UNION — An upcoming play will offer theatre goers an opportunity to journey through the rich history of Union.

Boogaloo Folklife Productions — in partnership with Union County Historical Society — will present “Whisperings: Mostly True Tales from the Voices of Union’s Historic Past” May 31-June 2.

The show will take place at four separate venues — The Inn at Merridun, the USC Union Gazebo, the Dawkins House and the Episcopal Church of the Nativity. Audience members’ tickets will inform them of the venue at which they will begin a theatrical journey through some of the rich history that Union affords.

At the Inn at Merridun, guests will meet the Duncan sisters, hear the history of the home and — according to rumors from play rehearsals — even be greeted by a ghost.

The gazebo at USC Union will be the site of staged historic events involving the Culp House and Central School (now the USC Union Library). Dr. Allen Charles will deliver the history of Central School.

“A glimpse into the past lives of students will bring back fond memories for some,” said Kathy Stepp, of Boogaloo Folklife Productions. “Some people will remember a lot of these things happening.”

The Dawkins House will be the scene of readings from the diary of Jane Poulton McLure who came to live there in 1850 as sister of Mary Poulton Dawkins. Stepp mentioned one story from the diary.

“When Mr. Wallace died, these ladies — who were considered to be upper-crust ladies — had to prepare the body for burial,” Stepp said. “That was certainly a shocker to an English lady learning southern ways.”

The Episcopal Church of the Nativity will conclude the tour with the colorful history of the beautiful church where the McLure and Dawkins families are buried.

The show was written by Union native Stan O’Shields. Stepp said O’Shields and his family have recently moved back to Union, and he has been involved in writing workshops that have taken place at the Union County Arts Council.

Actors in the production will include Mark and Josie Hayes, Sally Summers, Kristi Sommer, Dr. Allen Charles, David and Michael Leigh, Ola Jean Kelly. Ann White, Sara Garnett, Morgan Petty, Sue Keith, Daniel and Katie Prince, Father Louis Miller and William Sprouse.

Tickets for “Whisperings: Mostly True Tales from the Voices of Union’s Historic Past” are available at the Union County Arts Council and the Union County Museum. Seating is limited.

Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@civitasmedia.com.