National talent to perform at annual Ghost Walk

Dave Vassy as D.A. Thomas and Becky Vassy as Lilly Robbs Turner are just two of the historic characters that will be featured in "The Keys to the Past." The annual Historic Hayride and Ghost Walk returns to Gaffney on October 26 and 27.

This year's event will build on the previous four years, with a new storyline and theme, "The Keys to the Past."

This year's script incorporates new characters, based on historic figures. CHC Casting and Associates announced today the confirmation of professional actors and production specialists: Bridget Hawk of Bakersfield, California, Kubbi Boone of New York and J. Michael Wray of Spartanburg. These three industry veterans will accompany and assist the Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society in the annual fundraiser for the History and Arts Museum at 301 College Drive in Gaffney, S.C.

Bridget Hawk, a production and marketing specialist from Bakersfield, CA, originally hails from Dunbar, Pennsylvania. Her studies and work in Los Angeles, CA, Anchorage, Alaska, New Zealand, and Australia, will add an extra intensity to the mystery of the tour.

Kubbi Boone brings the style and charge of the New York theatre and film community home to S.C. Having family in the Lowcountry, Kubbi will bring a solid presence and cultural power, reviving the stories of a long lost set of residents from another age.

"The opportunity to learn more about another historical place and the people so close to my coastal home and roots was exciting in itself, " Kubbi said. I look forward to working and bringing this character to life."

J. Michael Wray of Spartanburg is a Gaffney native and son of the late Jim and Pat Wray and grandson of C.B. and Nell Poole. Michael earned his Masters Degree in Theatre from the Dallas Theatre Center and has been involved in professional and regional theatre and the entertainment industry for over 40 years. His homecoming is gratefully welcomed by the CHAPS family.

Wray shares, "I am very grateful to have been asked to participate and to be able to support an event that is growing and contributing to the perpetuation of Cherokee County history and its people."

The CHAPS Historic Hayride and Ghostwalk integrates costumed actors and theatrical production values. Dramatic devices along the tour route include an "optional" walking tour through Oakland Cemetery that creates a compelling and entertaining component to the educational environment.

The use of dramatic monologues and effects intensifies the guest's ability to acquire and retain knowledge reaching all of the senses from the "hot mulled cider" to the professional flute and other acoustic music.

"The bulk of the material used is from documented historical records and stories; other material has been expertly created and added for dramatic effect to enhance the total experience," writes Rosie Browne Jackson, a SC reviewer and author.

"It is imperative in today's social and political climate to inspire learning and preserve our forefather's history of our diverse heritage. What better environment and time of year than Fall to help motivate learning through an entertaining medium, " coproducer Christopher Cline states.

"Yes, one can run through the woods from phantasmagorical creatures, chainsaw wielding insane clowns and other madness and what do you learn? Enough images for a weeks' worth of nightmares," Cline said. "History in its truth and own right, however, can evoke the same mystery and anxiety in a darkened graveyard and most all of it is based in reality. What a classroom…what a ride for the entire family!"

Cline brings over 30 years of professional film, television, and legitimate stage experience in most all facets of production and performance and shares it back home in Gaffney.

Tours will begin at the Cherokee County History & Arts Museum on the site of Gaffney's militia mustering grounds on October 26 & 27th. Guests will view reenactments by the Captain Moses Wood Camp 125 Sons of Confederate Veterans prior to boarding a narrated tour through Gaffney's nationally registered historic district.

After boarding a hayride, narrators and re-enactors will enlighten visitors to the history of many beautiful homes along the oak-lined streets. The journey will continue with an optional walking tour through Oakland Cemetery.

"The walking tour is not required to take the hayride," said CHAPS president Mary Pat Tyndall, "but those brave guests who do choose to take a break from the hayride for the excursion through Oakland Cemetery will certainly be enlightened and frightened."

Tours will begin at nightfall on October 26 & 27, with the last group departing at 9 p.m. Tickets will be $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 and can be purchased in advance at the CHAPS office in the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum at 301 College Drive in Gaffney. Call 864-489-3988 for more information.