A Story Rooted In This Land
For centuries, the Eastern Shore has been shaped by many peoples — Native American communities, settlers, newcomers, and generations who called this land home.
Although they came from different worlds, many people here sought similar dreams: freedom, security, and a place to belong. ​
Piece of Eden tells the stories of these dreams — some realized, some lost — on a theatrical journey exploring the Eastern Shore's role in early American history from 1618-1776.
Written by Eastern Shore historian Jean Collins
Stage adaptation by Sheila Cardano
Original music by Gwen Skeens
Directed by Clelia C. Sheppard
Music Direction by Megan Cartwright
Produced by Arts Enter Cape Charles
Piece of Eden premiered in 2007 and reprised in 2012. The production returns to the Historic Palace Theatre in 2026 as communities across the country commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
A sweeping theatrical journey through Eastern Shore history from 1618-1776
Piece of Eden tells the story of the people of the Eastern Shore — their struggles, hopes, and search for peace and freedom
Epic Storytelling
A powerful stage drama following Native, European, and African peoples—and the choices that shaped life on the Eastern Shore
Live Music, Song, & Dance
Original score performed by a live ensemble alongside a full cast, with both Native American and Colonial-inspired music and dance
Historic Palace Theatre
Presented in the beautifully restored Historic Palace Theatre, Cape Charles’ 1942 Art Deco theatre on the Chesapeake Bay
A Community Cast of More than 50 Performers
Actors, musicians, and storytellers from across the Eastern Shore and region bring this history vividly to life
2026 Cast
​​Prayer — Franny Williams, Tony Green
Narrator — Tony Robinson
Young Thom Savage — Liam Magee
Thom Savage — Chris Cartwright
Debedeavon — Tony Green
Kiptopeke — Sam Slate
Tepiapon — Tony Green
War Chief — Keith Fox
Grandmother — Marva Stratton
Clan Mother — Gail Fox
Morning Dove — Franny Williams
Blue Bird Song — Lisa Brasch
Three Sisters Harvest Dancers — Lindsey Lewis, Jordan Rae Lewis, Neva Austin
Opechancanough — Michael Vargas
Governor Yeardley — Dennis Saidat
Pory — Liam Magee
Hannah Tyng — Megan Cartwright
Will — Charles Robinson
Mary — Sherri DeMarino
Children — Lexy & Emmaline Garrett
Thomas Johnson — Tim Hunt
Bailey — Kenny Bone
Charlton — Michael Crockett
John Savage — Jon Hatton
Alice — Lisa Brasch
Winslow — Tim Hunt
Maggie — Sherri DeMarino
Gerti — Morgan Garrett
Fanny — TBA
Innkeeper — Susan Kovacs
Mabel — Pamela Brown
Patty — Olivia Sams
Lizzy — Denise Mitcham
Hope — Megan Cartwright
Ellie — Sharon Whitman
Katie — Diane D’Amico
Molly — Marilyn Kellam
Winnie — Linda Pappas
William Kendall — Kenny Bone
Sea Captain — Tony Robinson
Cornelius Watkinson — Dave Hobbs
John Custis — Charles Robinson
Bastian — Carson Crouse
Major Beverly — David Kabler
Argoll Yeardley — Richard Williams
Catullus — George Holmes
Sarah — Jillian Cartwright
Young Nathaniel Savage — Ethan Cartwright
The Bogey — Katie Austin
Lillyton Eyre — Bill Scalley
John Stringer — Michael Flanagan
John Wilkins — Tim Hunt
Nathaniel Savage — Chris Cartwright
Ballroom Ensemble
Dennis Saidat, Lisa Brasch, Kenny Bone, Michael Flanagan Linda Pappas, Sam Slate, Sherri DeMarino, Marilyn Kellam, Billy Scalley, Sharon Whitman
Production Team
Director — Clelia C. Sheppard
Music Director, Stage Manager — Megan Cartwright
Assistant Directors — Susan Kovacs, Sherri DeMarino
Choreography — Amy Watkins
Choreography Consultant — Mara Ifju
Costume Mistress — Laura Paré
Costume Assistant — Halsey Klingel
Lighting — Noah Young
Lighting Consultant — Joey Mock
Audio — Joichaun Taylor
Stagehands — TBA
Spotlight — Elijah Garrett
Film — Chris Roll
Director of Ensemble & Piano Accompaniment — William Neill
A Preview of Piece of Eden
Enjoy this glimpse of Piece of Eden from previous productions.
Original music composed by Gwen Skeens. Videography by Shore Fire Productions
"This play reminds us that almost all of us are newcomers, giving a voice to the Native Americans and long-established families who shaped the Eastern Shore."
Ted Warner
"Piece of Eden makes me proud of Cape Charles and the Eastern Shore. When people come together... for the sake of art and community, something special happens."
Bruce Lindeman
"The richness and quality shows what a small town like Cape Charles can accomplish when talent comes together with artistic dedication."
Ettore Zuccarino
Experience Piece of Eden
A History of the Eastern Shore from 1618-1776
April 24-26 | May 1-3, 2026
Evenings at 8 PM | Matinees at 3 PM
Historic Palace Theatre
305 Mason Avenue
Cape Charles, VA
Adults: $35 | Students: $15
Group Rate: $25 tickets (save nearly 30%)
Available for organizations and schools. Minimum 10 tickets.
Contact team@lemontree.gallery or call 757-331-4327 for promo code.
Suitable for adults, teens, and older children interested in history and theatre
Some scenes include mild language and tavern humor
Approximate running time: about 2.5 hours including intermission
Limited Seating
6 Performances Only
Select Your Performance
"This is your story, and this land is your 'Piece of Eden.'"
Whether you're a "from here," a "been here," or a "come here," you know there is something magical about this land between two waters.
From the beginning, the Eastern Shore developed differently from mainland colonies. Because of geographic isolation from the rest of Virginia, survival often depended on cooperation, and for a time the lines between cultures remained more fluid here than in many other parts of early America.
Piece of Eden follows multiple generations in three intersecting cultures. Native leaders, colonial settlers, and African laborers and free families all appear as the Eastern Shore evolves, from a peaceful Native community to a fragile colonial frontier on the eve of independence. As the story reaches 1776, the characters and their descendants stand at the threshold of a new nation, reflecting the many lives that shaped the Shore long before the birth of the United States.
Piece of Eden Opening Prayer
Written by Charles Running Eagle and translated from the Virginia Algonquian language, honoring the land and those who came before.
Great Spirit
Insects, Winged ones, Four-legged, and two-legged.
Four directions, earth, wind, fire, and water. Thunder beings. The Four Winds.
Let us walk softly on Earth Mother.
Let us share, honor, and love.
Let us learn to be good.
All my relations.
Piece of Eden (1618–1776)
Historic Palace Theatre
305 Mason Avenue
Cape Charles, VA
April 24–26 | May 1–3, 2026
Written by Jean Collins
Stage adaptation by Sheila Cardano
Original music by Gwen Skeens
Directed by Clelia C. Sheppard
Music Direction by Megan Cartwright