Two More Performances at Big River Chautauqua

Bonne Terre, Mo. (KFMO) - The final two Big River Chautauqua performances will take place tonight and tomorrow evening at the City Hall Auditorium in Bonne Terre. The theme for this year's performances is D-Day, in rememberance of the 80th anniversary of the event. Scholars will take the stage and present the perspectives of famous people of the time. Tonight's performance features the perspective of Jackie Cochran, an American pilot who became the first woman to break the sound barrier in 1953. Karen Vuranch, Cochran's performer, says she was instrumental in creating the WASP program during World War II. 

Saturday's performance features Winston Churchill, the prime minister of the United Kingdom at the time of D-Day and for much of World War II. Larry Bounds, who portrays Churchill, says he was beloved by the people, but still had his fair share of enemies, particularly opposing politicians. 

Food will be served both nights at 4:30 p.m. at the BT Nutrition Center. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6 p.m. at the auditorium, and the program officially begins at 7 p.m. Admission and parking are both free for the event.