Series by Jen Bush

Come to Playwrights Horizons to meet a historical figure who truly weathered the storm! 

Carolyn M. Brown brings her envelope-pushing tome
about the punch heard ‘round the world!  

STORMÉ is a play with music dramatizing the true-life story of the legendary Stormé DeLarverie — a big band singer, male impersonator, and icon of the historic Stonewall Rebellion during the summer of 1969 — will be presented on October 28 followed by a panel discussion entitled No Tea, No Shade, Just Facts: A Conversation with Drag Kings and Queens of New York, with prominent members of the LGBTQ community on the following topics:

• The importance of remembering the StonewallRebellion and those involved.
• The history of drag as an art form from Renaissance until now.
• The difference between being queer, transgender, and doing drag.
• The current political climate towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Meet three members of this dynamic cast, Lex Basile Price, Andrea Cardenas and Zoe Hunter:

Lex Basile Price plays the role of Ed “Skull” Murphy

Lex Basile Price is a multi-hyphenate artist.  “I am an actor, writer, comedian, and podcaster. I started doing professional theatre in Orange County, doing national premiers of in-your-face theatre and now do a lot more musical theatre here in New York.” 

The fact that this play makes a statement is right up Lex’s alley.  “I’ve always tended towards work that challenges and provokes. I have never shied away from portraying characters that sit heavily in the gray areas or might make an audience sit in their own discomfort.” 

Each cast member recognizes the way in which this play is important.  “This play expresses how we fight the same battles over and over. And while that may on the surface seem dispiriting, it also highlights that each time we fight, we are a step ahead of the past. No matter how small or large the gains are, we must persevere and continue to push for our existence.” 

Lex is hoping that the audience gives some contemplation to what they saw.  “I hope that the audience can reflect on and apply the knowledge of our past and elders. It’s so easy to believe that our fight is new and unique and ignore the wisdom that has already been learned. By synthesizing those two views, our community is equipped to weather whatever pummels us, together, stronger.”

Next up for Lex is his regular podcast gig and a very exciting one person show.  “You can hear my voice every week on POD LEDOM: That’s TOP MODEL PODCAST Spelled Backwards, where your new favorite hosts go back to the beginning and experience this influential piece of media and laugh and cringe their way through silly inanity and complicated social issues. I am also working on my first one person show, using queer music as my guide.” 

Andrea Cárdenas plays the role of Lisa Cannistraci

Andrea Cardenas is a multi-talented artist with a really interesting original show.  The description alone is worth the price of admission.  “I am a comedian, actor, and writer. I love creating characters, making people laugh, and telling authentic and dynamic stories. A lot of my personal art centers around sexuality and spirituality, including my show “Praying for Godot,” a show about two rogue lesbian nuns who takeover a Catholic mass”. 

The fact that this play makes a statement sits well with the cast.  “I love it! Living as a queer person is political in itself, and I think the work of sharing Stormé’s story and working against the erasure of gender nonconforming people of color as it relates to queer history is very important. I love working on projects that have strong points of view, and I am excited to be part of a play that does so.” 

Andrea feels the play is important because it shines a light on a marginalized group of people.  “A lot of queer history has been whitewashed, and a lot of people of color, drag queens, and trans/gender non-conforming people who were so pivotal in Gay Liberation have been erased or pushed out of the history of the movement. This play is important because it works to educate the public about an important person in history, and to contextualize stories and events in history that are more complex and diverse than the general public has been taught.” 

We wondered if the cast felt an added sense of responsibility in portraying historical figures.  “Definitely! This is the first time I have played a historical character, let alone a character who is still alive, and I feel a responsibility to both the play and the person to tell their story in a truthful way.” 

Next up for Andrea is her original play.  Based on the above description, it sounds like a must see!  “My play “Praying for Godot” that I wrote and act in has two upcoming shows on October 18 and another in November!  You can follow me on Instagram at @hiandreacardenas for other updates!”

Zoe Hunter  is the Voice Over artist

It’s wonderful that Zoe chose this impactful project as her return to theater.  “I recently dove back into the theatrical world after taking time off to raise two children. I am primarily an Audio Book Narrator and have worked on many horror films and some theatre in NYC. I love dark, dramatic roles and anything horror related.”

            Zoe’s creative process is research based.  “I researched the facts and background of the project. Time period. Location, anything factual. Then, I write a bio for my character. What does she eat, wear, where does she like to go on vacation etc.” 

The cast is thrilled to be in a production that makes a statement.  “I am so proud of this play and its content. It is time for equal representation of the LGBTQ community to be balanced and fair in theatre and on tv and film. Also, I love that it is based on real people who were smart, and inspiring and who made a difference in the fight for racial equality and fair treatment of the LGBTQ community.”

This play is important for a myriad of reasons.  “So vital for all of the reasons above. Our country is reeling from the unequal treatment of the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. It needs healing and education, and no better way than through art and the theatre.”

Zoe is hoping the audience walks away just having seen “a true story with impact”.

Some actors feel an added sense of responsibility when dealing with historical pieces.  Zoe is leaving that to the actors.  “I move the story along as the VO artist, but the actors who are playing real people from history need to be honest and true to their story.”

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.  Zoe’s daughter followed in her footsteps.  Perhaps in the future they will find a project to work on together.  “I just started auditioning after several years off, but I have been managing my daughter’s career and she has been busy with film and tv projects, so we travel, and I have become a self-taping expert in my own right. I am ready for indie films and interesting, thought-provoking projects.”

Weather the storm and get tickets to this very important theatrical masterpiece!

STORMÉ

A Musical Play

Special Presentation in New York

at Playwrights Horizons downtown

440 Lafayette Street, New York City

across the street from The Public Theater

followed by a spirited talk-back with trans Latinx Drag King, Richard D and Uganda-born, Brooklyn-based Drag King, Uncle Freak.

October 28 @ 3:00 pm
ticket price is $10 online, $15 at the door