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Join Captain Smith and Margaret “Molly” Brown at the Captain’s party on the fateful evening of April 14, 1912, the night the Titanic struck an iceberg.  Suitable for all ages, this drama is both educational and entertaining. Learn more about Captain E.J. Smith and the unsinkable Molly Brown along with the people, music, fashion, sinking, and aftermath of the Titanic.  The drama runs approximately one and a half hours long and incorporates costumes, period music, photographs, and mementos to bring this story to life.

ABOUT

When first asked to portray Captain Smith at a Titanic dinner hosted by a local Bed & Breakfast, Mark saw a chance to portray an interesting historical character in an unconventional setting.  What he didn’t realize is how popular the story of Titanic continues to be to this day. He asked his wife Margaret to join him as “Molly” Brown and it didn’t take long for them to become “obsessed” (as their sons put it!) with all things Titanic.

Mark and Margaret have been amazed and humbled while researching these historical figures and the compelling story of the ship the world will never forget. They have a growing library of Titanic books, attend Titanic events, watch videos & documentaries, and have joined multiple Titanic communities & societies as part of their on-going research.

This dramatic presentation is the result of years of careful research.  To honor the memory of this tragedy, Mark and Margaret strive for historical accuracy with every word they’ve written. Their goal is not only to entertain, but hopefully educate about one of the greatest tragedies in maritime history.

BIOS

Mark Hyre (Captain Smith)

Mark has loved theater since he was cast as the cowardly Lion in the “Wizard of Oz” at age 10.  Having earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater performance from Penn State University in 1984, Mark followed his passion by performing in community theater and church dramas throughout his life, most recently on diverse stages in southeast Michigan.  Favorite roles include Kris Kringle in “Miracle on 34th Street” and Stanley Banks in “Father of the Bride” (Croswell Opera House), Alan MacNally in “Baby” opposite his wife Margaret (Adrian College) and his dream role of Ebenezer Scrooge in a recurring production of “A Christmas Carol” in downtown Detroit (Detroit Actor’s Theatre Company).

Aside from his theatrical pursuits, Mark is a Payroll Manager for a global manufacturing company based in Ann Arbor.  A U.S. Navy veteran, he served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise during the 1980s. Like Captain Smith he’ll never forget the power and majesty of the open seas.  

Most importantly, Mark is the father of five sons with his wife of 32 years, Margaret – his “one and only” as Captain Smith used to call his beloved wife Eleanor.

Margaret Hyre (Molly Brown)

Margaret began performing as a teenager singing in church and for weddings & funerals. In her 20s, she received vocal training from a former opera singer.

After raising five sons, Margaret followed her dreams of performing in theatre and since 2010, she has been cast in 16 shows. Favorite roles include Martha in White Christmas (Croswell Opera House), Madame de la Grande Bouche/Wardrobe in Beauty and the Beast (COH), Babcha/Dolly in Kitchen Witches (COH), and Arlene in Baby opposite her husband Mark who played Alan (Adrian College). 

In 2012 Margaret followed another dream by forming the singing group Ear Candy Sings.  Ear Candy Sings has appeared on television in Toledo on multiple occasions, in multiple venues around the SE Michigan/Toledo area, and even appeared briefly on America’s Got Talent. 

Margaret is excited to “set the record straight” about “Molly” by sharing TRUE facts about this remarkable woman during “An Evening on Titanic…” alongside her husband Mark (Captain E.J. Smith).   

REVIEWS

Mark and Margaret Hyre are talented, professional actors who are always prepared for rehearsals and performances. It is my belief that any production they put their hearts, minds, and souls into will be a quality presentation. I heartily recommend them and look forward to working with them in the future.
John MacNaughton
Creative Director
Croswell Opera House
At the Greenleaf Mansion, we have enjoyed having Captain Smith and Margaret Brown at our Titanic dinner for the last 4 years! Their knowledge of every detail of the Titanic is amazing! Captain Smith keeps the guests entertained throughout the evening as Molly tells her experience helping the woman and children start a new life after the disaster. Her singing talent is jaw-dropping as she sings "My Heart Will Go On." Captain Smith plays a perfect part as an English captain! He makes you feel like you are actually at Captain Smith's private dinner party in April 1912. Their professionalism and dedication to bring the Titanic to life will leave you in awe!
Diane and Steve
Innkeepers
Greenleaf Mansion B&B
Onsted, Michigan
As a professional musician and music director for the Croswell Opera House, I have worked with both Mark and Margaret Hyre numerous times. They have entertained audiences vocally and provided brilliant characterizations on the stage in both dramatic and comedic musical theater productions. You will definitely enjoy their professional and informative performance!
Wynne Marsh
Music Director
Croswell Opera House
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing this couple portray Captain Smith and Margaret "Molly" Brown! We enjoyed a cocktail hour mingling with guests who were assigned to be actual passengers on the Titanic (We were Isidor and Ida Strauss!) We were regaled with interesting facts by Captain Smith during the cocktail hour. When it was time to sit down to our sumptuous 12 course meal, Captain Smith skillfully reminded us of the events of that fateful night and after 'retiring to the drawing room for brandy and cigars', brought the evening to its dramatic climax! Margaret 'Molly' Brown shared her experiences on that fateful evening and segued into beautifully singing 'My Heart Will Go On', which brought tears to many eyes in the audience. It truly was a 'step back in time!' We would welcome the opportunity to see them again!
Marlissa Capen
Audience member
Aside from a poignant and historically correct monologue by Captain Smith, and an interesting, funny discussion of events by Molly Brown, there is also phenomenal singing! Margaret Hyre is a truly gifted vocalist, and she brings her talents to tell the story of the Titanic. Whatever you pay will be well worth hearing this story in words and song!
Shannon Culver
Audience member
As a musical director and accompanist for several organizations in Lenawee County, Michigan, I've had many opportunities over the last decade to work with Mark and Margaret Hyre in both volunteer and professional capacities. I find them both to be true professionals at the highest level-speaking not only to their acting and singing abilities, but also to the way they conduct themselves. In addition to this both Mark and Margaret bring a positive attitude and a sense of humor to all their projects, which makes working with them pure joy. When the opportunity to work with either one of them arises, I don't hesitate-including the current project that I'm working on (Sister Act at the Croswell Opera House in Adrian, MI), where they both have been cast. A testament to their work: any production benefits from their involvement.
David Rains
Music Director,
Croswell Opera House

EVENTS

 

February 12, 2022 6-8pm SOLD OUT

Southern Wesleyan University
907 S. Wesleyan Drive
Central, SC 29630
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-on-the-titanic-tickets-234437327357

April 2, 2022 SOLD OUT

Private Event
Onsted, MI
11-course Titanic Dinner

April 29, 2022 6-8pm SOLD OUT

Tecumseh Center for the Arts

400 Maumee Street

Tecumseh, MI 49286

www.thetca.org

June 5, 2022

Private Event

Mendon, OH

October 8, 2022 1:00-2:30pm

Adrian District Library

143 E. Maumee St.

Adrian, MI 49221

https://www.adrian.lib.mi.us

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

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The Captain visits the Titanic Memorial in Marine City, Michigan.

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