Everyone’s  been wondering who would be cast in the coveted role of Frank Stringfellow. Well, here he is dressed as Stringfellow and keeping a vigilant watch.  

Taylor Ballard, when a high school junior, read the part of Confederate scout Frank Stringfellow at the stage reading of the script in 2010. Taylor was totally uninhibited and not daunted by donning a ball dress or portraying any of the other true antics of the irrepressible Frank Stringfellow. 

Taylor is slender, twenty years old, and we’re delighted to have him back in the role. He will keep the audience on the edge of their seats and laughing along the way.

Now a freshman theater major at Virginia Commonwealth University, Taylor has appeared in more than a dozen shows in Culpeper and won acting awards. His senior year in high school he also starred in an independent movie, “Kidney Beans,” filmed in Warrenton.  

When asked what it was like to portray a real person, he responded, “It’s certainly something I’ve never done before and I’ve been interested in playing a real person. It will be fun to research Frank Stringfellow and look at what he did with his life. Then I’ll dive in to recreate the exciting episodes in the show.” Yes, Taylor will be literally diving in the river! 

But he wants the audience to not only enjoy the comedy but comprehend the danger. He says, “Because of the comedy of several situations the audience should enjoy the trick, but also understand that his life hung in the balance. Spies have been dealt with harshly throughout history. If caught, Stringfellow would have been instantly hung.” 

And we should also mention that Taylor has a wonderful singing voice which you’ll enjoy when he sings “That’s What Got Me Here,” a lively song that explains the exploits that captured Jeb Stuart’s attention and garnered him an invitation to become a scout.  

Those of you who join us Friday, August 3, for the “World Premiere Reception and Premiere Performance” will have the opportunity to meet our honored guest, Dr. Frank Stringfellow, great-grandson of the famous scout, and his family. Don’t miss this brush with history! Space for the reception is limited. 

Mail orders for tickets are now being accepted. See www.marchingthroughculpeperonstage.com/tickets/ or drop by the Musuem of Culpeper History to purchase tickets.  

 (Photo by our director Tim Carlson, owner of StudioCPhotography, 142 N. Main St., Culpeper, VA 22701)