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Production at Manatee Village

The Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc. and The Hat Theater Collective are proud to announce The Ballad of Old Manatee, a new immersive historical drama with original folk music inspired by true events from the Village of Manatee’s origins.

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The Ballad of Old Manatee tells the dynamic love story of James C. Vanderipe and Sarah Lee—and an intense conflict between James and Sarah's father, the Reverend Edmund Lee. This conflict, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, leads to James' death and burial in what is called

"The Lonesome Grave." History meets mystery in this unique theatrical experience!

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Inspired by true events and the early settlers of Manatee County, audiences will experience this World Premiere Musical among the historic buildings and grounds at Manatee Village Historical Park, including a Florida pioneer farmhouse built in a "Cracker Gothic-style," Manatee County's first courthouse (1860), a one-room schoolhouse (1905), and the Church (1887).


Produced and created by Danae DeShazer and Derek Brookens, under their new company The Hat Theater Collective, this interactive and unique theatrical experience will also serve as a fundraiser for the Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc. maintains the historically significant buildings within the Manatee Village Historical Park in order to preserve and share the heritage of Manatee County’s founding period (1840-1918). 
 

Tickets will be released soon and can be purchased by visiting atthehat.org/tickets

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The production is approximately 75 minutes with no intermission and will have a limited run on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, April 4 - April 20, 2024 Several scenes will take place outdoors and the audience will move locations throughout the performance. 

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Please note that visitors to Manatee Village Historical Park may be photographed or videotaped during their visit. These photos/videos may be used for marketing, advertising, or public relations purposes without compensation.

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Manatee Village Historical Park is part of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Historical Resources Department. This program is offered in conjunction with the Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc.

 

ABOUT THE CLERK’S OFFICE

The Clerk of the Circuit Court was established as a public trustee by the Florida Constitution in 1838. The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the Clerk of Courts, the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, Auditor, Recorder, and Custodian of all County Funds. In Manatee County, the Clerk’s office also administers a child support enforcement program, violence protection advocacy program and Teen Court programs. Located at 1115 Manatee Avenue West in Downtown Bradenton, the Courthouse is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Please be sure to visit our web site at www.manateeclerk.com.

941-749-7165

1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208, USA

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