The Rose Hill Company has entered a new realm of storytelling that will bring the history of Meridian and Rose Hill Cemetery to center stage.

The company, in partnership with The Temple Theatre, Susie Johnson and Stage 2, along with the Mississippi Arts Commission will present the Rose Hill Review, in addition to the annual cemetery tour.

Rose Hill Costume Tour Director Anne McKee said having the stage production will give those unable to tour the cemetery another option.

“Many community residents as well as those who live out of town have requested the stage production,” McKee said.  “I can’t tell you the number of people that say they can’t walk the cemetery, but would love to be able to hear the stories. They want a place that’s air-conditioned, not have to worry about the weather, convenient parking. Just a place to sit and relax, and be entertained by true history.

    Putting on a brand new event takes time something McKee says they have been doing non-stop since January.

    “Everyone has been so instrumental in getting this stage production ready, especially the members of the Rose Hill Company,” McKee said. “We are excited and afraid at the same time, because it is a big step for us. Because of the generosity of so many people, and without all of us working together, this would not be possible.”

     Carolyn Starnes, who portrays Marjorie Woods Austin, the founder of the Meridian Little Theatre, says she is still awed by how much history is represented in the cemetery.

     “Having the event on stage will allow people that can’t go on the walking tour an opportunity to hear about the history of those people resting in the cemetery and the stories behind them, but have no idea of how they came to be,” Starnes said.

     McKee said it is the hope of The Rose Hill Company of volunteer storytellers and historians that the community and state will embrace the event and support it by attending this inaugural production.

    “We have a dream of telling the entire history of the city,” McKee said. “We can only tell what’s in the cemetery and what’s documented. But, we have a dream that maybe we can partner with other historic cemeteries in Meridian and tell the entire story of our city, wouldn’t that be great?

   “We could have a whole week of nothing but history about our city, with a celebration of heritage, music, and everything that is involved with our history,” she said.

    In addition to the stage presentation, Rose Hill Company will present its seventh annual Rose Hill Cemetery Costume Tour where local historians and storytellers dress in period costumes and portray people who are buried in the cemetery.

    “As so many areas are erasing history today, we are telling the history here and trying to keep it alive,” McKee said. “Telling the history in ways people will never forget, through the arts, drama, and storytelling. Once someone young or old meet the Gypsy Queen, Kelly Mitchell, portrayed by Gypsy Hennington, they will never forget it.”

    “Her king was distraught and didn’t know what to do, so the community banded together to provide a funeral and a place for her in the cemetery — that is a huge story ,” McKee said. “That is our brand, what makes us pop. It’s what makes us different from any other historic tour, and we must use it to our advantage.”

     McKee said many people come together and volunteer their time: researchers, scriptwriters, costume/wardrobe, players, storytellers, tour guides, security, and supporters. The annual cemetery tour is free, open to the public, suitable for all ages, and offered as a pubic service for the community. The Rose Hill Cemetery Tour for 2016 will be September 24 at 5 p.m.

What: The Rose Hill Review

Where: Temple Theatre in downtown Meridian

When:  Saturday, July 23 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 24 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $15 Adults, $10 Students and special group rates

For tickets contact: Christopher Alexander at 601-686-2456, Anne McKee at 601-681-8525, Carolyn Starnes at 601-604-5155 or Carol Sue Wiggins at 601-692-5213.