‘Ghosts alongside the Coast’ brings spine-tingling storytelling to Elings Park | Leisure

A feminine bootlegger from Prohibition, a Despair-era hobo residing close to the railroad tracks, a survivor of an 1853 shipwreck, a Japanese “image bride” from the Twenties, a longtime woman lighthouse keeper, and a newspaper editor murdered in 1880 – six actual or inspired-by-real figures from Santa Barbara historical past return from the spirit world to inform their tales over three nights as a part of the primary “Ghosts Alongside the Coast” in Santa Barbara’s Elings Park.

“Ghosts Alongside the Coast” is held outdoor on Thursday, Friday and Sunday, Oct. 13, 14, and 16.

The performances are seen throughout guided strolling excursions held each half-hour (on the hour and half-hour).

Tickets are $15, and should be bought for a particular tour date and time. “Ghosts…” is beneficial for ages 9 and older. Buy tickets on-line at https://coastghosts.brownpapertickets.com. House is proscribed, and advance ticketing is beneficial. Tickets shall be offered on the door if area permits and on a first-come, first-served foundation.

For info, go to www.elingspark.org or name (805) 569-5611. All proceeds profit Elings Park Basis.

“These theatrical portrayals are based mostly on true occasions, however undoubtedly will not be ‘residing historical past’ – they’re extra like ‘deceased historical past,’” stated Dean Noble, Elings Park government director. “You’ll get a sense for all times in Santa Barbara in numerous period as you take heed to the tales, some scary, some humorous, and all entertaining.”

The stroll is brief, however pathways will not be effectively lit. Friends are strongly urged to convey flashlights or cell telephones to assist illuminate their means. Carpooling and ridesharing are extremely beneficial. Restricted parking is offered in Elings Park on the prime of George Bliss Drive and Jerry Harwin Drive. No canine are allowed in Godric Grove throughout this occasion.

Six Characters Primarily based on Santa Barbara Historical past

Every guided tour makes six stops as a part of “Ghosts…” to go to the deceased costumed characters who might (or might not) have been precise figures in Santa Barbara historical past. Excursions are roughly 90 minutes lengthy and led by Elings Park’s “Ghost Hunters,” who share tidbits of native historical past, together with information in regards to the park itself.

“Our ghosts are dying to entertain you,” stated director Kirk Martin. “It’s eerie however enjoyable, and there’s nothing else prefer it in Santa Barbara. We hope individuals come again 12 months after 12 months to listen to new tales from completely different ghosts.”

The six stressed spirits recount the tales of their lives and premature demises on lit vignettes positioned underneath shadowy timber in Godric Grove. The characters and actors embody:

1. Yuko (Deborah Cristobal): this “image bride” arrived in Santa Barbara from Japan within the Twenties to marry a person she’d by no means met. She searches for him within the afterlife after a horrible fishing accident.

2. Julia Williams (Karen Dalton): her lazy husband couldn’t deal with his job as keeper of the lighthouse on the Mesa, so this mom of 5 took over – for 40 years. Her ghost is prepared for a deserved relaxation.

3. Sally Stanford (Nicole Iaquinto): the spirit of this feminine bootlegger remains to be distressed a few large supply of Prohibition hootch that was interrupted by the opening of duck searching season.

4. The Bookman (Kirk Martin): all this Despair-era hobo (and his pets) wanted was a tremendous roof and their shack would have been one of the best in “Jungleland.” However residing so close to the prepare tracks proved deadly.

5. Theodore M. Glancy (Alfred Smith): the Santa Barbara Morning Press editor was gunned down in 1880 by a district legal professional nominee who was furious over a damaging editorial. Is there no justice?

6. F. S. Crane (Patrick Turner): he made his fortune within the Gold Rush and survived the 1853 shipwreck of steamer Winfield Scott on Anacapa Island. His ghost simply desires to seek out his misplaced gold.