Trans Voices Cabaret, the hit concert series featuring the talents of New York City’s transgender and non-binary arts community, continues its successful run at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre May 5 at 9:30 PM.
The concert marks the third installment in the series that began as a one-night-only event last fall, drawing sold-out crowds of industry professionals and members of the theatre community. The cabaret continued to gain momentum as more and more trans and non-binary performers expressed interest in participating, prompting Trans Voices Cabaret to become an ongoing concert series that gives a platform to an ever-changing lineup of TGNC performers.
Transgender actor and producer Donnie Cianciotto (Southern Comfort), who directs and performs in the concert, created Trans Voices Cabaret in response to the lack of performance opportunities available to many transmen, transwomen, and non-binary singers, who also find themselves overlooked during the casting process.
The series has become so influential, that a Chicago chapter will launch this summer. In addition, Cianciotto is planning a special Trans Voices Cabaret performance during New York City Pride in June.
Read: THE UNEXPECTED CHALLENGES OF MUSICAL THEATRE FOR TRANS PERFORMERS
“As we start to see more audition notices go out for trans and non-binary characters, we still often find those roles going to cisgender actors because they out-number us and we have a tendency to get lost in the room where it happens,” Cianciotto said. “At Trans Voices Cabaret, we put the focus solely on trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming performers to elevate our voices and give us an opportunity to rise up and be heard. All of those Hamilton references were completely coincidental, but also, please cast us in Hamilton.”
The May 5 concert will feature Maybe Burke, Andi Lee Carter, Donnie Cianciotto, Samy el-Noury, Sandy Gooen, Jordan Ho, Ian Fields Stewart, Kita Updike, and are joined by newcomers Christian Appel, Eamon Boylan, Lenni Eyes, Kat Griffin, Goldie Luxe, Trinity Satin Joy, and Sam Spadafore. Anessa Marie music directs.
Tickets ($10 in advance, $15 at the door) are available at theduplex.com. The Duplex is located at 61 Christopher Street, New York City.
