My Uncle Sam

Overview

Born in Russia in 1891, Sami Silverstein joined a wave of turn-of-the-century immigrants who came to America seeking a better life. Growing up in Brooklyn, he took an interest in mechanics and became a test pilot during the early days of aviation. After a near-death experience, he returned to his love of building bicycles which eventually landed him on a vaudeville stage as Sam Barton of the Barton Bros. act. Marriage, family and an international career all come careening towards a spectacular yet tragic ending as he dies backstage at Radio City Music Hall in New York on the eve of World War II.

Based on a true story, My Uncle Sam uses Theater Unspeakable’s rowdy brand of imaginative physical theater to bring a very personal and meaningful story to life. Combining tongue-in-cheek humor and a dash of derring-do, this one-person show recreates an era of great ingenuity, triumph and heartbreak.

Written and performed by Marc Frost. Directed by Jeremy Aluma. My Uncle Sam is a one-person show that revives the unique story of a Russian Jewish immigrant who became an international vaudeville star in the early 1900s.

Running time: 45 minutes + Q+A

With over 100 offerings from rebellious circus, delicious dance, fearless theater and activist art to workshops, parties, and more Cannonball pushes the boundaries of live performance at four different venues this Fringe. Come as you are and stay past bedtime. Blaze your own trail at cannonballfestival.org.Learn More

About the Artist

MARC FROST is an actor, deviser, educator and Chicago native who has performed and produced work in Brazil, Ireland, Spain, the United States and the United Kingdom. He created Theater Unspeakable as a platform for original works of devised, physical theater. Based in Chicago, the award-winning company has toured nationally, performing at venues including Lincoln Center Education (NY) and Kennedy Center (DC). He currently teaches at Columbia College Chicago and Roosevelt University. Frost is also a proud graduate of the Commercial Theater Institutes 14-Week Training Program for Commercial Theater Producers in New York City. Theater Unspeakable is an award-winning, touring theater company. Founded by Marc Frost in 2010, every year the Chicago-based company tours its shows to hundreds and thousands of young people and families around the country at venues including Lincoln Center Education (NY) and Kennedy Center (DC). The company's style strives to create live theater at its most imaginative and engaging. Marc also co-founded Physical Theater Festival Chicago (https://www.physicalfestival.com/), an international physical theater festival that celebrated its 11th edition in 2024. And since 2017, he worked with Philly-based casts and crews to perform "The American Revolution" in historical sites such as Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Christchurch Neighborhood House Burial ground as well as local and regional theaters.