By Kalaora, a character actress who, like McAuliffe, grew up in Framingham, takes the stage at historic Village Hall on Sunday, March 6. The show, “CHALLENGER: Soaring with Christa,” celebrates McAuliffe’s lasting legacy as a teacher, explorer and educational pioneer.
“We’re very excited because it’s the debut of this woman’s program and she’s a wonderful actress and we always love reenactments and living history,” said Annie Murphy, executive director of the Framingham History Center.
Murphy said people are always impressed to learn that McAuliffe, whose maiden name is Corrigan, grew up in Framingham and attended local schools.
“We’re all going to learn a lot more about who she was through this program, her teaching methods and her spirit,” Murphy said. “She went to Framingham State, she went to Marian, her mom is still in town, so deep roots in Framingham.”
The performance starts at 2:30 p.m. in the hall at 2 Oak St., Framingham. The snow date is March 20.
Kalaora, of History at Play, is known for taking on many roles, including 19th century women’s rights activist Lucy Stone at a recent performance at the Ashland Historical Society.
Murphy said she hopes for a large audience to hear McAuliffe’s story.
“It’s a great opportunity for kids to come and see this teacher and what she was hoping to accomplish with her mission,” Murphy said.
McAuliffe, who lived in Concord, N.H., was a schoolteacher. She was selected out of 11,000 applicants to participate in NASA’s Teacher in Space Project. After completing months of training, she died when the Challenger shuttle exploded shortly after liftoff on Jan. 28, 1986.
Murphy said Kalaora’s performance will be educational for teachers, parents and kids. It is suitable for children 9 and up.
She said the tribute coincides with the opening of the town’s new Christa McAuliffe branch library on Water Street in Nobscot.
Tickets for the performance are $5 for Framingham History Center members, $10 for nonmembers and $5 for children ages 9 to 15.
Reservations are required. For more information, visit www.framinghamhistory.org.
Danielle Ameden can be reached at 508-626-4416 or dameden@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @damedenMW.