for another time and place. I thought this page was about Blue Jacket not bashing.
By Kevin -Former foodservice MGR
May 8, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
One thing that no one will ever know / understand is what Blue Jacket means to those whose produced it year after year. I went through my own struggles with working and not getting paid. One thing that I stood on was the family members I gained. Blue Jacket DOES reach people. Mamma Caruana said it best. Keep the spirit close to your heart…”His spirit still lives in the mists of the evenings…here, on this sacred ground”!
By Kevin -Former foodservice MGR
May 8, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
One thing that no one will ever know / understand is what Blue Jacket means to those whose produced it year after year. I went through my own struggles with working and not getting paid. One thing that I stood on was the family members I gained. Blue Jacket DOES reach people. Mamma Caruana said it best. Keep the spirit close to your heart…”His spirit still lives in the mists of the evenings…here, on this sacred ground”!
By john galt
May 8, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
The Xenia Gazette had this news more than a month ago: http://www.xeniagazette.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=158954&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=4&S=1
By Chris
May 8, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
GOOD RIDDANCE!!!! I don’t normally wish bad times for people, but I did $2400 or hard work for them last spring and never got paid. And then got ignored when I tried to call to see what was going on. Very rude people!
By Blue Jacket Fan
May 8, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
I saw the show several times over the years, and the early years were better than the latter ones. I am a fan of the Caruana boys and I have to tell you that they had a hugh impact on the success of the show. Vic Caruana was superb as Blue Jacket’s son, Joseph and little Kevin certainly held his own. Tony Caruana was amazing when he became the Head Equestrian. He choreographed some of the most spectacular and dariing equine scenes in the history of the show! Where are U guys now?
By cletus
May 8, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Janice: You said “if”, which it was not. And Everyone knows that Al Gore is a goon. Saying “Al Gore is a goon” is like saying “water is wet”.
By Janice
May 8, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
If it was a good show, they should keep presenting it. Big deal…
Perhaps all “historical” movies, plays, books, etc., which aren’t accurate should be taken away. That would include the American news media as well! Oh and Al Gore, my it’s cold out today!
By Cultureco
May 8, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
It will certainly be missed. And if you are interested enough to read these posts, Wright State is conducting a Field School in Archaeology at Fort Ancient this summer. Drop in and say Hello. And bring cookies.
By Karen
May 8, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
I had always heard so many great things about the show so my husband and I decided to take his parents to see it when they visited from out of town. Sadly we were embarrassed that we took them. The sound was so poor we could not hear/understand anything that was being said. We were greatly disappointed. We did enjoy the outside theater experience but we wanted SO MUCH to understand the story that was being played out.
By Heartbroken
May 8, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
I am truly saddened but not suprised to hear that the story of Blue Jacket, fact or fiction, will not be told this year. I spent a few of my summers on that sacred ground and will miss it terribly. Anyone who has experienced it knows the feeling I am greaving. The experience was not for financial gain or to prove a historical fact it was the telling of a wonderful story that made people aware of the history of the area and the native peoples who used to populate it.
By Wife of a Former Cast Member
May 8, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Over the years, my husband has told me stories of his years at Blue Jacket. I am extremely envious of his stories and experiences. It is a shame that the show deteriorated over the years. We went back to Ohio a few years ago too see it, and although I did enjoy it, it wasn’t the same as the stories he told me. I guess that insurance and other factors took out a lot of the stunts and action that made the show what it was in “those days”.
By deb
May 8, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
I personally have not ever seen it and had planned to this year as my grandsons went last summer and have been excited about it ever since. I guess I waited to long to go. It’s very sad to see such a joy of entertainment for the families of the area to lose such a wonderful production. I hope it returns the same.
By anna
May 8, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
My 1st cousin Dotti Martin spent many years of her time in researching Blue Jacket plus lots of her own money now just 1 yr after her death it has cease to exist, what a shame.
