Step Into the Past With The Valley of Shadows at Villa Montezuma
Experience history, literature, and music come to life inside Villa Montezuma, San Diego’s grand Victorian “Palace of the Arts.” Write Out Loud presents The Valley of Shadows, a theatrical reading of Francis Grierson’s evocative tales from the 19th-century prairie.
A Historic Setting for a Forgotten Voice
Before he became a world-traveling pianist and performer, Francis Grierson (the pen name of Jesse Shepard) grew up on the Illinois prairie during the era of Lincoln, religious revivalism, and the fight against slavery.
In a lyrical series of vignettes, he paints a vivid portrait of a nation on the brink of change—stories that will now be performed in the very home he designed in 1887.
Directed by Rachael VanWormer and featuring an acclaimed cast, this intimate performance unfolds in the Villa Montezuma’s stunning Music Room, where Shepard himself once entertained guests with music and storytelling.
See you there!
📅 Saturday, March 29 & Sunday, March 30 | 1 PM & 3 PM (Limited seating—30 guests per performance)
📍 1925 K St, San Diego
🎟️ Tickets are $30 | Reserve here or call (619) 944-8953
Street parking is available, with a large parking lot at Imperial & 21st Streets.
Experience The Valley of Shadows and step into Francis Grierson’s evocative tales in the home that inspired them.
See you there, San Diego!
