I was invited to participate in a fall fundraising show for Pride Films and Plays. To make a short speech talking about a PFP project I'm involved with, and to introduce the popular singer Honey West. My expectations were very modest, mostly to sit in the cramped dressing room for nearly all the show and then pop on for my little bit, and sit backstage some more. The outcome was entirely different. Executive producer David Zak introduced me to several persons, including the legendary Alexandra Billings. He had me sit right next to her, in the front row, from where I watched the entire performance. In fact I sat with two other transgender iconic entertainers, Honey West and Chili Pepper. There were excerpts of other Pride Films and Plays shows, some musical songs, and very entertaining fashion parades featuring the exquisite designs of longtime PFP designer. Alexandra opened and closed the evenings with her cabaret style humor and singing, marvelous numbers that were almost shocking in their intensity, courage and honesty. Thankfully a PFP member recorded the final songs and I added a few captions to be sure Alex's lovely words didn't get lost. These clips are embedded below. My own modest speech went very well. Moved by the moment, I spoke with a conviction and feeling that surprised even myself about my upcoming project for Pride Films and Plays, about the debt I owed the legendary transgender performers in the house tonight, and then I introduced Honey. My reception was very positive, and after many in the audience mentioned how they were moved, and eager to see my work later in the season. It was definitely a Cinderella evening in virtually every way, one that was a milestone, a true turning point.
My journey back to the stage in 2015 has proven to be a rather gradual one. After two staged readings and some auditions, I landed an understudy assignment. Backing up three female roles, varied characters of different ages. Often the arduous task learning lines and stage business with little chance of actually performing is a major chore, a drag. But this has been different. Very different. First, the company is The Gift Theatre, a collection of highly talented persons under the artistic direction of Michael Patrick Thornton. Having a core ensemble, many of whom have acted together for over 10 years, their work is innovative and challenging. Watching them rehearse has been a learning experience. And they're a friendly bunch that has welcomed me with open arms. Then, there's the play. Its the first major stage work by David Rabe in 30 years, author of acclaimed Broadway shows in the 1970s, during my college days, and later the memorable "HurlyBurly", so I've been a fan for decades. I was drawn to "Good for Otto" for its characters and wonderful dialogue, but also because of its subject. I've battled much of my life with depression, and especially during transition life became a tremendous struggle. This play concerns itself with patients, caregivers and other players involved in the battle against mental illness -- and just as importantly, their struggle with a society that stigmatizes those who are and makes it difficult to find resources for treatment. This is a compelling, necessary and moving work. Its also funny, compassionate, and very entertaining. So I attended many more rehearsals than is typical for an understudy, wanting to observe and learn. I'd not been in a full theatrical production since directing a show back in 2005, and have enjoyed being part of a creative project once more. On my own, I've not just been learning the lines, but preparing each role with enough care to both duplicate the actor's work and make it my own as well. An invaluable professional experience.
With such a challenging subject, and running at a hefty 3 hours, I was unsure what the critical reception would be. Thankfully it has been overwhelmingly positive. Review links and a few production photos are referenced below. Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune The Chicago Reader My next project will be another staged reading, this time at Victory Gardens Theatre. The inaugural performance of "The Chicago Inclusion Project" dedicated to helping our stages look more like the real world, encouraging theatres to use people of all colors, gender identities and physical abilities.
I've served as the group's media manager, editing several small videos and creating "memes" expressing our mission. This first performance I play "society woman". Hope to see you there! Standing Underneath Night and Day This weekend I found myself back onstage for the first time in nearly 10 years. The project was a staged reading for About Face Theatre, a work in progress by Kelli Simpkins, co-creator of the famous Laramie Project and other works. There were two performances, Saturday night and a Sunday matinee. I read five roles, three transgender and two female, all based on actual LGBT folk in our Chicago community. Its been a great deal of fun rehearsing over the week and meeting so many talented people. And discovering for the first time what my female thing is like up there on stage. It feels great. Here are a few shots: |