Tickets are now on sale for The America Plays, the second of two series of site-specific plays created by the Cemetery’s first Playwright Artist-in-Residence, Patrick Gabridge.

Mount Auburn Cemetery was founded in 1831, during the post-Colonial era that would help define America’s identity. This series of 5 short plays, staged at sites across the landscape, will bring to life the drama, philosophies, and struggles shared by Mount Auburn founders Jacob Bigelow, by sculptors Edmonia Lewis and Martin Milmore, and by strong women like Harriot Kezia Hunt and Charlotte Cushman who sought new opportunities beyond the social norms of the time. This journey through the American experience concludes with an immigrant story, featuring some of Mount Auburn’s Armenian residents. Experience the personalities and drama that lie at the heart of America’s first large-scale designed landscape open to the public.

DETAILS
PERFORMANCE TIMES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DETAILS

All plays will be fully staged with professional actors on the Cemetery grounds. Directed by Courtney O’Connor.

Approx. run time: 2 hours. Total walking distance: 2 miles. NOTE: The total walking distance includes some uneven terrain, unpaved paths, and steep inclines. See FAQs below for more information.

After each performance is an optional moderated discussion with the playwright, director, actors or an expert on a person or topic explored in the plays. Discussions are funded in part by Mass Humanities.

Tickets are $35 per person ($30 for members). Registration required, please select the performance time below to purchase tickets (links will be live on July 16).

PERFORMANCE TIMES & TICKETS

Thursday, September 12, 1 pm [SOLD OUT]
Thursday, September 12, 5 pm
Saturday, September 14, 1 pm [SOLD OUT]
Saturday, September 14, 5 pm
Sunday, September 15, 1 pm [SOLD OUT]
Sunday, September 15, 5 pm [SOLD OUT]
Thursday, September 19, 5 pm [SOLD OUT]
Saturday, September 21, 1 pm [SOLD OUT]
Saturday, September 21, 5 pm [SOLD OUT]
Sunday, September 22, 1 pm [SOLD OUT]
Sunday, September 22, 5 pm [SOLD OUT]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do the plays start?
Please check in at Story Chapel just inside the Cemetery gates.  Staff members will be there to direct you to the gathering location from there.

What time should I arrive?
Please plan to be at the Cemetery at least 15 minutes before your showtime so you have ample time to park, use the restroom and check in.  If you have not checked-in by 10 minutes past the start time, your tickets will be released to another person.

Is there parking?
Yes, once inside the Cemetery you can park on any of the roads without a green line. 

Is there any difference between the different dates and times?
No, you will see the same 5 plays by the same actors on each date.  The only thing different is the weather!

Is there a student/senior rate?
No, the only discounted ticket rate is for members of the Friends of Mount Auburn. Learn more about becoming a member.

Do I need to print my ticket?
No, we will have your name on our attendee list.

If I cannot make it to the show, are my tickets refundable?
If you request a refund at least 48 hours before the show, we will refund your ticket price minus the processing fee by Eventbrite. 

Are the plays canceled if it is raining?
No, in the event of rain, the plays will be held inside Bigelow Chapel.

Are the plays handicap accessible?
The plays take place at 5 locations across the Cemetery, and we will walk to each location, for a total of about 2 miles over uneven, hilly terrain.  If you have mobility issues, please call us at 617-607-1980 to discuss in more detail.

Will there be amplification?
No, the actors do not use microphones.  However, they will speak loudly so they can be heard by all.  And we intentionally keep the audience size small so that everyone has a good seat and can hear the dialogue.

Do I need to bring my own chair?
No, we will provide chairs for every attendee at each play location.

What attire is appropriate?
Please wear comfortable clothes and sneakers for walking.  Also bring or wear sunscreen or bug spray as needed, we will be in both shade and sun, and near ponds.

Are restrooms available?
There are public restrooms at the starting location near Story Chapel.  However, once the plays begin we will be in the Cemetery with no restrooms available for 90 minutes.

Is there water available?
We do not sell bottles of water, but there is a public drinking fountain.  Please bring your own reusable water bottle if you wish to stay hydrated on the walk.

Can I take photos?
Once the performance has begun, we ask that you turn off your cell phones, and put away other electronic devices.  Photos are not allowed during the performance.

Is the show appropriate for children?
The plays are best suited for adults and high-school age students.

What is an Artist-in-Residence?
Read more about Mount Auburn’s artist-in-residence program!

Funded in part by Mass Humanities