BELOVED OPERETTA ENTERS TIME CAPSULE

OSWEGO – Celebrated comic operetta “The 1812 Underture” is the latest acquisition selected for the City of Oswego’s Bicentennial Time Capsule. In January of this year, Mayor Robert Corradino established a committee to select memorabilia and mementos from present-day in order to preserve Oswego’s historical significance for future generations.

“By preserving the stories and achievements of today,” says Mayor Corradino, “we are creating a bridge to the future—a gift for the Oswegonians of 2048 to reflect on how far we’ve come. This initiative embodies the spirit of progress and pride that defines our city.”

“The 1812 Underture” was selected as one such achievement. First presented within the walls of Historic Fort Ontario in September of 2023, the sold-out performances were lauded as a “riotous celebration of our city’s rich cultural heritage.” The raucous musical is loosely based on the incredible true story of a ragtag Oswego regiment — who stand as America’s last hope against the full might of the British Navy.

The Committee dictated it culturally significant not only for its retelling of regional history through song and spectacle, but for its humorous inclusion of densely-packed modern references about our city. The characters in this wartime regiment donned the names of current local politicians, familiar and favorite landmarks, and even a nod to then newly-built restaurant Tully’s Tenders.

Items included in the time capsule are the script, excerpts from the original score, an autographed poster from authors The Hysterical Society, a commemorative program, a compact disc of the demos (available at 1812underture.bandcamp.com), and two branded beer koozies.

“What will Oswegonians in the distant year 2048 think of our musical offering?” asks Nicholas Gentile, who directed and co-wrote the production. “Will the anatomical structure of ears have evolved beyond processing the frequencies of standard orchestral arrangements? Will biotronic overseers seclude us from human arts entirely, forcing upon us their own mathematic-based forms of entertainments? And will there still even be CD players at this point in our history? Or do you suppose something better will have come along?!”

The Time Capsule is set to be dedicated following the Independence Day Parade, on July 6th at 6:30 p.m., in front of Oswego City Hall. The public is strongly encouraged to attend.