Quote of the Day: Nellie entered the public sphere at a pivotal moment in American history, where vaudeville and newspaper’s popularity expanded to create the country’s first mass culture, and with it the modern notion of celebrity. Playwright Josef Evans on researching and writing Whoa, Nellie! The Outlaw King of the Wild Middle West, on stage at the History Theatre through June 8, 2025. 

As (in)famous as Nellie King might have been back in her day, (late 1800’s to early 1900’s), I knew nothing about her. More well-known contemporaries are Annie Oakley, Nellie Bly, Bert Williams, Aida Overton Walker, and Julian Eltinge, all of whom are represented in this musical. Nellie wore many hats – performer, detective, horse thief, scammer, and free-spirited woman who sometimes presented as a man. 

Erin Nicole Farste, Tod Petersen, Grace Hillmyer, John Jamison II, Leslie Vincent, Thomas Bevan, and Jay Owen Eisenberg in Whoa, Nellie! at the History Theatre thru 6/8/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Whoa, Nellie! is presented in the style of a vaudeville show, artfully directed by Laura Leffler. John Jamison II plays Bert, and others, and welcomes us to the show. He’s charming and charismatic, and has a lovely voice that draws us into the story of Nellie King. Em Adam Rosenberg plays the notorious Nellie King. They are absolutely fabulous in this role. Nellie is a complex character. She ran off and joined the performers when she was only 11 years old and quickly became addicted to performing, the wandering life, and laudanum. She had to scratch and claw her way through life. 

Therese Walth, Erin Nicole Farste, and Leslie Vincent in Whoa, Nellie! at the History Theatre thru 6/8/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

Leslie Vincent plays Annie Oakley, and others. She absolutely nails the part, and even has a reference to “someone should write a play about me.” Erin Nicole Farsté plays Aida Walker and others. Her vocals are also stunning. Therese Walth plays Nellie Bly and others. Nellie Bly was a famous reporter of the times. Jay Owen Eisenberg plays Julian Eltinge and others, a famous cross dresser of the times, impersonator, and overall versatile performer. Grace Hillmyer plays young Nellie and others, giving us a little more insight into the child star turned horse thief. Tod Petersen plays many roles, and Thomas Bevan plays Edward Loudon and others. This somewhat small cast play a plethora of characters that represent the times, interactions, and relationships in Nellie King’s tumultuous life.

Cast of Whoa, Nellie! at the History Theatre thru 6/8/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

The book, lyrics, and music are all created by Josef Evans. The music and lyrics weave seamlessly into the story of Nellie King. Music Direction by Amanda Weis, with Robert Elhai as orchestrator. Choreography and Associate Direction by Joey Miller. The dynamic vaudeville style stage/scenic design is by Joel Sass. C Andrew Mayer is the sound designer, and Grant E. Merges is the lighting designer. Terrific costumes that nod back to the era with a few modern touches and quick change options (like striped vests when they are in jail), designed by Bryce Turgeon. All of the elements come together to create an emotionally charged story that sets your toes tapping. It makes me think about how some things never change. Gender bending has been around since the beginning of time, especially in the theater. People present themselves in unique ways to entertain, protect themselves, or have self-expression. It seems odd to us in 2025 that a woman would be arrested for wearing pants, but Nellie was. Another line from the play that stands out to me is “I think these folks might just catch up with my particular brand of nonconformity” (as Josef Evans points out in his notes in the playbill). 

Cast of Whoa, Nellie! at the History Theatre thru 6/8/25. Photo: Rick Spaulding

The History Theatre has another hit on their hands with Whoa, Nellie! The Outlaw King of the Wild Middle West. Grab your cowboy/girl boots, a friend or two, and go see it through June 8, 2025. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Did you know about Nellie Bly? What elements of vaudeville inspire you?