Join author John Hodgson and living history performance Robert Olson as they shares their work on one of the most captivating personalities in the history of his craft, Richard Potter.
This event will also offer a guided backstage tour of Portsmouth Music Hall and a book signing with author John Hodgson.
Apart from a handful of exotic and almost completely unreliable tales surrounding his life, Richard Potter is mostly unknown today. Two hundred years ago he was the most popular entertainer in America—in fact, the first showman to win nationwide fame. His story is even more remarkable in that Richard Potter was also a black man. Working as a magician and ventriloquist, he personified for an entire generation what a popular performer was and made an invaluable contribution to establishing popular entertainment as a major part of American life.
Join author John Hodgson as he shares his work on one of the most captivating personalities in the history of his craft. Get a rare peek backstage at the dawning of the entertainment industry, the rise of American celebrity and learn of Potter’s New Hampshire connection.
A $10 registration fee is required for this event. Read More
