About the Show
Olivia Buckner
Based on actual events, The Reigning Belle of the Bluegrass Region is the story of a Kentucky aristocrat, Olivia Buckner, who defied convention to marry a Japanese seminary student, Yutaka Minakuchi, in 1903 in Kentucky. The play’s title — taken from a newspaper article written about her at the time–is meant to be ironic, as Olivia was the antithesis of a typical “reigning “belle.” Upon hearing of their engagement, the men in Olivia’s family held a meeting to discuss killing Yutaka to prevent the marriage. One cousin, Woodford Buckner, is said to have opposed the idea of murdering the young Japanese man, and Rose is forever grateful to that lone cousin for her very existence. The couple fled Kentucky, but racism followed as they traveled the east coast where Yutaka lectured on the Chautauqua Circuit. Racial prejudice and financial pressures were part of life as they made a family with their half-Japanese son (Rose’s father.) Despite the challenges, Olivia embraced life with courage, humor, resilience, and love.
When Rose premiered an earlier version of the play in 2005 in Chicago, she intended to re-write the ending and to perform the new version within a year. Instead, she spent 17 years doing research and writing and rewriting. Many times Rose lamented that the process was taking so long its themes might no longer be relevant by the time she finished. Rose needn’t have worried. Sadly, the themes of racism as well as limiting perceptions of women have never been more alive than in 2023.
The one-woman show runs just under 90 minutes and is followed by a Q & A. Audiences in Illinois and Kentucky have been overwhelmingly positive about Reigning Belle. Terri Onorato wrote, “I absolutely loved this play! I was drawn in from the very beginning. It’s engaging, creative, entertaining, and beautifully brought to life by Rose.” Vasilios Koulis said, “I thoroughly enjoyed Rose’s show, The Reigning Belle of the Bluegrass Region. She is a superb actress.” Rose is actively seeking a producer for a full-scale production. If you or someone you know is interested, please reach out to her through the contact tab.
Watch a video with clips from the show.
Press for Reigning Belle
Actress honors grandmother who ‘defied social convention’ with Central Kentucky performances.
A 120-year-old KY love scandal is brought to the stage.