Tuesday was a great day for women artists in Boston. San Francisco bay area pianist, composer, playwright and vocalist Katie Ketchum performed her original one-woman musical, "Impressions of Mary Cassatt" to a packed house at the George Sherman Union at Boston University, presented by the Evergreen Lifelong Learning Program. The stage was shared by Onset artist Josie Thoms. The reproduction of "Two Children Playing at the Seashore" by Thoms was prominently displayed and used as an important piece in Ketchum's musical.

Ketchum's "Cassatt" is a fictionalized look at the moments leading up to the artist's escape from her home in France as the Germans were invading in WWI. Through vignettes, paintings and songs, Ketchum weaves a colorful story about Cassatt's life and works. A prominent line throughout the play is Cassatt's involvement with fellow artist Edgar Degas. An allusion is made to recent historical evidence that the two famous artists were, in fact, much more than friends. Ketchum's artful soprano voice and endearing songs greatly advance the emotional impact of the play.

Before the second act in the musical, Thoms gave a spirited lecture about her work as a painter and about the history of art. The crowd was enthralled with her informational talk and vivacious personality. Between the applause and laughter from Thoms's often riotous remarks, one audience member queried, "Do you work as a stand-up comic?" Thoms replied, "At 89, I guess I've just about done it all!"

The second of two acts was greeted with a standing ovation. The honor was shared between both artists, Katie Ketchum and Josie Thoms. Directly following the performance, it was confirmed that Ketchum will return to Boston University next summer to present her original play, "Clara Schumann ~ 19th Century Pianist." Ms. Ketchum will also appear as a featured artist in Cranberry Coast Concerts Season 7 - next summer.

For more information about upcoming presentations by Cranberry Coast Concerts, please call (508) 491-8888, or email CCC@WhipMo.com or visit: www.CranberryCoastConcerts.com