“The Legend of Jim Cullen” is a story of a New Brunswick immigrant living in the wild frontier of Aroostook County in 1873, and the only recorded lynching in New England history.

The Heartwood Theater production springs to life, straight from the mind of Professor Luther C. Bateman, storyteller, raconteur, quasi-scientist, newspaperman (1849-1924). As the tale crescendos, arcs, and settles on the notes of a new musical score, Bateman examines the difficult questions surrounding a difficult story, where no easy answers lie.

How do we mange divergent beliefs and prejudices? What of personal responsibility and human compassion? How DO legends grow? And the recurring, haunting question, "What is the soul of man?"

Director and playwright Griff Braley, and composer Aaron Robinson, spent much of last winter immersed in the story, lyrics and notes of this icy legend, which premiered last summer in Newcastle. This spring, they emerged with a refined, renewed, unified version of this original dramatic musical — a melding of history and philosophy, words and music, and the work of two very distinct artists.

The combination of complex characters and challenging vocal work requires a committed, talented cast, with willingness to surge straight into the additional demands of evolving, original work. Braley and Robinson invested hundreds of hours casting, with NETC auditions in March, online audition postings in New York and personal contacts with many known Midcoast Maine musical actors. The result: a diverse, yet completely unified cast.

Somewhat peculiar to Heartwood’s summertime production process is the six week rehearsal period, leading up to opening night. It’s a rare opportunity for an actor to have this luxury of time to dig in, search, explore, experiment and claim a new role, and these actors are hungry to do just that. The nine piece orchestra, now rehearsing Robinsons’ score, will soon join the cast to flesh out the full performance dynamic.

For details, cast info, videos and photos, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org.

Performances will appear in the air conditioned Parker B. Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy, 81 Academy Hill Road, Newcastle, on July 24-26 and 31 and August 1-2 at 7:30 p.m. with a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, July 27. Tickets are $22 adults/$8 students. Reservations strongly recommended at boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org or by calling 207-563-1373.