The curtain has fallen on “’You Caught Me Dancing”, and audiences are left to reflect on the emotional journey of the life of Katy Leary, a faithful servant to the family of Samuel Clemens, pen name, Mark Twain.  

Professor Emily Tucker-Blankenship’s performance was captivating at every moment. Her ability to embody 14 different characters through the lens of her original character, Katy Leary, and her seamless transitions between those characters left audiences in awe. 

“I’ve gotten a lot of Mark’s mannerisms through Rex,” she explained, referencing the invaluable guidance of director Rex Stephenson. 

Stephenson has portrayed Mark Twain plenty of times in his own career, studying his voice and mannerisms for hours at a time.  

“Surprisingly, Emily has never done a one-person show until now,” laughed Stephenson. “She brought each character to life with distinct energy and depth, proving her incredible range as an actress.” 

The production balanced humor and heartache, offering an intimate perspective on the everyday moments of the Clemens family while shining a light on the price of fame and the sacrifices made by those in Twain’s inner circle.  

“The hardest bit is characterizing. Don’t just relay the facts, tell their story. Connect to the audience. Care about the smaller details,” explained T.J. Baker, stage manager. 

The set was also beautifully and thoughtfully designed and constructed in-house, by students and staff, on a tight budget. The colors of the walls on the set were a historically accurate representation of the walls of Twain’s office, helping to transport the audience directly into their world. 

“We probably only spent about a dollar seventy-five” added Professor Rebecca Crocker. 

The musical selections also elevated the atmosphere of the play, enhancing the emotional depth and elevating the storytelling.  

“It was a collaborative effort to make this show what it was,” mentioned Blankenship-Tucker. “I was either collaborating with T.J. on the timing of lights, or Troy Smith (senior) and Ahna Tyree (sophomore) on sound effects from behind the wall. What may have seemed like a simple thing was really a dance between us all.”  

This production left a lasting impression on those who were lucky enough to experience it, and it gave patrons a deeper understanding of one of America’s most prized authors through the lens and perspective of a woman who witnessed it all.