Survivors of the Fire: Stories and Songs remembering the Great Hinckley Fire of 1894

Survivors of the Fire is a moving, meaningful, and at times surprisingly joyful new theatrical experience commemorating the 130th Anniversary of the Great Hinckley Fire: featuring traditional music of the era, harrowing first-hand accounts of the survivors, and poignant tributes to those who perished. It’s a celebration of life— its joys and sorrows— and a heartening reminder that those we hold dear are never lost.

Conceived and written by Hinckley native, Jeremiah Gamble, directed by Jeff Miller, and featuring a talented cast of Minnesota musicians and storytellers, this piece retells some of the Great Hinckley Fire stories that are traditionally in the foreground, while also highlighting some of the less-emphasized narratives— particularly that of a young Ojibwe heroine named Makadegwan and the courageous actions of the Black Porter, John Wesley Blair.

The cast features Peyton Dixon, LaReina LaPlante, Joy Donley, Michael Pearce Donley, Jeremiah Gamble, Vanessa Gamble and Mary Miller, with musicians Craig Evans, Greg Lee, Larry Dalton, Barb Dalton and Chris Erickson.

The creative team for SURVIVORS includes Jeffrey S. Miller (Director), Jeremiah Gamble (Writer), Barb Portinga (Costume Designer), Shannon Elliott (Lighting and Sound Designer), Sarah D. Prow (Scenic Designer), Lauren Volkart (Stage Manager), and Naomi Gamble Zupfer (Managing Director).