Fortunate Victory

Gannon University, the Erie Playhouse, and the Flagship Niagara League present FORTUNATE VICTORY. Written by Erie native Alexander O. Clemente. Adapted by Rev. Shawn Clerkin, Gannon University Associate Professor of Communication and Fine Arts and Director of Theatre. Original Score by Andrew Rainbow. Lyrics by Rev. Shawn Clerkin. Video created by MoreFrames Animation of Erie. Produced by Almitra Clerkin, Executive Director, Erie Playhouse, and Shawn Waskiewicz, Executive Director, Flagship Niagara.

FORTUNATE VICTORY is the hearty and spirited story of the resolve and tenacity of Oliver Hazard Perry, Daniel Dobbins, Jesse Elliot, Commodore Chauncey and the men and women of Erie in the early 19th century who built and sailed the Great Lakes fleet that would defeat the British in a naval and moral victory on Lake Erie in 1813. The story is centered on historical records and real-life heroes interwoven with fictional dialogue and situations.

In collaboration with the majesty of the 2016 Tall Ships Erie celebration, join the Erie Playhouse, Gannon University Schuster Theatre, and the Flagship Niagara as we bring the characters of Erie’s history to life on the Hirt Auditorium stage at the Blasco Library (just east of Dobbins Landing in the heart of Erie) in this 45-minute, multi-media musical play, September 9-11.

FORTUNATE VICTORY highlights include the animated battle sequence, the Victory Anthem, written by Andrew Rainbow and Rev. Clerkin, and the origination of the “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag. The recreated battle scene and anthem were last seen and heard in the Erie Playhouse Perry 200 Commemoration Pageant The Spirit of Erie in June of 2013.

Public Performances – $5 – Show only tickets: