Meet Johnny Appleseed in outdoor production

By Todd Moning
FMCA.com editor

Motorhomers who have traveled in the Midwest likely have been in or near Johnny Appleseed territory.

For 50 years the Massachusetts native meandered in the East and Midwest, walking barefoot, sleeping outdoors, and making friends with Indians and settlers. And, yes, planting apple seeds wherever he went.

He started apple orchards in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Ohio and became known for his simple living and agricultural stewardship.

Musical drama in Ohio
The life and times of John Chapman "Appleseed" come alive in the Johnny Appleseed Outdoor Historical Drama in north-central Ohio, about five miles east of Mansfield.

This brand-new show takes place in a brand-new, 1,600-seat amphitheater at the Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center, midway between Cleveland and Columbus. The naturally contoured, wooded amphitheater is built into the hills of Johnny Appleseed Forest, where Appleseed spent time before and during the War of 1812.

"The acoustics are great. You can be in the back row and feel like your close up," said Jeremy Harrison, marketing director for the show. "And the seats have backs and armrests. So it's a comfortable setting and a really beautiful setting."

The story
The Johnny Appleseed Outdoor Historical Drama opens June 26, 2004, and runs nightly at 8 p.m., except Mondays, through Sept. 5. It's based on true accounts of Appleseed's experiences in this part of the country.

The play is set in the early 1800s and the period leading up to the war of 1812. During this time Appleseed witnessed growing conflict and tension as the British threatened the security of the area.

The story depicts Chapman’s relationships with pioneer families and Delaware Indian tribes, and includes plenty of action, adventure and music.

A 'personable thing'
Fifty-two actors play 74 roles. Professional actors play all of the main roles, Harrison said, while children and parents from the local community fill the various chorus-type parts.

The actors' authentic costumes, songs and dialogue help to re-create a portrait of early 19th-century America. "The music has a country-folksy feel to it. A big hoedown breaks out in middle of the show," Harrison said.

Stick around after the performance, for actors are said to be accessible and friendly with the audience. "We really want it to be a personable thing. When you arrive on-site, there will be someone to greet you. And later the actors come out and shake hands and talk."

The playwright
The Johnny Appleseed Outdoor Historical Drama was written by playwright Billy Edd Wheeler. Other outdoor dramas to his credit include Young Abe Lincoln, performed in Indiana, and Hatfields and McCoys, in West Virginia. He's also written songs for Elvis Presley and Kenny Rogers.

Prices, parking, directions
To reserve tickets, call the box office at (800) 642-0388. General admission tickets (for ages 13 to 55) cost $18 on weekends and $16 weeknights. Seniors (ages 55 and older): $16.20 weekends, $14.50 weeknights.

Parking is free. "We've cleared a parking area for about 600 spaces, and one section is set aside for RVs," Harrison said. When reserving tickets, motorhomers should mention they will be arriving in their motorhome, he added.

To get to the Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center, take Interstate 71 to U.S. 30 (exit 176). Follow U.S. 30 east to State Route 603, and follow it south through Mifflin. The site is two miles south of Mifflin, just north of Charles Mill Dam.

At the heritage center, in the J.M. Smucker Auditorium and Library, guests can watch a film about Johnny Appleseed. Or, hike on nature trails in the Johnny Appleseed Forest. A picnic area, a museum and a learning center are among the future plans for the site.

Johnny Appleseed Outdoor Historical Drama
www.appleseedoutdoordrama.com

Ashland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.ashlandoh.com/cvb

Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitknoxohio.org