New Play Shows 'Untimely, Uncertain' Death of Portsmouth's Most Famous Ghost

The Portsmouth Community Theater will take on Portsmouth's most famous ghost this weekend at the Aquidneck Island Christian Academy, 321 East Main Road. 

The performers will present the world premiere of a new play, "The Ghostly Witness the 'untimely and uncertain' death of Rebecca Cornell," a dark but true story from Portsmouth’s past.

Rebecca Cornell's death is still shrouded in mystery to this day. 

Today's Valley Inn restaurant in Portsmouth stands where this unusual murder case took place — the only case in U.S. history where "spectral evidence" or ghost testimony offered at trial resulted in the conviction and hanging of the accused killer.

One cold winter night in 1673, Rebecca, 73, was found dead on her bedroom floor lying halfway in the fireplace, partially burned. Did her adult son Thomas Cornell kill her? An unusual witness accused him as such, and right up until his execution, he proclaimed his innocence. 

The play will be performed on stage at the Aquidneck Island Christian Academy, 321 East Main Road. 

Only three performances will take place this weekend. Performances will take place on Saturday at 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. 

Tickets will be available at the door. Adults $10; Senior & Military $8

This performance is not suitable for young children.