By Mamma Caruana
May 8, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
I feel like my best friend just passed away! I am so sad. Understandably, “Blue Jacket” should never have been portrayed in any manor to give people the idea that it was a completely “true story”, but, as for the production; there IS nothing else that compares to LIVE theatre especially when the stage is outdoors under the stars and you can hear the pounding of the horse’s hooves as they gallop from stage left to stage right causing the theatre goer’s hearts to beat faster with excitement. And who could possibly forget the thrill of “FLAME ARROWS” or cannons firing with a thunderous BOOM that could heard miles away! Every evening local history came alive by actually showing the audiences the battle re-enactments and explaining how certain creeks and rivers owe theirs name to the Shawnee. I know first hand that all of the actors and everyone involved in the show, including the founders, Don and Dottie Martin, believed in their hearts that the production was a genuine “tribute” to the Shawnee because the script was sympathetic to their struggles and way of life which ended in this area we now call Greene County. Theatre is CULTURE and ART whether it is fact or fiction. First Frontier, Inc. or someone else MUST step up to the plate and keep the ARTs alive in Greene County! My children literally grew up at Blue Jacket. Our name is almost as famous as the name Blue Jacket: CARUANA. My sons, Tony, Vic and Kevin started their acting careers at the tender age of 7 and continued with the production in ever increasingly important roles into their late teens. My daughter, Christy, was an actor for three years. Everyone came to love the “Caruani” (Thanks, Beaker!) children and watched our family grow up right before their eyes……. so many great memories and lasting friendships!
Thank you to everyone who supported Blue Jacket by donations or by coming to see the show. Regardless of the controversy, the fond memories I have associated with Blue Jacket and the annual Caruana “parties” will remain in my heart forever.
By cara
May 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
that is a neat trick. You know, how standing tall can stand tall and get bent over at the same time. That is cool.
By Karl
May 8, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Nicely spoken Standing tall. I think that is what happened. People didn’t like it and they didn’t go. That is why it is not around anymore. Supply and demand. No one demanded the supply that they had, so they went broke. If they don’t have something good to offer in 2009 the same thing will happen. I think it is a good idea to revamp this trashy play and come up with something new.
By jerry hunsicker
May 8, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE MY COMMENT ON BLUE JACKET,I FOR ONE CAN’T TELL YOU ENOUGH HOW SAD I FELT WHEN I READ THAT BLUE JACKET WAS NO LONGER GOING TO DUE THESE SHOWS. I HAVE SEEN THE SHOW TWICE IN THE PAST WITH MY FAMILY,WE ALL AGREE THE SHOW WAS SUPPER, NONE BETTER, NOT MANY TIMES WE DUE THAT. I HAVE A VERY LOW INCOME I THOUGHT IT WAS CHEAP TO SEE A LIVE SHOW THAT WAS THAT GOOD, BY THE WAY I HAVE SEEN THE OTHER SHOW TOO. YOU WILL SADLY MISSED.E-MAIL JERRYHUNSICKER@WINDSTREAM.NET THANK YOU JERRY.
By jerry hunsicker
May 8, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE MY COMMENT ON BLUE JACKET,I FOR ONE CAN’T TELL YOU ENOUGH HOW SAD I FELT WHEN I READ THAT BLUE JACKET WAS NO LONGER GOING TO DUE THESE SHOWS. I HAVE SEEN THE SHOW TWICE IN THE PAST WITH MY FAMILY,WE ALL AGREE THE SHOW WAS SUPPER, NONE BETTER, NOT MANY TIMES WE DUE THAT. I HAVE A VERY LOW INCOME I THOUGHT IT WAS CHEAP TO SEE A LIVE SHOW THAT WAS THAT GOOD, BY THE WAY I HAVE SEEN THE OTHER SHOW TOO. YOU WILL SADLY MISSED.E-MAIL JERRYHUNSICKER@WINDSTREAM.NET THANK YOU JERRY.
By Standing Tall
May 8, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
hhmmm..I think that is a bit harsh talking about how it was all lies and the actors bad. It might not have been the total truth but it was a story created at a time when it was thought to be truth. How is that different then what we see in the movies, tv and stage today? Is that total truth? nope. Give a litlle credit for creative license and kudos for entertainment. The actors did what they could with what they had to entertain the masses. If u don’t like it, don’t go. Ready for 2009!
By Jill
May 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Historical productions have a limited audience. Blue Jacket had reached its limit. Productions take “poetic license” all the time. The fact that DNA proved it to be different than thought has little impact.
