A new play exploring the life of Kate Chase, one of the most influential women in 19th-century American politics, will premiere at Bridewell Theatre from 9 January to 7 February.
Written by Thomas Klingenstein and directed by Christopher McElroen, Our American Queen charts a pivotal chapter in Kate Chase’s life as she navigates ambition, love, and societal expectations during the Civil War era.
Although largely forgotten today, Kate Chase was celebrated for her intellect and political acumen at a time when women were denied the vote. She championed her father Salmon P. Chase’s three unsuccessful presidential campaigns, which could have made her acting First Lady. The play examines her calculated but ultimately disastrous decision to marry for influence rather than love.
Wallis Currie-Wood, best known as Stevie McCord in CBS’s Madam Secretary, stars as Kate Chase. She is joined by Tom Victor (Mary & George) as John Hay, the man she sacrifices for political advantage, and Haydn Hoskins as General McClellan. Two additional cast members will be announced soon.
Director Christopher McElroen said:
“The more I learned about Kate Chase, the more I wondered how such a formidable figure could be almost forgotten. It’s a deeply human story — one of love and acceptance in a world that measures a woman’s worth by how well she reflects the men around her. And while her world belonged to the nineteenth century, the pressures she faced — to be perfect, to be admired, to survive by playing the game — feel strikingly modern. In that way, Kate’s story is as much about us as it is about her.”
Presented by Brooklyn-based arts organisation the american vicarious, Our American Queen follows the company’s acclaimed productions of Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley and Fight for America!.
Running time is 90 minutes with no interval, and the production is suitable for all ages.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
