VARLA JEAN MERMAN IS "A LOUISIANA SKANKEE IN CONNECTICUT COURT"!
Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. each evening
The Mark Twain House & Museum is pleased to announce the return of drag chanteuse Varla Jean Merman in a new show especially created for the Museum--A Louisiana Skankee in Connecticut Court.
"Merman combines the physical presence of a buxom Russ Myer starlet with a hint of perky Doris Day and the brassiness of her spiritual mother, Ethel Merman." --Variety
Varla appeared at The Museum several years ago in the hilarious sold-out show "The Lady Behind The Mustache." Now the love child of Ernest Borgnine and Ethel Merman returns with this new show to delight and tickle the fancies of (mature) audiences.
To get a hint of the hilarity in store, check out Varla's YouTube Channel.
Adults only. Reservations required. $30, $25 for MTH&M members. Please call (860) 280-3130 or click here.
The Trouble Begins at 5:30: Mark Twain's "Surrogate Wife"
Wednesday, May 13, 5:00 p.m. wine and hors d'oeuvres reception; 5:30 p.m. talk
Continuing our "Trouble Begins" series in the vein of Clemens' relationships with women, we explore a highly controversial one. Scholar Marie Lavendier will speak on Isabel Lyon, Clemens' secretary in his final years, after the death of his wife Livy. Lyon at one time held power of attorney for Twain and has been referred to as Mark Twain's surrogate wife - but their relationship ended in a bitter split a year before the author's death. Lyon was written out of his official biography. Marie Lavendier is a lecturer at Tunxis Community College and lives in Lyon's former home in Farmington.
The series is supported by Connecticut Explored magazine, Hot Tomato's restaurant, and The Friends of The Mark Twain House & Museum.
Suggested donation $5.00. Reservations recommended. Please call (860) 280-3130 or click here.
Celeste Bedford Walker's Theatrical Production BLACK WALL STREET
Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16 at 8:00 p.m. each evening at the Artists Collective, 1200 Albany Avenue in Hartford
Presented by the Artists Collective and The Mark Twain House & Museum, for the 2015 Jackie McLean Memorial Celebration
BLACK WALL STREET brings to life a little-known portion of American history during the early 1900s-1920s. In the heartland of America, there was a Black community paradise. In the Greenwood section of Tulsa, Oklahoma, African Americans, Native Americans, and people of Jewish descent developed a networking relationship surpassed by none in modern day history, creating more than 600 businesses.
It's June 1, 1921 -- an alleged incident involving a white female elevator operator and a Negro "shoe shine boy" ignited the simmering resentment and jealousies of neighboring white communities. In the aftermath of the worst race riot in US history, the once thriving business district of Greenwood lay smoldering and totally destroyed.
Black Wall Street is produced by an award-winning creative team featuring Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker, Producer and Director Michael Green, and Executive Producer Voza Rivers. The production comes to life with award-winning actors and creative team members. BLACK WALL STREET has received acclaim from audiences and critics alike for its successful run in New York. Generously sponsored by The Edward C. & Ann T. Roberts Foundation, The Hartford Dental Group, Northend Agents, and The Urban League of Greater Hartford.
Tickets for Black Wall Street are: $25 for advanced purchase general admission; $20 advance purchase for Artists Collective and Mark Twain House & Museum members, students, seniors and GHAC Lets Go Members; and $30 at the door for all.
Tickets are available via The Mark Twain House & Museum by calling (860) 280-3130 or by clicking here or by calling the Artists Collective at (860) 527-3205. Special Group rate tickets available. Call the Artists Collective for information.
PLUS: there are more events coming up in late May--such as "The Sound of Music Story" and "Party Like a President!" Check our website for details!