Long-lost play finally returns to the stage in Casper

CASPER, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - This weekend in Casper a long-lost play is returning to the stage. “The Senator” is a fictional story based on the life and work of Senator Preston B. Plumb.

Johanna Wickman, the vice-president of the Caspar Museum Association, says, “Preston B. Plumb was the lieutenant colonel of the 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. The 11th Kansas came out to Casper in April of 1865. They were involved in the Battles of Platte Bridge and the Battles of Red Buttes. Plumb established Fort Dodge, which was regimental headquarters for them at the base of Casper Mountain.”

The script of “The Senator” was lost for over 100 years. Now, it’s being performed in Casper for the first time since 1915. The show surrounds the story of an elderly man who struggled for decades to move a claim of damages from the war of 1812 through the senate. He later enlisted the help of senator Hannibal Rivers, inspired by Plumb, to make one last attempt to move the claim. Spectators will be transported back in time to 1890, when The Senator was originally premiered on Broadway.

Jane Curtis is a period actress in “The Senator”. She says, “This is what entertainment would have been like a hundred years ago. This particular play, being a Broadway play, it had over 119 showings, this was unique entertainment to that time period. We don’t see that today. We’re super excited this play is coming to Casper.”

“The Senator” will be performed at the Natrona County High School auditorium at 7 pm September 15-16 and at 2 pm on September 17. Admission is free.