Classic American Tales presents “Margaret’s Diary during a Revolution,” written and performed by Gayle Stahlhuth.
Based on the diary of Margaret Morris and other research
Margaret Morris, a widow with four children, lived in Burlington, NJ when she began writing copious notes in her diary on December 6, 1776. She knew General Washington had been defeated at the Battle of Long Island and was headed south, pursued by British General Sir William Howe. The Pennsylvania Navy, and the Pennsylvania and New Jersey militias were patrolling the Delaware River, preparing for war to come to Philadelphia. It was only a matter of time before Burlington, located along this river, not far from Philadelphia, would be invaded by Hessians. As many of her neighbors fled Burlington, Margaret remained, not knowing her fate, as she continued writing in her diary.
Gayle Stahlhuth is an actor, director, playwright, producer, storyteller, and teacher. From 1999 through 2022 she was producing artistic director of East Lynne Theater Company and currently is founding artistic director of Classic American Tales in Cape May, NJ. She has performed off-Broadway, in tours, regional theater, TV and film, and toured the country, including as part of the Illinois and Missouri Chatauqua circuit, with one-person shows she created. These include Lou: The Remarkable Miss Alcott, The Awakening, Eve's Diary, Fabulous Ferber, and A Trunk Without a Label about Catharine Beecher. She received a commission from The Smithsonian to create the two-person Not Above a Whisper about Dorothea Lynde Dix. She is a member of The Dramatists Guild, SAG-AFTRA and AEA. The National League of Professional Women honored her in 2016 for her work in theater, and she is listed in the newest edition of The Cambridge Guide to American Theatre (2008).
Classic American Tales (CAT) is a nonprofit that aims to tell America’s stories “one tale at a time” by presenting dramatic and literary gems from fifty years ago and before – gems that still resonate - and contemporary works relating to the past, all involving the many facets of what it means to be “American.” https://www.ClassicAmericanTales.org
CAT is a proud member of NJRev, a nonprofit organization, and has other play offerings by other performers, and programs.