The Director and Cast
For over three decades, Hugh King has been a cornerstone of East Hampton’s cultural and educational scene. He is the director of Home Sweet Home Museum, the East Hampton Village and Town Historians, and the appointed Town Crier. King has a rich history in local theater and education, having taught at Springs School and co-founded the Springs School Young Playwrights Festival.
Joe Brondo, an East Hampton resident, has an extensive acting portfolio both in New York and the Hamptons. He has contributed to numerous artistic and technical projects in the performing and visual arts.
Amanda Jones, a native of East Hampton with deep local roots, is a trained musician and educator. She co-founded the South Fork Performing Arts and has produced and directed numerous plays and musicals.
Voice actor Martha Lee, now based in East Hampton, has a background in NYC stage and voiceover work. She brings her experience and talent to this special production.
Originally from Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Lenore Thomas has embraced life in Southampton. She has a background in real estate and a love for cooking and hosting, making her a vibrant addition to the cast.
A lifelong East Hampton resident, Barbara Strong Borsack has a long history of involvement in local theater, choral singing, and solo performances. She is passionate about sharing local history and celebrating East Hampton’s rich cultural heritage.
Date: Sunday, June 9, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: LTV Studios, Wainscott, NY
Join the Playwrights’ Theatre of East Hampton for a captivating staged concert reading of “The Lisping of a Muse” on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 4 PM. This unique event will feature readings from John Howard Payne’s most significant works, performed by Hugh King and his talented band of local, community players.
Highlights of the Show
Theatrical Works of John Howard Payne Experience two of Payne’s most important theatrical pieces:
- Brutus or the Fall of Tarquin: A historical tragedy that graced the stage for over 50 years.
- Clari, the Maid of Milan: The play that introduced the timeless song “Home, Sweet Home.”
Poems and Critiques The program will also include poems written by Payne during his youth and theatrical critiques from his newspaper, The Thespian Mirror—the first newspaper in New York City dedicated entirely to theater.
Personal Letters and Recollections Enjoy an intimate glimpse into Payne’s life through love letters exchanged with Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, and personal letters to his sister and various citizens of East Hampton. Payne’s recollections of his time with the Cherokee Nation will also be featured.
Celebrating John Howard Payne
June 9, 2024, marks the 233rd birthday of John Howard Payne. Born in East Hampton, Payne was an actor, playwright, poet, newspaper editor, publisher, critic, and U.S. consular official. His dedication to accurate period costumes and extensive scenery and costume design revolutionized theater. With over 60 theatrical pieces to his name, Payne’s works were produced in both Europe and America for nearly half a century. He is also credited with writing the lyrics to the beloved song “Home, Sweet Home.”
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