Sedona’s Haunting Stories from the Dead Quilters

On November 1, “The Dead Quilters Society,” a musical dramedy crafted by Dev Ross and Shondra Jepperson, will premiere at the Sedona Heritage Museum at 4 p.m. Performances will continue on November 2 and 3, also at 4 p.m., with the Sunday show already sold out.

Nate Meyers, the Executive Director of the museum, expressed enthusiasm about the production, emphasizing its role in showcasing the intertwining stories of influential women in Sedona’s history. “It’s a fun and unique way to share that history,” he stated.

This musical marks the sixth collaboration between Ross and Jepperson. It celebrates five remarkable women: Environmentalist Katie Lee, portrayed by Jepperson; historian and B-52 riveter Dora Chavez Madrid, played by Ross; tribal leader and health activist Annie Wauneka, depicted by Samantha Noelle Sanchez; businesswoman Fanny Gulick, performed by Lisa Schatz Glinsky; and Marguerite Brunswig Staude, sculptor of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, enacted by Gail Edwards.

The score includes poignant numbers like “War Do We Part?”, which reflects on how World War II stalled Staude’s architectural ambitions for a modern church in Budapest until it manifested in Sedona in 1956. Ross shared insights on the song’s themes of war and loss. “I wanted to make a statement about war and the lives it affects,” he noted.

Throughout the musical, characters from the Dead Quilters Society explore their personal regrets. “It leads to a lot of emotional moments and humor,” Ross added about the narrative approach.

Edwards, who plays Staude, noted that her character wrestles with finding her identity as an artist rather than conforming to society’s expectations of a debutante. “It was the core of who she was, and she refused to let that go,” she said.

Fanny Gulick’s legacy is highlighted in the production. Her determination changed Sedona’s landscape, as documented in a 1974 article by the Red Rock News. Gulick challenged the belief that Sedona’s development was impossible, successfully locating a water source that would pave the way for future growth.

Schatz Glinsky, portraying Gulick, remarked on her character’s vibrant personality. “Nobody had ever really seen anything like Fanny before in this area,” she observed, showing how Gulick bridged gaps with others, including Katie Lee.

Annie Wauneka’s contributions to healthcare and advocacy for the Navajo community are also central to the story. Born in 1910, she acted during the Spanish flu outbreak and later made significant strides in healthcare and education on the Navajo Nation. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963, recognizing her exceptional service.

Sanchez expressed pride in showcasing Wauneka’s life. “Oftentimes, we hear stories that are predominantly male. I never knew about these women in Sedona and their history,” she commented, emphasizing the shared experiences of struggles and triumphs.

For those interested, more information can be obtained by calling the Sedona Heritage Museum at (928) 282-7038. Tickets are available through sedonamuseum.org, and attendees can enjoy a wine and cheese reception before each performance.