One Woman Shows
Shows available full length, luncheon length, or special appearance.
Florida: The First 450 Years
450 years of history come alive with two unique and beautifully costumed ladies from Florida’s past.
Elegant 16th century Spanish noblewoman, Dona Maria de Menendez, illegitimate daughter of the founder of St. Augustine tells of La Florida’s Conquistadors and their first encounters with the native people and the colony’s desperate struggle to survive.
Next to enter is sparkling Mary Lily Kenan, wife of empire builder Henry Flagler, recalls what led to Spain’s loss of La Florida after the vicious attacks upon Florida by both Pirates and the English and then recalls Florida tales of the 1800s from territory to statehood, through bloody battles and warfare, to the glittering Gilded Age of Florida’s grand hotels and what she wonders does the future hold? Both woman shares her experience, strength and hope just as she lived Florida’s fascinating history.
Elegant 16th century Spanish noblewoman, Dona Maria de Menendez, illegitimate daughter of the founder of St. Augustine tells of La Florida’s Conquistadors and their first encounters with the native people and the colony’s desperate struggle to survive.
Next to enter is sparkling Mary Lily Kenan, wife of empire builder Henry Flagler, recalls what led to Spain’s loss of La Florida after the vicious attacks upon Florida by both Pirates and the English and then recalls Florida tales of the 1800s from territory to statehood, through bloody battles and warfare, to the glittering Gilded Age of Florida’s grand hotels and what she wonders does the future hold? Both woman shares her experience, strength and hope just as she lived Florida’s fascinating history.
Dona Maria De Menendez, La Bastarda
Elegant 16th century Spanish noblewoman, Dona Maria de Menendez, illegitimate daughter Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, tells the story of her life in the tiny colony of Santa Elena as well as in the noble life she left behind in Espana. Although known as La Bastarda, she was raised within the family of her renown father, the Governor General of La Florida, the Adelantado, the founder of St. Augustine and Protector of the Holy Catholic Church.
Don Pedro Menendez had always lived a life of danger and adventure but Dona Maria had lived a life of refinement and is affronted to find herself in the colony of Santa Elena when she marries one of Menendez' conquistadors. Her pious and rigid father was absent from his family during most of his career as a successful admiral sailing the seas for his king. Maria recalls his amazing military career with reverence as she shares La Florida's history. At the point that she arrives in Santa Elena Don Pedro has sent for his wife and family to join him. His wish is to make Santa Elena the military headquarters of La Florida. She finds herself ill prepared for the difficult life of the fledgling colony with the company of terrifying native people and lowly soldados.
As time passes it becomes apparent that as hard as her father has worked, eventually he must return to Espana to raise funds for La Florida. In his absence the colony struggles mightily with the mismanagement and cruel tactics of her husband who was left in command. Eventually the anger of the native people forces the colony to flee to the San Agustin colony.
Don Pedro Menendez succumbs to a fever in Spain and was never able to return to his beloved La Florida. In a turn of fate Dona Maria, now a widow after her husband perished in prison, inherits a large portion of her father's estate. It seems she was declared legitimate when it was apparent she was the only child to produce a male heir to continue the lineage. She inherited all the family holdings in New Spain - Mexico!
I was inspired to research and write the story of Maria during St. Augustine's 450th celebration. So much was done to honor Menendez but I wanted to salute the lives of the valiant women who lived in our earliest La Florida colonies.
Don Pedro Menendez had always lived a life of danger and adventure but Dona Maria had lived a life of refinement and is affronted to find herself in the colony of Santa Elena when she marries one of Menendez' conquistadors. Her pious and rigid father was absent from his family during most of his career as a successful admiral sailing the seas for his king. Maria recalls his amazing military career with reverence as she shares La Florida's history. At the point that she arrives in Santa Elena Don Pedro has sent for his wife and family to join him. His wish is to make Santa Elena the military headquarters of La Florida. She finds herself ill prepared for the difficult life of the fledgling colony with the company of terrifying native people and lowly soldados.
