Gossip - Seacoastonline.com

For this column and the coming one, we'll take a look back at some of the big, more interesting and milestone stories that appeared in the Gossip column in 2019.

Tammi Truax named Poet Laureate

This was writer and teacher Tammi Truax's year and a long time coming.

Truax was named Portsmouth Poet Laureate in April, and she dropped "For to See the Elephant," a teen and young adult novel in verse, in May.

"Elephant" quickly hit the top position on Amazon's best-selling new and future release category, and continued to move about in the Top 5. Not bad for a first.

The writer more recently signed two book deals with Oghma Creative Media, "Betty's Family" and "President's Family" (working titles) are scheduled for a 2021 release. The fictional novels, based on real people and events, explore the life of Oney "Ona" Judge Staines, Martha Washington's former slave, who escaped to the New Hampshire Seacoast.

As for her laureate responsibilities: Truax has already launched a number of her "Poetry as a Bridge" programs and plans on still more in 2020.

"Poetry As a Bridge To New Americans" was the first project, now completed, a partnership with the New Hampshire Humanities Council and Portsmouth Adult Ed. "Poetry As A Bridge To Babies" rolled out in October. The effort donates a new book of poetry to every baby born at the Portsmouth Hospital.

On the way is "Upwards; A Bridget To History," which will focus on the suffragist centennial anniversary, and include poets from around the state. Yet another year-long effort will focus on the relationship between Portsmouth and Nichinan, Japan, its sister city since 1985.

Poetry Hoot moves to new home

The Portsmouth Poet Laureate Program (PPLP) lost its longtime Poetry Hoot home, Cafe Espresso this year. It's already established the Roundabout Diner (580 Bypass US Route 1) as its new home.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with The Roundabout Diner and think our patrons will enjoy the amenities the function room offers us," Truax said. "Dinner and drinks will be available."

With the exception of the January date, hoots will continue to be the first Wednesday of the month, 7 to 9 p.m.

Shatner Beat Night ends

In March the William Shatner Beat Night celebrated its tenth and last anniversary. Stephanie Whitehouse, the popular event's second "captain," who took over from founder Brian Sullivan, said it was just time.

"It's been a decade after all. That's a very long time for something - I think - a bit esoteric," Whitehouse said after the last event. "It's been a wild ride, and a lot of personal growth over the past five years. ... (It's) sad my time on the bridge is coming to an end."

Portsmouth Halloween Parade celebrates 25 years

This year, the Portsmouth Halloween Parade celebrated its 25th Anniversary. When it originally launched, it was a small ragtag event, bright with the creations of artists of all ages, and had maybe a few hundred people clustered about Market Square viewing the event. Today, it attracts thousands, and produces numerous fundraisers to support this major Portsmouth event.

"I know crazy!" Jonathan Day, Coven member, said in the column. "Our little baby is all grown up."

The honor of the twenty-fifth's Grand Marshal went to Knate Higgins, who has done his part in keeping Portsmouth strange for the past decade, one of PHP's core tenets.

Higgins, one of Portsmouth's more renowned drag queens, did the parade proud, dressing as numerous wicked women of horror and history at the numerous parade pre-events.

Portsmouth400 work, events begins

Portsmouth400 has worked behind closed doors for many months, and finally made its first public "appearance" with "Fashion Fusion: Mixed Era Fashions for a Modern Holiday" in November. "Fashion Fusion" was a fund and consciousness-raising occasion that featured currently relevant, vintage clothes.

The event was spearheaded by then Portsmouth400 Steering Committee member Denise Wheeler. It was a collaboration of 3S Artspace, Cotillion Bureau, the 400 group, and a whole lot of volunteers.

Portsmouth400 was organized to promote and coordinate celebrations for the city's 400th anniversary in 2023. It's likely it will have an ever-growing profile as its big celebration nears, and it continues to organize awareness and fundraising events.

"I like the idea of a fashion show to start bringing awareness to Portsmouth400 because fashion is such a tangible way to mark the passing of time," Wheeler said shortly before the event. "But I also have an ulterior motive. When I came to Portsmouth in 1991, not everyone walking downtown dressed so similarly. There was more flair and personality. Im not talking high fashion, though there was some of that. Im talking style."

The event was sold out, and there's talk of its return. "Fashion Fusion was a new event, held midweek, on a cold, wet miserable night and it sold out," Wheeler said. "Portsmouth, you dont just have the look, you have the bravado and I love you for that."

3S Artspace adds staff members

3S Artspace made some moves this year.

Knate Higgins (a.k.a. Bunny Wonderland, and founder of Seacoast Repertory Theatre's Red Light Series, now run by The Mad Men of Oospy Daisy, and "Bunny and the Fox" at 3S) was hired by the organization as its program director in March, a newly created position.

"So basically, we are taking some needs we've identified for program management and administration as well as some new strategic goals around our lobby gallery and possible arts merchandise, that he's a great fit for," Executive Director Beth Falconer said at the time of the appointment. "We had an opportunity to restructure some staff positions. We have so many new programs and presentation in the works. They need more attention and Knate's going to be a great person to give them that."

3S also brought Laurie Contrino on as a development manager, "particularly to give attention to the sponsors and members of 3S; to help grow those programs," she says.

Dive In theater production company forms

Jordan Formichelli (of Theaterography theater production company) and Marina Altschiller (of Dive In) who worked a number of projects together, officially joined forces under the Dive In umbrella. Formicelli is now Dive In's Artistic Director, Altschiller its Executive Director.

The company has produced plays in the Concord area, and on the Seacoast. The plan is to continue in both areas, and reach even further afield.

Seacoast Rep reestablishes Resident Artist Program

In January, Seacoast Repertory Theater reestablished its Resident Artist Program. Jason Faria, Andrea Lyons and Alyssa Dumas were the first given the title.

Former Interim Artistic Director Jamie Bradley was next, with Kevin Mahaney close behind.

Towle named RPAC education director

Jenry (Jennifer Henry) Towle, actress, director and theater instructor, was named Rochester Performing Arts Center's Director of Education.

Sanctuary Arts celebrates 20 years

Sanctuary Arts, founded by artist Christopher Gowell, marked its twentieth anniversary this year. The center is an art school, sculpture garden, gathering place, and home to Green Foundry, artist studios, and is a residence to a number of artists.

Shaheen one of first women in Hasty Pudding

Elle Shaheen, a Portsmouth native who grew up on Seacoast stages, was one of six women to perform with The Hasty Pudding, the first female members in the company's 171 years. Hasty Pudding is the the oldest theatrical organization in the United States.

Jeann McCartin keeps her eyes and ears open for gossip at maskmakernh@gmail.com.

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