Words of love between and about Jack and Charmian London will come to life at “An Intimate Affair” at Sebastiani Theatre, 476 1st Street East in Sonoma, on Thursday, Feb. 13, at 5:30-7 p.m. The event is presented by Charmian’s Circle, which raises funds to support educational programs at Jack London State Historic Park.
Charmian London herself (as portrayed by Sonoma-based writer, speaker, and performer Lynne Lancaster) will share details of the romance between the adventurous writer and his convention-flaunting wife.
The two were originally introduced by Charmian’s aunt in 1900 but Jack soon married Elizabeth “Bessie” Maddern, with whom he had two daughters. Always a spirited woman, Charmian was successful as a pianist, stenographer and writer. She traveled extensively, eventually returning to the Bay Area where she became part of Jack’s social circle. Over the next few years, Jack (still married) and Charmian began to meet secretly and fall in love. Bessie filed for divorce in 1904, and Jack and Charmian wed in 1905. They remained married until Jack’s death in 1916. After his passing, Charmian spent the rest of her life preserving his literary legacy.
“An Intimate Affair” will also include music by pianist George Mieling and fourth generation jazz vocalist Josh Little, plus wine, bubbles and Valentines Day treats.
Tickets are $50 per person and are available at https://jacklondonpark.com/events/an-intimate-affair/.
Charmian’s Circle was formed in 2016 to honor Charmian London’s legacy at Jack London State Historic Park and highlight her life and contributions before, during and after her life with husband Jack London.
The group’s first effort funded the renovation of the second floor of the House of Happy Walls Museum to make it an interactive learning center and to include Charmian’s life and accomplishments. The renovation was completed in 2018. The house was built by Charmian after Jack’s death and she lived there for many years, always intending for it to become a museum of their lives after her passing.
Today, the Circle seeks to extend Charmian’s legacy by expanding and enhancing educational programs at Jack London State Historic Park for the children of Sonoma Valley and beyond – teaching them about her life, the park, and the beauty that nature provides.
“Arm in arm, the members of Charmian’s Circle support Jack London State Historic Park and their educational programs. Every dollar earned goes directly to support programs such as the Annual Young Writers’ Contest, Nature’s Design, featuring environmental studies, and Adventures in Writing. The women in Charmian’s Circle strive to keep Charmian’s passion for life and her writing alive from generation to generation in our community, by sharing her amazing history through the House of Happy Walls,” said Charmian’s Circle Co-Chair Diana Bugg, one of the five original founders.
“We honor Charmian London’s legacy by promoting her accomplishments as a trailblazer, author and adventurer and hope that future generations see her as an inspiration,” added Co-Chair Laura Stanfield.
The Charmian’s Circle Committee is also led by Sandy Leonard, Barbara Morrison, and Elisa Stancil Levine.
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Sebastiani Theatre
476 First Street East
- Sonoma
Price: $50.00