Eleven-year-old Nolan Brown of Darien with General George Washington (Curt Radabaugh) following the actor’s presentation on Saturday afternoon at Main St. 56 Theater. Photo by Mike Pettinella/For Video News Service.
By Mike Pettinella
For Video News Service
About 80 men, women, boys and girls received a “first person” history lesson about the Revolutionary War on Saturday afternoon when Curt Radabaugh took the Main St. 56 Theater stage for his 90-minute rendition of General George Washington.
Radabaugh, a Pennsylvania resident, came to Batavia as part of Genesee County’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American Independence. His appearance was made possible through a grant from the New York State Education Department.
Dressed in authentic military gear circa the 1770s, Radabaugh rattled off significant events – include precise dates and locations – that took place during Washington’s faithful crusade as the general who led the Continental Army to free America from the British Empire.
Fielding questions at the end of the presentation, Radabaugh, as General Washington, responded to the query, What would George Washington think of America today?
He stated that he issued a warning about the formation of political parties.
“I felt that eventually party would vote party first in front of the country – to the detriment of all of us. How was my warning heeded? It wasn’t. Are you trying to say that we have parties now that would put party first? … Is there not compromise?
“Well, ladies and gentlemen, we’re all citizens of this country. We all have a vote. It’s up to each and every one of us if we’re not happy about it to make changes. Correct?”
He then asked individuals in the audience if they have a voice and encouraged them to speak up.
“We have political parties that are here, I believe, to stay. But that doesn’t mean they can’t compromise and do what’s best for the country instead of what’s best for one party.”
He then asked if people knew about the Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments to the Constitution), eliciting response from several audience members.
Video clip from performance today by Mike Pettinella
The actor is scheduled to return to the theater two more times as part of what is being called GeneseeAmerica 250 (information is available on a website of that name) — on Aug. 22 with Alisa Dupuy to perform George and Martha Washington’s Love Story and on Sept. 12 as President George Washington.