As time passes it becomes apparent that as hard as her father has worked, eventually he must return to Espana to raise funds for La Florida. In his absence the colony struggles mightily with the mismanagement and cruel tactics of her husband who was left in command. Eventually the anger of the native people forces the colony to flee to the San Agustin colony.
Don Pedro Menendez succumbs to a fever in Spain and was never able to return to his beloved La Florida. In a turn of fate Dona Maria, now a widow after her husband perished in prison, inherits a large portion of her father's estate. It seems she was declared legitimate when it was apparent she was the only child to produce a male heir to continue the lineage. She inherited all the family holdings in New Spain - Mexico!
I was inspired to research and write the story of Maria during St. Augustine's 450th celebration. So much was done to honor Menendez but I wanted to salute the lives of the valiant women who lived in our earliest La Florida colonies.
The Three Mrs. Flaglers
The story of empire builder Henry Morrison Flagler comes to life in this historical drama in three acts. Henry’s tremendous drive and magnificent accomplishments during Florida’s glorious Gilded Age are seen through the eyes of his three captivating wives as each beautifully gowned lady tells of her years with the man who took the blank canvas of Florida and created a rich man’s paradise. Each woman loves Henry in her own way. The devoted but sickly Mary Harkness, mother of his children, stood with him as he founded Standard Oil. Because of Mary's chronic ill health Henry takes her to the wilds of Florida. Although Mary tragically dies of consumption Henry always yearns to return to St. Augustine to create a winter paradise for the wealthy.
Devastated, Henry seeks consolation in the arms of the frivolous and high strung Ida Alice Shourds. Soon Mr. Flagler returns with his second wife to the wilderness of Florida and begins building magnificent grand hotels as his new wife lavishly entertains. Henry builds a string of lavish hotels and a railroad line, but sadly, amidst all the gaiety of the elite social scene, mental illness begins to claim Ida Alice's sanity.
As she spirals into insanity Mr. Flagler meets a wealthy and young heiress who captivates him, Southern Belle Mary Lily Kenan. A scandalous divorce ensues. Henry's 34 year old third wife, soon weds 71 year old Henry Flagler, by this time the most powerful man in Florida. Twelve years after their marriage Mary Lily became the wealthiest widow in the world. Each unique woman shares her experience, strength and hope as Mrs. Flagler. Meet Henry Flagler as only his wives knew him.
This show can be performed in a shorter format with just one wife.
Devastated, Henry seeks consolation in the arms of the frivolous and high strung Ida Alice Shourds. Soon Mr. Flagler returns with his second wife to the wilderness of Florida and begins building magnificent grand hotels as his new wife lavishly entertains. Henry builds a string of lavish hotels and a railroad line, but sadly, amidst all the gaiety of the elite social scene, mental illness begins to claim Ida Alice's sanity.
As she spirals into insanity Mr. Flagler meets a wealthy and young heiress who captivates him, Southern Belle Mary Lily Kenan. A scandalous divorce ensues. Henry's 34 year old third wife, soon weds 71 year old Henry Flagler, by this time the most powerful man in Florida. Twelve years after their marriage Mary Lily became the wealthiest widow in the world. Each unique woman shares her experience, strength and hope as Mrs. Flagler. Meet Henry Flagler as only his wives knew him.
This show can be performed in a shorter format with just one wife.
Martha Jane's Cracker Florida
Stalwart Florida Cracker Martha Jane Pacetti tells, in her earthy style, of her early struggles living in the primitive Florida of the 1800’s. Born on the Spruce Creek, she marries at 14 to a fisherman in his forties who owned all of what is today south Daytona Beach. They were married at Dunlawrton Plantation. Her first home on the River was near the Inlet and made of driftwood. They were the first white settlers to live in that region.
She endured the Indian Wars as a child and then the Civil War separated the couple but through hard work they created a thriving business as fishing guides to the wealthy visitors from Flagler's hotels before selling land for the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse to the Federal Government. Throughout the years Martha encountered fascinating Florida pioneers from struggling working men to millionaires from the north seeking a tropical paradise and a good meal at her renown boarding house built at the Lighthouse. Martha Jane lived many adventures both tragic and amusing in rugged early Florida and she just loves to talk about it all.
