The end of the 19th century saw chamber theater, poetry readings and monodramas all enjoying wide popularity. Theatrical resources were scarce in the Midwest and in small towns a person with the ability to sing, read or tell stories became a valued asset. Furthermore, a trip to the theater could be considered an immoral frivolity; while elocution, or readings, were thought to be quite respectable. Schools of election flourished as respectable students sought this alternative to "life upon the wicked stage." Join us for some of the best-loved tales of the 19th century--and some good old-fashioned fun--at the Ushers Ferry Parlour Theater

Darrin is the education coordinator at Ushers Ferry Historic Village. He is also an actor and storyteller who has performed from Florida to Pennsylvania and is seen frequently in Eastern Iowa. He has a B.A. in Interpretive Speech and is pursuing a Masters Degree in Storytelling Arts.

The Parlour Theater Company began at Ushers Ferry Historic Village in 1999 under the leadership of Producer and Director, Darrin Crow. With the help of enthusiastic Ushers Ferry staff and volunteers, the company strives to bring popular entertainment of a nineteenth century small town to life for twenty-first century audiences