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Scholar-actor Duffy Hudson will bring audiences along as he takes an in-depth, theatrical look at the life and literary works of Edgar Allan Poe during an Oct. 2 show at the Firehouse Arts Center as part of the 2025 Ed Kinney Speaker Series. (Photo by Chuck Deckert) 
Closing out the 2025 season will be Rebecca Jimerson presenting on Nov. 20 as Bessie Smith, a popular female blues singer of the 1920s. (Photo courtesy of the Museum on Main) 
Chautauqua scholar Rebecca Jimerson plays Coretta Scott King, the American civil rights leader who stood in partnership in the movement with her husband Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., during last year’s 2024 speaker series in May. (Photo by Chuck Deckert) 
Scholar-actor Jeremy Meier portrays late Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs during last year’s “An Afternoon or Evening with Steve Jobs” event at the Firehouse Arts Center. (Photo by Chuck Deckert)
Pleasanton’s Museum on Main has revealed its lineup for the 2025 Ed Kinney Speaker Series, an annual program that brings historical figures back to life in a fun way at the Firehouse Arts Center stage starting next month.
These performances involve scholar-actors dressing up from head to toe in order to fully embody those historical figures in the Chautauqua style as they present a scripted biography of their persona and answer audience questions both in character and out of character at the end of the show.
“Chautauqua performances are a unique way for people, young and old alike, to engage with history,” said Rachel Brickell, director of education for the Museum on Main and the coordinator for the speaker series. “The performance style links acting and scholarship together to bring historical characters to life on stage.”
“One of the best parts of Chautauqua style performances is the Q&A portion following the monologue,” Brickell added in a Jan. 14 press release. “The audience is always surprised by what they learn or experience in those unscripted moments.”
The museum is entering its 16th year hosting the program — also known by its event name “An Afternoon or Evening with …” — which Brickell said has been so popular that over 3,000 people attended last year’s speaker series.
She said the museum is excited for this new year’s lineup and that it might be “one of our strongest seasons yet”.
“There will be some extremely notable historical figures with captivating and sometimes sensational stories to tell our audiences,” Brickell said. “Our lineup includes Chautauqua actors who portray acclaimed film and television stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Mae West and Lucille Ball. For those interested in grittier characters, the schedule also includes the notorious Al Capone and gutsy Calamity Jane.”
Brickell said she’s personally excited to see the portrayal of Bessie Smith, who was known as the “Empress of the Blues” during the Jazz Age.
“We expect many of these shows to sell out,” Brickell said.
The series will kick off Feb. 27 with the portrayal of World War II Gen. George S. Patton, a controversial figure who played a vital part in the war. Show times will be 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. that day — all of the performances will have similar show times.
The museum is also bringing back the virtual viewing option for all performances one week later via the BigMarker webinar platform – the Patton recording can be watched March 6.
One of Hollywood’s most iconic black-and-white movie actors, Charlie Chaplin, will be the next figure who is brought to life on March 27.
Following that will be the portrayal of Martha Cannary, better known as Calamity Jane, the western legend who could drive a team of mules, out drink any man alive and handle those classic six-shooter pistols. That April 17 performance will look at her not only as that “dime novel heroine”, but as a real living human being with dreams and aspirations.
Next up will be the depiction of Mae West, one of the most celebrated actresses in American popular culture, on May 15. Apart from being considered a Hollywood sex symbol, West was a businesswoman and writer who also single handedly saved Paramount Studios from bankruptcy with her “Diamond Lil” character.
Then in June, librarian Laura Keyes will take the stage as Mary Todd Lincoln, who served as the first lady of the United States from 1861 until the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln.
Following that will be the Aug. 7 portrayal of American actress and comedian Lucille Ball, who captured the hearts of television audiences in the 1950s with her “wacky hijinks and fearless enthusiasm”.
In September, popular Chautauqua performer Doug Mishler will return to the Firehouse to portray infamous Chicago gangster Al Capone.
Edgar Allan Poe, one of the most widely known gothic American authors and poets, will be the subject of the Oct. 2 show which will take an in-depth theatrical look at Poe’s life and literary works.
Closing out the 2025 season will be Rebecca Jimerson presenting on Nov. 20 as Bessie Smith, a popular female blues singer of the 1920s who was referred to as the “Empress of the Blues”.
Tickets are now available for museum members, and they will go on sale to the general public starting next Tuesday (Jan. 28).
For more information, including ticket prices, visit the museum website at www.museumonmain.org.
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