The Triangle productions! presentation of Make Me Gorgeous!, The True Story of Kenneth "Mr. Madam" Marlowe—seen November 10–December 31, 2023, at Off-Broadway's Playhouse 46 at St. Luke's—will now play an additional three weeks at the New York venue. The production, which officially opened November 15, has added performances January 7–28.
Written and directed by Donnie (Donald "Donnie" Horn), the production stars Wade McCollum (Wicked).
Adapted from Donnie’s book Mr. Madam: The Life and Times of Kenneth/Kate Marlowe, the play tells the true story of often-overlooked LGBTQ+ trailblazer Kenneth Marlowe, a private hairdresser to the stars; the madam of a notorious gay prostitution ring in Hollywood; an author; a hustler; a female impersonator; a private in the U.S. Army; a call boy; a Christian missionary; a mortuary cosmetologist; and a newspaper columnist. And, in the final decade of their life, Marlowe lived as a woman, having transitioned to become Kate Marlowe.
“Throughout my career it’s been important to me to tell the stories of real people who have inspired me and who could inspire others. When I discovered Kenneth Marlowe, I knew I had to tell their story,” said Donnie in an earlier statement. “Kenneth/Kate Marlow has been almost-forgotten pioneer of the LGBTQ movement. Unabashed with their life, you could say that they were a trailblazer before there was a trail to be blazed. After writing his story as a book, I am now delighted to be debuting Make Me Gorgeous in New York during Transgender Awareness Week.”
The production also features scenic design by Walt Spangler, lighting
design by Jamie Roderick, sound design by Ien DeNio, and costume design by Jeffrey Hinshaw.
Visceral Entertainment is the general manager, Kasson Marroquin is the production stage manager, and Ellie Handel is the assistant stage manager.
Visit GorgeousPlay.com.