Should they wish to continue with the Indian History theme how about the “Evil Winds” (tornadoes)which is still having an impact on the Xenia area today.
By Dixie Lady
May 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
A production such as Blue Jacket has a limited number of people it will reach. I think it reached that limit. Shows take poetic license all the time so the fact that history due to DNA was proved wrong was of little consequence.
If they wish to stay with the Indian History- how about a production relating the the “Evil Wind” (Tornadoes) that still affect Xenia and the surround area to this day.
By Cait
May 8, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Hey former cast member: “Spill in aisle three”. Better get the mop.
By Billis
May 8, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Techumseh is much better than this play. Blue Jacket is like watching a bunch of ghetto white guys with face paint try to act like indians. The ticket prices were high and the thrill of excitement is like watching a floater swirl in the toilet. With the plethora of acting experience the actors should have no problem saying “paper or plastic” at Wal-mart.
By Former cast member
May 8, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
CAIT: be part of the solution by submitting a new historically accurate script. They have been on a (deteriorating) shoestring budget for years and only survived on a wing & a prayer. Anyone involved with the show sacrificed to keep this show alive; we felt that was more important than accuracy. How many kids scored better on history exams after watching this show? How many discussions were brought about & BlueJacket books sold bcause of this show? Awareness was made.
By Lindsay
May 8, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Yes, I believe the show will be sorely missed. While not historically accurate, it was still a beautiful reflection of the rich Native American history and culture that our region has long forgotten. I hope that a new drama will be scripted and receive the proper funding so that a new production may continue to educate and pay tribute to a people that deserve to be remembered and honored. We are lucky to live in a region with such rich local history.
By Tammy
May 8, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
I have seen it and LOVED it. I was planning on taking my niece this year for her birthday. I quess now I have to think of something else.
By ohno
May 8, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
So sad to hear,please don’t take away the nativeamerican culture experience.For the older and next generation would be sad to miss this wonderful play.
By Former cast member
May 8, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Harvey: The Narrator was ‘Death Rider’ Bills: This was a NONPROFIT organization, so there was no “the good life”. Actors got paid less than min wage; We do it for the love of our craft & this organization. While ticket prices went up because attendance went down, at the end of the season it was rare if they broke even at all. THEATRE RELIES HEAVILY ON DONATIONS; TICKET PRICES RARELY COVER THE COST OF Any PRODUCTION. Rick: They were severely understaffed. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!!!!!
By Former cast member
May 8, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
YES!!! This production will be missed in a myriad of ways: the financial contribution it brought to Xenia (Patrons & Actors buying gas, food & necessities), the education & understanding it brought to young & old people who came to watch the show. While it may NOT have been historically accurate, speaking from Native American heritage myself, the story itself honored the lives & struggles of the Shawnee AND THAT MY FRIEND IS THE BIGGER PICTURE.
By BM
May 8, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
So somebody got some million dollar grant from the gov. to study Blue Jackets DNA what a waste of money. And now we all suffer the loss of a wonderful outdoor theater experience. Sitting out doors in the dark hearing the horses come out of the dark woods the flaming arrows what an experince. Live outdoor theater. Yes we take friends there every summer an it will be sadly missed.
By Freedom Lover
May 8, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Just think of all the historical revisionism our children have been taught in public schools! Why do Americans so readily accept fiction, but won’t receive historical fact? Indeed, the old adage “truth is stranger than fiction” fits the Blue Jacket fairy tale.
By Sharon
May 8, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
I will truly miss it. I’ve seen it many times and it’s a good production. It has come a long way from Dottie Martin’s dream and an opening night where equipment didn’t work the way it should, etc. I admire First Frontier for doing the right thing - to try to project history as accurately as possible. The Board has dealt with many issues in recent years, but I know this was the hardest decision to make. We have a rich, cultural history in Greene County and are proud of it! Anxious for 2009!
By annie
May 8, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Finally, 26 years of lies come to an end!!!!
By Becca
May 8, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
I will miss Blue Jacker very much. My family and I go to this every year as well as Tecumseh. I’m sad to see this shut down this year. =(
By Harvey
May 8, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
I’ll miss the Great Spirit character from the show. Of course, nobody knew who this guy was because he was never named in the show, so we just called him “Jim”. “Jim”, you will be missed.
