Trans Voices Cabaret, the downtown concert series featuring transgender and gender non-conforming musical theatre performers, will return to the Duplex June 23 at 6:30 PM for a special NYC Pride edition.
Conceived, directed, and produced by transgender actor Donnie Cianciotto (Southern Comfort), the series has been generating buzz since debuting at the Duplex last fall—playing to sold-out audiences at every performance.
The Pride edition of Trans Voices Cabaret, which marks the fourth concert in the series, will feature an expanded lineup of TGNC performers. The concerts blend classic show tunes, with contemporary musical theatre songs, and original music.
“Pride Week in NYC doesn’t really focus too much on the T in LGBT,” Cianciotto said in a statement. “I’m very excited to give the TGNC community and our allies a place to come together to be visible and celebrate the diversity of our community during Pride by supporting an incredible cast of TGNC entertainers.”
Among the artists announced to appear are Sandy Gooen, Kat Griffin, Em Grosland, Jordan Ho, Jacob Michael, Julian Wolfe, Salem Corwin, Kristofer Eckelhoff, Felix Graham, Jari Jones, Esco Jouley, Regina Elizabeth King, Winter Laike, Kai Pelton, Futaba Shioda, and Brin Solomon. Anessa Marie music directs.'
“Almost all of the very few TGNC roles out there wind up going to cisgender performers, which can often do a lot more harm than good,” Cianciotto continues. “We’re told a lot by casting directors and the media that they simply couldn’t find any transgender actors. I want to give TGNC people an opportunity to showcase their talents and hope casting directors, agents, and the media take notice because there are a ton of talented TGNC performers out there and we’d love the opportunity to tell our stories. We’d also love a steady paycheck.”
Cianciotto conceived 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.
Trans Voices Cabaret is also expanding its reach with a Chicago chapter, Trans Voices Cabaret CHI, set to debut July 30 at Stage 773. Visit transvoicescabaret.com for information on Chicago tickets.
Tickets ($10 in advance, $15 at the door) are available at theduplex.com. The Duplex is located at 61 Christopher Street, New York City.
