East Haddam Stage Company to Perform in Gilette's castle

It was 1888 when Yukitaka Osaki and his older brother, Yukio, came for a visit to the US from Japan. Yukio went on to become a leader in Japanese politics, and would eventually give Washington D.C. the famous Cherry Trees.

Yukitaka, however, decided to stay.

Discover the story of the elusive brother behind the famous politician. Osaki-san’s life spanned from the Victorian era, into the 20th Century, and both World Wars. Poignant and life affirming, here is what you may not know about the quiet soul who worked beside one of America’s foremost actors and playwrights, William Gillette, creator of the role of Sherlock Holmes for the stage. Together they traveled, by water and over land, eventually retiring to Gillette’s infamous Seventh Sister Estate in Hadlyme CT.

The Friends of Gillette Castle State Park in partnership with the East Haddam Stage Company present Osaki-san, William Gillette’s Gentleman Valet, a one-man drama based on the life of Yukitaka Osaki: student, steward, valet, secretary, gardener, cat lover, and friend. Experience his fascinating story in the very room where he and Gillette worked and socialized, in front of the massive fireplace inside Gillette’s ‘Castle’.

The 1 hour performances take place at 7:00pm inside the Castle, at 67 River Road, East Haddam CT, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, April 23-25, with a matinee at 2:00pm on Sunday April 26th, and again the following weekend, April 30-May 2nd at 7:00pm, matinee on Sunday May 3rd at 2:00pm.

Very limited seating. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Wheelchair accessible. There is a distance from the parking lot to the castle, so leave ample time for arrival.

To purchase tickets, you must go to: www.gillettecastlefriends.org