The murder sent ripples through every part of America. Freda Ward, only 17, had her throat slit by 19 year old Alice Mitchell. But the murder was hardly the most shocking element of the crime: the real shock was Mitchell's claim that she and Ward had been deeply in love. It was "The Most Singular and Shocking Murder Ever Done in Memphis."

Mitchell and Ward's relationship began as school friends, several years prior to the murder. Although the genesis of the relationship is not well-documented, it is clear from later letters (published in newspapers and entered as evidence in court) that by the time of the murder the girls had become incredibly close. They refer to each other with nicknames ("Sing" and "YBIR", a cipher for love) and in letters to male suitors, their relationship is discussed (using alternate names).

When Alice's letters to Freda were discovered, the two were cut off from each other immediately. Mrs. W.H. Volkmar, Freda's sister, returned all the money that Alice had sent so Freda could purchase ferry ticket. In her final letter, Alice requested the return of her ring and photograph. It seemed that the relationship had concluded.

But on January 25th, 1892, Mitchell boarded a carriage with her friend Lillie Johnston on board. The two proceded to the house where Ward had been staying, and after waiting for Freda to leave the home, began to trail her. As Ward arrived at the docks where she planned to board a boat away from Memphis, Alice left the buggy. She followed Freda, and when when she caught up to her she reached around her throat and slit her neck.

Freda was able to escape toward the boat, but Alice followed quickly and cut her deeper. She was lost. Freda Ward was brought to the nearest undertaker, as Alice escaped to her home where she confessed the murder.

Meet the team

Chris Van Patten (Director) is a student director, scenographer, and website designer. He has designed sets for UB's productions of RENT and OUR TOWN, and has lit pieces choreographed by high-profile names in the dance world including Jon Lehrer, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, and Bill Evans. His projection design for RENT will be displayed in the 2011 Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space. As a director, Chris got his start by spearheading a production of GUYS AND DOLLS at his high school. More recently, he conceived and directed QUARTER-LIFE CRISIS, a concert using contemporary musical theatre "to express the frustrations and joys of young adulthood."

Gary Sunshine (Playwright) was a 2006 fellow in Playwriting/Screenwriting from the New York Foundation for the Arts, and received the 2005 Helen Merrill Award for Emerging Playwrights. His plays have been produced at the Summer Play Festival (SPF), HERE, the Drama League, the Actors Studio, the Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, and the Echo Theater. His work has been developed at New York Stage & Film, NYTW, the New Group, P73, MCC Theater, and the New Company (London). He has been a writer-in residence at the Royal National Theatre Studio in London. Mr. Sunshine wrote, co-created, and co-produced the documentary What I Want My Words To Do To You (Freedom of Expression Award, Sundance Film Festival), which premiered nationwide on PBS's P.O.V. He is a member of New Dramatists and the MCC Playwrights Coalition, and is a NYTW Usual Suspect. Mr. Sunshine received an A.B. from Princeton and an M.F.A. from NYU's Dramatic Writing Program.

Emily Nelkin (Alice) is a freshman B.F.A. Music Theatre major. Prior to UB, she appeared in countless productions in High School and at French Woods, where she attended summer camp. Recently, she appeared in UB's production of Cabaret directed by Gary John LaRosa. She would like to thank Chris, Ariel, Mason and every other amazing person who was involved with Al Takes A Bride.

Ariel Judson (Freda) is a freshman B.F.A. Theatre Performance major here at the University at Buffalo. Al Takes a Bride is Ariel's first UB production as a performer and she is incredibly excited to make her debut. She has performed in various high school and camp productions as well as in multiple theaters on Long Island, where she is originally from. She would love to thank Chris Van Patten for this opportunity. Hopefully you will be seeing more from her soon!

Mason Ames (Judge Ketterson) is a freshman B.F.A. Musical Theatre major at UB. He is very grateful to have been given the chance to work with his extremely talented co-stars Emily and Ariel, and to have been directed by Chris. Mason performed as Max in last semester's production of Cabaret, directed by Gary John LaRosa.

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