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“Ms. Willis acted so
well that I felt overwhelming sympathy for Belle Starr. She definitely
presented a new side to the Western icon that I had never really thought
about before.” Student critique, Northeastern State
University 2008 |
L aurette W illis’
The REAL Belle Starr
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of the Plains” Or Misguided Miss? Belle Starr.
Bandit Queen?
Desperado? Fallen woman? Or merely the target of yellow journalism? Although
she was a companion to known thieves and felons (such as the James boys and
the Younger Gang), and stole a horse or two, Myra Maybelle Shirley (a.k.a.
Belle Starr) was neither a belle nor the star of any outlaw band, yet she
remains a legendary wild woman of the Old West. Laurette
seeks to bring down-to-earth a life that has been romanticized by many
writers and, of course, by Belle
Starr: Fact or Fiction?
In
her real-life portrayal of the “Petticoat Terror of the Plains,” Laurette
shares fact and fiction during an “interview with the Press” (your audience),
and hopes to give audiences a balanced look at the “real” Belle Starr – an
unfortunate woman hardened by her lifestyle and the company she kept. Did you know: * Belle was born * She attended * She was born to the wealthiest family in
Carthage - Her family owned the Carthage Hotel, and folks came from miles
around for her mother’s good cookin’ – served on linen tablecloths with real
silver! * Her mother was a member of the Hatfield
family (of the feuding Hatfields and McCoys!) * Belle was a Confederate spy at 15 during
the Civil War * She was an accomplished musician – and
even played the piano during revivals at the * Belle was friends with the James Gang and
Younger Brothers * She was married three times * She had two children by her first husband,
Jim Reed: Edwin and * She enjoyed reading and gardening * Belle LOVED making candy – she even shares
her special recipe for Cream Candy with the audience! * She was also an accomplished horsewoman –
unfortunately she enjoyed horses a little too much (“borrowed” them on
occasion without returning them to their rightful owners!) * Belle and her second husband Sam Starr
served time in prison in * She was actually friendly with “Hanging
Judge” Isaac Parker of * Belle Starr was murdered at 41 – to this
day no one knows who really killed her. As Belle shares her lives and loves,
faults and failings, we learn that “things aren’t always as they appear.” The
life of the outlaw is not the glamorous life the dime-store novelists would
have us think. Belle
cautions her audience (“young’uns in particular): “Don’t do what I have done.” Dear Laurette, Your Belle Starr show was a real treat for the students,
and a special ending to the weekend seminar dealing with the Old West. As one student put it, “I absolutely loved Ms. Willis’
presentation of Belle Starr. She never
missed a beat, and when she finished, she let us know that most of what she
said was actually true, except for the emotional innuendoes. I liked the fact
that ‘Hanging Judge’ Isaac Parker always held Belle in positive
regards. “Ms. Willis acted so well that I felt overwhelming sympathy
for Belle Starr. She definitely presented a new side to the Western
icon that I had never really thought about before.” I think students really enjoyed the way you framed your
portrayal of her life, by calling a press conference intended to clear up
myths and misunderstandings about who Belle Starr was. It involved the
students, as did the various songs you sang, which helped paint a vivid
picture of what Belle’s life was like in the 19th century Old
West. Chris Dr. Christopher Malone Associate Professor of English Director, MA Director, Northeastern One-Woman Shows: Laurette’s
original one-woman shows and seminars are available for matching funds from the Oklahoma
Arts Council or the Mid-America
Arts Alliance (search
under Willis) for Public non-profit groups and schools. • Introducing: Miss Emily
Dickinson • Great Women of the Oil Fields • Sister Aimee (Aimee Semple
McPherson) • Reflections: Letters
from World War II A
versatile and energetic presenter, Laurette Willis will captivate your
audience and turn a special project or gala evening program into an experience
to be remembered! For information on how to bring Laurette to your
area, please CONTACT Laurette directly. Click HERE For Descriptions of
Keynote Presentations and
Seminars Including: Fitness for His Witness
(featuring PraiseMoves™) Leadership Skills,
Drama & Storytelling Workshops Thank you for visiting! Click
here for: « HOME « BIO « Recommendations « STORE « PraiseMoves
« Keynotes/Seminars « Shows « Storytelling « PowerMoves Kids (Character Ed. &
Fitness!) « Alternative Education Residencies « “Under the Cherokee Moon” « FAQ « Fitness for His Witness « Ascential Nutrition Products « CONTACT US © 2002-2009 All rights reserved. DoveTale Productions |
Fashionable Belle
dressed in velvet, with her ever-present
pearl-handled revolver, astride her favorite
horse, Venus in 1886.
Whoa – Gene Tierney! Belle shoulda looked so good!
The REAL Belle Starr 1848 – 1889
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