The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society will host ‘Tales from the Table,’ bringing history to life with a blend of humor and improv.

Sheryl Simoni as Madame Elaine. Submitted photo

Submitted

What happens when Madame Elaine, a 19th-century spiritualist, throws a dinner party? West Hartford history comes to life!

The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is pleased to offer a new dining experience this year: a dinner theater that brings real history straight to your table. “Tales from the Table” will take place on Feb. 25, 2017, with sittings at 6 and 8 p.m.

Led by Artistic Director Suzanne Sayers, this evening of dinner theater revisits the lives of dearly departed guests featured over the years in the museum’s cemetery program, West Hartford Hauntings.  Local actors Sheryl Simoni, Mark Fitton, Robin Brennan, Ellery Dressler, Dana Gordon, and John Droney will use humor and improv to bring to life tales that span the Revolutionary War, Victorian Era, and early 20th-century.

“Our October theatrical event, West Hartford Hauntings, offers insight into the real past residents of West Hartford,” says Public Programs Manager Sophie Huget. “Their stories extend beyond the cemetery, though. Hosting a dinner like this allows us to look deeper into their lives, and beyond the macabre. This is West Hartford history topped off with dessert.”

Guests will be introduced to Revolutionary War surgeon Dr. Hosmer, an unnamed French soldier, gravedigger Henry Kalber, and unlikely team driver Pearl Ogden.  While 19th-century medium Madame Elaine peers into her crystal ball, guests will enjoy dinner by Café Louise, known since 1993 for their elegant, contemporary, and eclectic gourmet catering.

Tales from the Table will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, with performances at 6 and 8 p.m. General admission is $40; museum members and Let’s GO Arts! cardholder tickets cost $35.

Tickets include a three-course meal and the performance. There will be a cash bar. Tickets and menu details are available at noahwebster.yapsody.com.

The museum would like to thank the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and the Greater Hartford Arts Council for their continued support.

The Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society is a cultural destination where citizens can learn to understand and appreciate the past. The museum preserves the birthplace of Noah Webster, the founding father, educator, author, and lexicographer who taught generations of Americans what it means to be American. This National Historic Landmark is also a repository for the history of West Hartford, the community that molded Noah Webster’s future and is still thriving over 250 years later. The historic house and exhibit spaces are open daily 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. For information on the museum’s extensive school and public programs, please visit www.noahwebsterhouse.org or call (860) 521-5362.