CROSS ROADS: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and Norton S. Baskin in Unguarded Moments
A Classic Theatre, Inc. celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the publication of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Yearling” with two performances of CROSS ROADS: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings and Norton S. Baskin in Unguarded Moments by Deborah B. Dickey.
Letters between the beloved Florida author and the charming gentleman from Alabama reveal a relationship threatened by a clash of personalities and a long separation during WW II. What emerges is a surprisingly modern marriage between a world-renowned author and an hotelier with his own gift for storytelling. Marjorie’s cottage at Crescent Beach, her farm at Cross Creek, and St. Augustine itself provide the backdrop for the play. During WW II, while Baskin serves as an ambulance driver in India for the American Field Service, Rawlings writes one of her most devastating letters recounting a fire at the Castle Warden Hotel in St. Augustine. Baskin had only recently restored the hotel to its former glory, and the fire led to the death of two guests.
ACT is thrilled to present CROSS ROADS at Marineland where Baskin managed The Dolphin Restaurant for several years and entertained many dignitaries and celebrities who visited St. Augustine. Nancy Grote, who portrayed the author in ACT’s production of Michael Gannon’s My Friend Zelma, reprises her role as Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings in this production, and the Marineland performances will feature Kelly McTaggart returning to the role of Norton Baskin after CROSS ROADS’ St. Augustine debut in 2012.