She endured the Indian Wars as a child and then the Civil War separated the couple but through hard work they created a thriving business as fishing guides to the wealthy visitors from Flagler's hotels before selling land for the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse to the Federal Government. Throughout the years Martha encountered fascinating Florida pioneers from struggling working men to millionaires from the north seeking a tropical paradise and a good meal at her renown boarding house built at the Lighthouse. Martha Jane lived many adventures both tragic and amusing in rugged early Florida and she just loves to talk about it all.
Miss Louisa's Boarding House
In 1812 Louisa Fatio, just 15 years old , barely escaped the Seminole Indians when they destroyed her family's beautiful New Switzerland plantation on the St. Johns River. Frantically searching for safety throughout the wilderness of Florida the family first endures the bloody Patriots’ War only to see their new house destroyed by a hurricane. Next they sought haven in Fernandina until their home burned to the ground and invading Pirates captured the town. Fleeing once more the Fatios returned and rebuilt New Switzerland Plantation where Louisa becomes its charming hostess.
When the plantation was threatened once again by the Seminoles, Louisa flees to St. Augustine using her business skills and hospitality to create her career as an innkeeper - one of the few respectable occupations available to a woman of her standing.
Soon Miss Louisa’s lovely and famous Boarding House began to offer the best lodging and the finest table in tropical Florida. Her elite clientele enjoyed sunny days and balmy nights at her large and gracious Spanish style home.
So, gentle traveler, be aware that Miss Louisa adores nothing more than regaling her guests with tales of her adventures during Florida’s frontier years.
When the plantation was threatened once again by the Seminoles, Louisa flees to St. Augustine using her business skills and hospitality to create her career as an innkeeper - one of the few respectable occupations available to a woman of her standing.
Soon Miss Louisa’s lovely and famous Boarding House began to offer the best lodging and the finest table in tropical Florida. Her elite clientele enjoyed sunny days and balmy nights at her large and gracious Spanish style home.
So, gentle traveler, be aware that Miss Louisa adores nothing more than regaling her guests with tales of her adventures during Florida’s frontier years.
Christmas with Mrs. Flagler
The elegant Mary Lily Kenan Flagler, wife of empire builder Henry Morrison Flagler, invites you to a lighthearted Christmas performance packed with historical facts. Mary Lily sparkles in the midst of her sumptuous Christmas decor as she recounts the fascinating origins of our beloved Christmas decorations, traditions and celebrations taking us on a Christmas adventure throughout time from the first Winter Solstice celebrations, to the wild frolics of Medieval 12th Night feasts, and finally to the Florida’s glittering Victorian Christmas Celebrations at Henry Flagler's Grand Hotels.
This is a special Christmas gift just for you!
This is a special Christmas gift just for you!
Anne Bonney : Queen of the Pirates
Boisterous female pirate Anne Bonney tells the story of the infamous Irish Pirate Queen who cut a bloody swatch through the Blue Caribe. In this rollicking interactive performance with her rowdy fellow pirate Mary Reed and her true love, the notorious Pirate Captain Calico Jack Racham Anne shares fierce stories of life at sea off the coast of Florida and in the Bahamas during the Golden Age of Piracy!
As raucous Anne creates Pirate havoc on stage she shares tales of the adventures that brought her from her illegitimate birth in Ireland to become the most famous of female pirates while an audience member or two take part in the show becoming members of her crew - if they dare. Audacious Anne Bonney shares Pirate lore and history as she recalls the story of her brutal and thrilling life on a pirate ship, from pirate food to floggings to cutlass-wielding attacks... aarh!
As raucous Anne creates Pirate havoc on stage she shares tales of the adventures that brought her from her illegitimate birth in Ireland to become the most famous of female pirates while an audience member or two take part in the show becoming members of her crew - if they dare. Audacious Anne Bonney shares Pirate lore and history as she recalls the story of her brutal and thrilling life on a pirate ship, from pirate food to floggings to cutlass-wielding attacks... aarh!
Ophelia, Florida Suffragist
2020 marked our 100th anniversary of ratification of the 19th Amendment! I want to share with you my latest historical drama that honors this event.
