After a sold-out run at the East to Edinburgh Festival at 59E59 Theaters, The Splinter Group, Highbrow Entertainment, Sterling Bridge Productions and Sandra Garner, will present the commercial off-Broadway transfer of Christine Jorgensen Reveals, conceived and performed by Bradford Louryk and directed by Josh Hecht. Performances will begin on Thursday, December 29th at Dodger Stages Theater 5 (340 West 50th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues).
"My only answer is that I am more of a woman than a man." George Jorgensen always knew he was different. In 1952, he traveled from New York to Denmark to undergo a sex change operation. When he returned as Christine, she was the subject of curiosity and controversy, and became the most famous woman in America.
"In Christine Jorgensen Reveals, Bradford Louryk brings his lipsynched recreation of America's first famous transsexual's only recorded interview to life. The result is a disarming and enlightening new play about personhood and the nature of humanity in which Ms. Jorgensen – displaying extraordinary intellect, charisma, poise, and grace – speaks candidly about her sensational life," according to press notes.
This production utilizes the original recording, which has been digitally remastered and enhanced, and features costumes designed by 2005 Ecco Domani-winning fashion designer Mary Ping, with wigs designed by Jason P. Hayes. Christine Jorgensen Reveals will also have scenic design by Wilson Chin; lighting design by Josh Bradford; sound design by Rob Kaplowitz; video/projection design by Kevin Frech and properties designed by Jung Griffin. Makeup will be provided by MAC Cosmetics.
Louryk's New York credits include Klytaemnestra's Unmentionables at HERE, Clay McLeod Chapman's redbird and Rob Grace's The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark at The Culture Project for Studio 42, the American Premiere of First You're Born at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater at Playwrights Horizons, Jewish Mothers (also by Clay McLeod Chapman) for the Culture Project's Women Center Stage Festival, New Georges' ManFest, in which he performed his Elektra and, most recently, Christine Jorgensen Reveals at 59E59 Theaters in July and at The Assembly Rooms at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. With director Josh Hecht, performer Jack Ferver and writers Mike Albo, David Grimm, Lisa Kron, Bryony Lavery, Wendy MacLeod, Theresa Rebeck and Kate Robin, he is currently developing Version Mary, his latest performance piece. Performances of Christine Jorgensen Reveals will be Thursday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM at Dodger Stages, Stage 5 (340 West 50th Street). Tickets are $25 to $40. Student Rush Tickets will be available for $20 (cash only, day of performance, subject to availability). ($1 Restoration charge additional). Dodger Stages, Stage 5 is located at 340 West 50th Street, just west of Eighth Avenue. Tickets may be ordered online at www.telecharge.com or by phone at 212/239-6200.