PORTSMOUTH — New Hampshire Theatre Project concludes its 2023-24 season themed “What’s Your Story?” and celebrates Pride Month with “Romeo and Her Sister,” a new work by Jillian Blevins that explores the rarely told story of Charlotte Cushman, one of the most famous American actors in the world in the mid-1800’s.
Following the Saturday performance on June 15, NHTP will host a Community Connectors conversation, “The LGBTQ+ Landscape on the Seacoast: Past Present & Future.” Facilitated by Angel Simone, the panel will feature a variety of guests and offer audience members a chance to ask questions and engage in the conversation.
Cushman was considered to be the “first American celebrity” and heralded for her brilliant performances in Shakespeare’s greatest works, particularly “breeches” roles, playing male characters like Hamlet and Romeo, opposite her sister’s performance of Juliet. What very few knew was that she was a closeted lesbian, constantly fearful of the scandal if her true story came out.
NHTP Company Artist Amy Desrosiers returns to the stage, after her acclaimed performance in Collected Stories, to bring the role of Charlotte Cushman to life for Portsmouth audiences and to help share her story.
“Romeo and Her Sister” runs June 7 to June 23 at New Hampshire Theatre Project at 959 Islington St. #3 in Portsmouth’s West End. Performances are held at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, with an additional performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20.
For tickets and information, visit www.nhtheatreproject.org/onstagenow.