Ophelia, Florida Suffragette
A woman's right to vote was granted 101 years ago in 1920! Because I had so many requests to write a show about a Suffragette I've named her for my grandmother and she is here with her placard demanding our right to vote! What better way to celebrate than with my one woman performance featuring a suffragette in Florida in 1920. First the audience meets Ophelia’s old school mother, then Ophelia herself and lastly her hippy granddaughter. Ophelia ponders the roles and rights of Florida women leading up to the fight for the right to vote. At first Ophelia attends the early Florida Suffragette meetings. But soon more confrontational tactics become necessary. Ophelia marches in demonstrations in front of the White House that turned violent and ended with the Suffragettes being imprisoned and assaulted. She shares their struggles and ultimate triumph.
What struggles did women face attaining the right to vote? Why did Suffragettes wear white? Why did Florida wait until 1969 to ratify suffrage for women? Find out when you celebrate with OPHELIA, FLORIDA SUFFRAGIST!
Available as a full length program, luncheon length or special appearance this is ideal for historical and political organizations, Women’s groups, galas etc.
Caty Greene and the Patriots
Caty Greene is portrayed by Dianne Jacoby, who researched and wrote this drama. Mark Jacoby portrays four of her loves through a series of historical letters.
As the Revolutionary War began, 18 year old Caty married the famous Patriot, Nathaneal Greene. Caty was not content to remain at home in the role of a traditional Colonial wife. Her defiant spirit moved her to make perilous journeys to join General Greene at his army camps. There she found herself at the heart of the War of Independence. Her free spirited life took her from elegant entertaining in the officers' mansions to the horrors of Valley Forge. But always her vivacious good spirits brought cheer to those enduring the dangers of the War.
The beauty and quick wit of Caty Greene made her beloved by the most famous and fascinating men of her time. She counted among her many admirers the charming Marquis de Lafayette, the courageous "Light-Horse Harry" Lee, and the passionate "Mad Anthony" Wayne. She became the dear friend and confidant of George Washington as they experienced the tragedy and triumph of the War.
The sudden death of her heroic husband brought new challenges to Caty. She found herself facing the heavy war debts of Gen. Greene. She turned to her many admirers for help. It was ultimately up to Caty herself who took the unprecedented action of battling her new government on the floor of Congress. With five young children to raise she demanded her right as a war widow. Caty came to realize her own strength and her own independence.
Returning in triumph to her plantation in Savannah, Caty was determined to make it a success. Her entertaining became legendary. Eli Whitney, the brilliant and eccentric inventor became her enthralled guest. It was at her plantation that Whitney invented his cotton gin. His love for her continued for the rest of their lives. Cat was finally to meet her match in the passionate arms of her children's tutor, a man much her junior. After they wed the two began life anew at Dungeness Plantation on beautiful Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia.
As the Revolutionary War began, 18 year old Caty married the famous Patriot, Nathaneal Greene. Caty was not content to remain at home in the role of a traditional Colonial wife. Her defiant spirit moved her to make perilous journeys to join General Greene at his army camps. There she found herself at the heart of the War of Independence. Her free spirited life took her from elegant entertaining in the officers' mansions to the horrors of Valley Forge. But always her vivacious good spirits brought cheer to those enduring the dangers of the War.
The beauty and quick wit of Caty Greene made her beloved by the most famous and fascinating men of her time. She counted among her many admirers the charming Marquis de Lafayette, the courageous "Light-Horse Harry" Lee, and the passionate "Mad Anthony" Wayne. She became the dear friend and confidant of George Washington as they experienced the tragedy and triumph of the War.
The sudden death of her heroic husband brought new challenges to Caty. She found herself facing the heavy war debts of Gen. Greene. She turned to her many admirers for help. It was ultimately up to Caty herself who took the unprecedented action of battling her new government on the floor of Congress. With five young children to raise she demanded her right as a war widow. Caty came to realize her own strength and her own independence.
Returning in triumph to her plantation in Savannah, Caty was determined to make it a success. Her entertaining became legendary. Eli Whitney, the brilliant and eccentric inventor became her enthralled guest. It was at her plantation that Whitney invented his cotton gin. His love for her continued for the rest of their lives. Cat was finally to meet her match in the passionate arms of her children's tutor, a man much her junior. After they wed the two began life anew at Dungeness Plantation on beautiful Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia.
