High Tor

High Tor, set against the tumultuous backdrop of the eve of the American Civil War, tells the story of a passionate and courageous young Southerner named Mary, who defies conventions to advocate for the abolition of slavery and the reunification of her divided nation. Mary, played by a youthful and talented Julie Andrews, is the spirited and beautiful daughter of a wealthy Southern plantation owner, Robert Ormsby. Although Mary's family and friends are deeply entrenched in slavery, and are opposed to any notion of abolishing it, Mary is drawn to the cause, and begins secretly working to free the slaves on her family's plantation. As tensions between the North and South escalate, Mary's convictions are tested, and she finds herself facing a daunting challenge. Mary's father and his friends are determined to keep their slaves, despite Mary's growing determination to free them. Against this backdrop, Mary's relationship with her charming and free-thinking friend, Tony, played by Bing Crosby, deepens, and he becomes her trusted confidant. As the United States teeters on the brink of war, Mary's desire to abolish slavery becomes increasingly urgent. She decides to take drastic action, orchestrating the escape of the slaves on her family's plantation. Mary, along with her father's loyal butler, Rufus, played by Hans Conried, secretly leads a small group of slaves to freedom on a perilous journey to the North. Meanwhile, Tony becomes increasingly entangled in Mary's plans, and the lovers continue to navigate the complexities and dangers of the pre-war South. As the stakes grow higher, Mary and Tony find themselves pursued by Mary's angry father and a group of ruthless slave hunters. In addition to navigating the challenges of her own desires and loyalties, Mary also faces the opposition of her parents, especially her father, who is fiercely devoted to the idea of states' rights and the status quo. Ormsby is unwilling to accept his daughter's growing commitment to the abolitionist cause, and the couple's relationship becomes increasingly strained as a result. Throughout the production, the music weaves in and out of the narrative, providing a powerful emotional counterpoint to the drama. The songs, written by Arthur Schwartz and Maxwell Anderson, capture the longing and passion of the characters, as well as the turmoil and uncertainty of the historical moment. In the end, Mary's determination and courage are rewarded when she is reunited with Tony, and the two of them are able to escape to freedom together. The show ends with a sense of hope and possibility, as Mary and Tony look out over the tumultuous landscape of America on the brink of war, determined to fight for a better future. The production is a powerful tribute to the enduring spirit of the American people, and to the courage and conviction of those who fought for the abolition of slavery. Mary's story offers a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges of the pre-Civil War era, as well as the indomitable will of those who refused to accept the status quo, and fought for a more just and equal society.