THE LADY WAS A GENTLEMAN
A DOCU-COMEDY BY
AWARD-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT
BARBARA KAHN
(St. Louis, 1858. Romeo will be played by Miss Cushman both on and offstage)
March 20 – April 13, 200
THE LADY WAS A GENTLEMAN is a “docu-comedy” about the 19th century lesbian actress Charlotte Cushman (spouse of sculptor Emma Stebbins, who designed Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain). In the play, Charlotte, a worldwide celebrity who often played male roles, is opening as Romeo in St. Louis, MO, in January 1858. Her appearance brings her a surprise encounter with a “lady cowboy” and her mail-order bride. Sallie Mercer, Charlotte’s real-life assistant and a major character in the play, was a free and educated African American woman during a time when slavery was still legal in many states and most women lacked formal education.
Directed by Lisa Marjorie Barnes and Barbara Kahn. Featuring Patricia Bannan, Shanara Gabrielle, Valerie Patterson, Kate Roe, Eileen Sullivan, and Andi Hogan as Miss Charlotte Cushman.
Sets: Barry Axtel; Lights: Jon D. Andreadakis; Costumes: Mary Kokie; Stage Manager: Louis Lopardi. All production photographs by Joe Bly.