TEA WITH MRS. FLAGLER
Enjoy a gracious Tea Party with the third wife of Henry Morrison Flagler! Mary Lily welcomes you to the Tea in her Victorian finery. Guests will partake in their delicious tea and delicacies as they gossip and chat as Mrs. Flager mingles. As the guests are relaxing, Mrs. Flagler regales them with stories of the origins of taking tea. She shares the elaborate rules of etiquette followed by high society. But, never fear, Mary Lily finds some of them downright silly! Mary Lily can't help but talk about her romance with Florida’s Empire builder, Henry Morrison Flagler. They enjoyed a flamboyant Gilded Age life together as Henry builds his railway and Grand Hotels throughout Florida. Mrs. Flagler loves to chat so she will happily share with you the gossip and secret of Henry’s first two unfortunate marriages! Mary Lily will regale you with how she stole Henry’s heart and ultimately became the wealthiest widow in the world!
AN AFTERNOON or EVENING WITH MRS. FLAGLER
Meet Henry Flagler as only his wife knew him! The story of empire builder Henry Morrison Flagler comes alive as his sparkling wife, Mary Lily, shares the story of her flamboyant life with the famed founder of Standard Oil. As a young and wealthy heiress, Mary Lily captivates Henry just as his second wife, Ida Alice, spirals into insanity. But soon vivacious Mary Lily lifts Henry’s spirit. After a ten year courtship and a scandalous divorce, 71 year old Henry marries 34 year old Mary Lily. Mary Lily enjoyed the glorious Gilded Age with her husband who opened th elush, tropical possibilities of Florida as a getaway destination for the wealthy.
Mary Lily proudly recalls Henry’s amazing business triumphs and and she shares his private life as well! She tells of his humble origins, his drive to improve himself, and she tells of is two unfortunate marriages; first married to sweet Mary Harkness: She bore him three children as Henry builds his first fortune. But, sadly, Mary succumbs to the consumption in their 5th Ave. mansion. Devastated, Henry seeks consultation in the arms of Mary’s nurse, the high strung Ida Alice. She soon becomes his second wife and hostess at their lavish entertainments in Henry’s glorious Grand Hotels! But soon mental illness claims Ida Alice and she will spend the rest of her life in a sanatorium for the insane.
But, Mary Lily remained by Henry’s side as he continued to build his Grand Hotels and his railway. When Henry passed, Mary Lily became the wealthiest woman in the world!
Now, Mary Lily shares it all! The secrets, the gossip and the grand accomplishments of Henry Morrison Flagler!
Mary Lily proudly recalls Henry’s amazing business triumphs and and she shares his private life as well! She tells of his humble origins, his drive to improve himself, and she tells of is two unfortunate marriages; first married to sweet Mary Harkness: She bore him three children as Henry builds his first fortune. But, sadly, Mary succumbs to the consumption in their 5th Ave. mansion. Devastated, Henry seeks consultation in the arms of Mary’s nurse, the high strung Ida Alice. She soon becomes his second wife and hostess at their lavish entertainments in Henry’s glorious Grand Hotels! But soon mental illness claims Ida Alice and she will spend the rest of her life in a sanatorium for the insane.
But, Mary Lily remained by Henry’s side as he continued to build his Grand Hotels and his railway. When Henry passed, Mary Lily became the wealthiest woman in the world!
Now, Mary Lily shares it all! The secrets, the gossip and the grand accomplishments of Henry Morrison Flagler!
MRS. DEWITT CLINTON ON THE ERIE CANAL
Her husband fought to design the Canal and she celebrated with him on the opening journey
O, CANADA!
The founding of Canada and its early struggles
IROQUOIS BRIDE
To save this English girl from sure death, she is captured by Iroquois and grows to love her new people
GHOSTS OF THE COASTS
Spirits come alive!
AN ARTIST'S TOOLS THROUGH THE AGES
Demonstration of the early tools of visual artists and how they were created