Dr. King Committee Celebrates Big Read with One-Woman Play

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Committee of Greater Attleoro has joined forces with Attleboro's 1 ABC/ to bring Attleboro residents a one-woman play.

The play, entitled  ... From Slavery to the White House," tells the true-life story of Elizabeth Keckley and her escape from slavery to freedom.

“The play is an excellent vehicle in which to review the issues of slavery as the city of Attleboro reads 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,' ” said Ethel Garvin, chairwoman of the MLK Committee. “It is also an excellent way to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and to note the contributions of African Americans to the war."

Actress Stephanie Jackson becomes Elizabeth Keckley, dressmaker and confidante of Mary Todd Lincoln.

Keckley was best known for her talents as Mary Todd Lincoln’s dressmaker and “stylist,” and was often in the room with President Abraham Lincoln and the First Lady during some of their most private and difficult moments. The story before and after her connection to the White House is equally compelling, according to organizers.

Jackson, of Farmington, CT, originated the role of Elizabeth Keckley for the East Haddam Stage Company in 2006. 

“We are honored to include the MLK Committee’s event, as part of the calendar for this year’s reading of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," said Joan Pilkington-Smyth, co-woman of Attleboro’s 1 ABC program. “One cannot read Tom Sawyer without looking at and discussing the social issues of the day. Although only touched upon in this Twain book, slavery and the portrayal of African Americans reflect the thinking of society in his time.”  

The  will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the , 86 Park St., from 2 to 4 p.m. Ticket cost is $10.