Barbara Kahn's THE LADY WAS A GENTLEMAN Opens 2/25

TOSOS ("The Other Side of Silence") is dedicated to preserving the theatrical heritage of the LGBT community through the development of new plays by emerging artists as well as revivals of established works. Our productions honestly explore the unique LGBT experience and cultural sensibilities in a life-affirming and respectful way. TOSOS was originally formed in 1974 by playwright Doric Wilson. During its five-year existence, this first TOSOS featured new plays and revivals by playwrights from Brendan Behan and Noel Coward to Terrence McNally, Robert Patrick, Martin Sherman, and Lanford Wilson.

Reborn in 2001, the new TOSOS annually stages Off-Off-Broadway productions of new or classic LGBT-themed plays, and develops new works every year through its Chesley / Chambers Playwright and Ethyl Eichelberger Solo Show Projects.
TOSOS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

"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 was a free and educated African-American woman during the time when slavery was still legal in many states and most women lacked a formal education.

Characters:
Charlotte Cushman, A world-famous actress: Steph Van Vlack
Sallie Mercer, Her long-time assistant: Kendra Augustin
Deirdre Ryan, A not-so-famous actress: Zoe Anastassiou
Jane Partridge, A frontierswoman: Amanda Boekelheide
Marie Louise Yvette L'Amour, A Frenchie: Lisa Monde
Emma Crow, A resident of St. Louis: Reanna Armellino
Stage Directions: JessAnn Smith

Time: January 23 and 24, 1858, during a stop on Charlotte Cushman's U.S. tour.

Place: St. Louis, Missouri:
Wood's Theater, 4th & Olive Sts:
Charlotte's dressing room and the stage.

In front of the Barnum Hotel, 2nd & Walnut Sts.
The garden of the Crow Family home.


ART/NY (3rd floor)
The Bruce Mitchell Room
520 8th Avenue, Suite 319, New York, New York 10018
Map: ART/NY

Sunday February 25th - 7pm Doors open at 6:30p

Running time: approx. 2 hours with intermission
Admission is free
(limited seating, please arrive early)

Barbara Kahn's plays have been produced in the U.S., France and Germany. Theater for the New City has been the primary New York City home for her plays since 1994. The Lady Was a Gentleman premiered at Theater for the New City and was recently presented in Hollywood by Broads' Word Ensemble.

Among many awards, she was honored with the Torch of Hope Award for lifetime achievement in non-profit theatre, following past recipients Terrence McNally, John Guare, August Wilson, Horton Foote and A.R. Gurney; the joint Robert Chesley Playwriting Award/Wurlitzer Foundation Residency in Taos, NM; the James R. Quirk Award for the Performing Arts; and a 2017 Acker Award for her work in downtown theater.

With Jackie S. Freeman, she co-authored the lyrics to "Actions are the Music of the Free," music by Jennifer Giering, performed at the United Nations Tribute to Dame Nita Barrow. Barbara was named one of 2015's "100 Women we Love" by GO! Magazine. Member: The Dramatists Guild, Actors Equity Association, SAG/AFTRA, 365 Women a Year.www.barbara-kahn.com

Robert Gonzales Jr., a native Texan, is a singer (trained in musical theater, legit and opera), actor, dancer, director, choreographer and music director. He has performed Off-Broadway in Fools in Love, Tempest Tossed Fools, Kennedy's Children, I Hope They Serve Beer on Broadway by Tucker Max, and KNB-The Musical. Robert has also originated roles in eight productions written by Barbara Kahn at Theater for the New City, many of which he has collaborated with Barbara as choreographer, music director and co-director. Robert has also appeared in numerous Off-Off-Broadway, workshops, staged readings and regional productions. www.RobertGonzalesJr.co