RUSSELL -- The Grasse River Players will present the musical, American Muse, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, and at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Russell Theater, 4 Pestle St.

American Muse is an original production written and directed by Potsdam playwright Elaine Kuracina.

The play tells the story of Audrey Munson, 1891- 1996, world famous model in the 1920's who spent 65 years in the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center. Her previously untold story includes scandal, murder, a threatening female evangelist, a doting mother, and the fall of celebrity.

Young Audrey (Imman) and her mother (Jeannie Blake) escaped to New York City when Audrey's father ran off with a young woman.

The Christian Purity leader Elizabeth Grannis (Lorie Gruneisen) hounds Audrey because she poses nude. Dr. Wilkins ( Michael Terrell) kills his wife to marry the young model. The Sculptor (David Crowell) is inspired by Audrey's magical poses. Julie Manders, who plays a nurse and Mrs. Wilkins in the play, worked - in real life- at the St Lawrence Psychiatric Center, Ogdensburg, where Audrey resided for 65 years. "She is remembered as a very petite, pleasant, elegant lady," recalls Julie.

The musical play is a fundraiser for the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. The Trask Memorial in Congress Park is being restored. They are also performing to help renovate The Russell Theatre.

Tickets are $8 and will be sold at the door. For more information, visit facebook.com/americanmuse.