INTERVIEW: ‘The Christine Jorgensen Show’ returns to off-Broadway
Photo: Jesse James Keitel stars in the title role of The Christine Jorgensen Show, now playing at HERE in New York City. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by The Press Room with permission.
The Christine Jorgensen Show, the hit show by Donald Steven Olson, was such a success during its 59E59 run that the production has returned to the off-Broadway scene, this time at HERE on Sixth Avenue. Performances of the show, which is directed by Michael Barakiva, continue through Sunday, Nov. 17.
The show captures an historical scene in 1953 when Jorgensen, the first transgender individual to become widely known in the United States, collaborates and befriends composer Myles Bell, according to press notes. Together, they put together a successful cabaret act, finding joy along the way as they pursue their dreams.
The play with music — not quite a musical, but more musical than a play — stars Jesse James Keitel as Jorgensen and Mark Nadler as Bell. Nadler is also responsible for music direction and co-composing with Olson.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox talked with Keitel, an actress, writer and LGBTQ+ advocate, about the return of the show and finding the joy in Jorgensen’s story. Keitel has acted in a number of high-profile projects, including David E. Kelley’s Big Sky and the reboot of Queer as Folk. One of her proudest and most historic roles is Captain Angel in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Up next is the Amazon series Obsession. Here’s what she had to say …
On the journey with The Christine Jorgensen Show …
“It’s been lovely. I’ve never gotten to revisit a project before, and it’s been nice seeing it with fresh eyes and a slightly revamped script. It’s definitely been a treat. … I think, if anything, this industry has taught me to temper my expectations, but I think that was always the goal [transferring to HERE]. It’s nice to see that it’s actually being realized.”
On finding the joy in Jorgensen’s story …
“Honestly, the world is so bleak right now, and the play feels really joyful and hopeful, especially with some of the changes that have been added from the 59E59 version. It’s wholesome. It’s charming, and it’s a unique story that you don’t really see told. … I could hear the humor on the page, and they weren’t necessarily these big uproar laugh-out-loud moments. But they were funny, and it was constant throughout the script. And I thought it was very charming.”
On working with her collaborator on stage …
“Mark is the ultimate stage talent. He can sing. He can dance. He can act. He’s a fantastic scene partner, and he also accompanies me at the end of the show, which that alone he should get accolades for. It’s been very impressive getting to work with him.”
On better understanding the history of Jorgensen’s story …
“I definitely knew some about her. She’s incredibly impactful, but I think most of what I knew was the legacy of her transition and how widely publicized it was and how the public had taken to her. That’s pretty much where my knowledge about Christine started and ended, but Donald Olson, the playwright, is so well-versed in everything Christine. It’s been a joy getting to know what he knows. She’s been a delightful character to step into through his eyes.”
On how music is utilized to tell Jorgensen’s story …
“Music is integral to the story. It’s definitely a play with music because it’s about Christine learning to sing and getting comfortable in her voice and body and making a show that in real life became incredibly successful and extended her legacy beyond just her transition and normalizing trans people in the media. … It’s been so fun. I’ve felt really respected in this entire process. My input as not just a performer, but as a person has been taken really seriously and valued. Michael, he led that charge. He built a very well-rounded room. He built an incredible crew and cast of people. He really helmed a sturdy ship.”
On the differences between the 59E59 and HERE runs …
“We were gifted with an L-shaped audience at 59E59, and it is now a bit more of a proscenium. And there are some cabaret tables for audience members to sit at as well. It’s definitely a different type of experience.”
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Christine Jorgensen Show, starring Jesse James Keitel, continues through Sunday, Nov. 17, at HERE in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
