Windcrossing, by Don Coonley
Sacred Heart University Review, Volume III, Number 1, Spring 1983
Windcrossing, an intermedia drama inspired by the life of
Gustave Whitehead, premiered in May, 1977, at Sacred Heart
University. That original production, the script of which is published
in this Review, combined a live dramatic presentation with motion
pictures, slides, and a multiple sound track. Windcrossing was
written and directed by Don Coonley, Steven Ross was the producer
and the director of photography. Allan Varvella played the role of
Gustave Whitehead. Music was composed and directed by Leland
Roberts. The production was made possible by grants from Sacred
Heart's University Research and Creativity Council, the Cultural
Committee, and the Rycenga Society.
Coonley and Chris Campbell rewrote the original script and in
association with WEDW Public Television! Channel49 co-produced
the teleplay, which premiered in May, 1981, on the Connecticut
Public Television network. Directed by Campbell, Windcrossing
received the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's award for the
most outstanding locally produced drama in America in 1981.
Windcrossing also received two nominations for regional Emmy
Awards: one for special effects and a second for John Mucci's
original musical composition. The teleplay was made possible with
grants and services from WEDW Channel 49, City Savings Bank,
and Sacred Heart University.
The text of Windcrossing® 1977 by Don Coonley. Introduction and
new material © 1983 by Sacred Heart University Review.