By Kevin Shannahan
This week’s Pieces of Our History dates from 1978. “Louisiana Cavalier”, named the state’s official play was first presented in 1976 and ran for several seasons before closing. “Kevin’s Gallery” is a scan of a program from the 1978 season, complete with autographs from several of the actors.
The play, an ambitious outdoor saga, was held in an outdoor amphitheater that still stands at what is now the Natchitoches Shooting Range. Louisiana Cavalier, written by the Pulitzer Prize winning author and playwright Paul Green, chronicles the life of Natchitoches’ founder Louis Juchereau de St. Denis and stretches from Natchitoches to the Texas territory and Mexico City as it tells the story of our early history through the life of one of Natchitoches earliest figures. The play featured numerous musical and dance features. Quite a few local residents had a role in the production. You are sure to recognize many of the names found throughout the program. The program, along with last week’s NSU v. Navy football program were from some of my wife’s papers. They will find a new home in the Cammie G. Henry Research Center.
Lady we got to meet girl you crack me up.
O M G ! There used to be a Bonanza here? 🙁 What happened to it?
Yes, it’s Trail Boss now.
For the longest time, and maybe it’s still there, the old “B” stain glass hung just behind the cash register. The “B” stood for Bonanza.