Last Minute Plans: Eastland Disaster Commemoration

By Amy Cavanaugh in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 21, 2012 4:00PM

July 24 is the anniversary of the U.S.S. Eastland disaster, which killed 844 people after it keeled over in the Chicago River in 1915.

Starting at noon today, Lookingglass Theatre and the Eastland Disaster Historical Society are observing the anniversary of the disaster. Everything is free, except for the performances. Here's the schedule of events:

12:00 p.m.

Commemoration and ceremony in the Chicago River, between Clark and LaSalle on the lower-level Riverwalk. The cast of Lookingglass’ Eastland will perform two songs from the musical at the event. The U.S. Coast Guard will conclude the ceremony by laying a bouquet of flowers into the Chicago River at the site of the disaster.

1:30 p.m.

Informal reception and program in the Lookingglass Studio Theater, 821 N Michigan Ave. Alberta Adamson from the Wheaton History Center will give a 20-minute talk about the disaster around 2:00pm.

3:00 p.m.

Performance at Lookingglass Theatre of Eastland: A New Musical, which features music inspired by early American folk music woven with stories of people involved in the accident. Tickets are available here.

4:30 p.m.

Post-show conversation with members of the cast of Eastland, moderated by Lookingglass Artistic Director and Eastland writer Andy White; and Ted Wachholz, President of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society.

7:30 p.m.

Performance at Lookingglass Theatre of Eastland: A New Musical followed by a special post-show conversation featuring descendants and family members of those on the boat that day.