By Upset
May 8, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
I am very sad to see ‘Blue Jacket’ not return this year. I worked there for several years and never got tired of the show. Even though it wasn’t correct, it was still entertaining. I look forward to the day it returns, and will support it. Very, very dissapointing. Hopefully it will come back with a better business plan, so it will never close again.
By Cait
May 8, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
I’m sure the show was good entertainment, but I refused to see it until they got the history right. I knew a (white) man who was a friend and historian to the Shawnee and we talked about his Blue Jacket research and it was clear he was Shawnee and not a white man. Historians like Mr. Crain have known this fact for decades yet this play perpetuated the myth. Techumseh! in Chillicothe isn’t much better. The most accurate outdoor drama I’ve seen is Trumpet in the Land in the New Philly area.
By billis
May 8, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
marry me teacher.
By Rick in Florida
May 8, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
I donated around $400 worth of tools from my business here in Florida last year. However, it was a little difficult to get in touch with anyone at the office initially to see what they needed. No answers on the phone, no returned phone calls when I left messages. I finally got a reply via email, saying small reciprocating saws, drills, and circular saws were needed. i paid for shipping as well. no thanks or anything…hmmmm where are the tools?
By teacher
May 8, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Second the motion on Karon.
By Erin
May 8, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
I loved the show! I have some great memories of it from when I was a child, and I enjoyed taking my own children there. It will be missed.
By billis
May 8, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
I guess these guys will have to get a job on the assembly line and quit jacking up prices now. They have lived the good life for years and now that has come to an end. Can you say paper or plastic? The show was getting stale year after year and the prices were through the roof. The only thing dumber than this lame show is Karon and her high speed trains.
By reggie98ud
May 8, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
We took our daughters to see it the past several years and they absolutely loved it! They will be very disappointed that we will not be able to go this year. Hopefully it will come back stronger and better than before!
By CMJackson
May 8, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Yes it will be missed. It is one of the summer activities I recommended to everyone I knew was visiting Dayton, OH. I’m not sure I have all the facts on why it has been canceled, but if it is all about ancestory, how sad! It won’t be too many years until it is made public that DNA is not 100% accurate! Good luck with the new story/chapter. I cannot wait to see it!
By Phil
May 8, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
I just moved here recently, I have never seen it but heard a lot of good things. I was looking forward to seeing it this summer. Oh well! I guess you can’t miss what you never had!
By John
May 8, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this
Way to go liberals, ruin everything!
By Jenny
May 8, 2008 7:53 AM | Link to this
My daughter came home from summer camp 2 years ago after taking a guided tour at Blue Jacket and insisted that we go. She was 8 and was hooked immediately. Being from the Xenia area I grew up seeing Blue jacket and even worked there to raise money for our high school marching band. I will miss it and hope that they are able to make a comeback.
By Sad
May 8, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
It was a great show, with great (and cute) actors. I enjoyed it the times I have seen it. Hopefully, when they rewrite the play, it will be better then every and I would forward to seeing it again.
By Dave
May 8, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this
I never have seen the show. It was on my list of things to do. If Bluejacket was full blood Shawnee, that wouldn’t bother me. I’m interested in the Native American history of Ohio and especially the Shawnee. My wife and I saw Tecumseh a few years back.
Why there have never been major box office movies about the great Shawnee leaders in Ohio amazes me.
By T Q McCabe
May 8, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
It was worth seeig but over the years historical fact was vanquished in favor of political correctness. Still it was worth the price of admission if you weren’t too knowledgeable about the facts.
McCabe
By julie
May 8, 2008 6:39 AM | Link to this
YES!! what a shame it will not run this year. It’s really an awesome production.Good luck in the coming year I will look forward to a format.
By Dennis
May 8, 2008 6:07 AM | Link to this
Yes, my wife and I will miss the show. We went a few years ago with friends and it was a really great performance. The backstage tour and dinner before left something to be desired, but the show itself was terrific.
By TMT
May 8, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this
I will absolutely miss the show.
By sherry
May 8, 2008 2:30 AM | Link to this
NO!!!!