The Christine Jorgensen Show
The World Premiere of THE CHRISTINE JORGENSEN SHOW opens at 59E59 Theaters in New York in February 2024, starring Mark Nadler and Jessie James Keitel and directed by Michael Barakiva and Zoe Adams. Book, lyrics and music by Donald Steven Olson. For tickets, visit 59e59.org
Originally called TRANSFORMATION – The Christine Jorgensen Show, Donald’s new musical is about the relationship that develops between Christine Jorgensen—the world’s first internationally recognized transgender celebrity—and MYLES BELL, the song-and-dance man who helps her develop a highly successful nightclub act in 1953. The show ends with a show—as Myles and Christine take the stage at the Copa Club in Pittsburgh to debut their new cabaret act, The Christine Jorgensen Show. With its timely story, witty songs and captivating characters, THE CHRISTINE JORGENSEN SHOW captures the spirit of 1950s American nightclub culture. An earlier version of this “play with music” was presented as a staged reading at The National Arts Club in New York in March, 2022, and at the Fresh Fruit Festival in New York in April 2023.
Listen to two songs from The Christine Jorgensen Show sung by cabaret star Mark Nadler.
Please join us for these upcoming conversations and performances. All programs are free with registration. Programs occur in Eastern Time.
Transformation: The Christine Jorgensen Show by Donald Steven Olson
Monday, March 21, 8:00 PM
In-person
Award-winning playwright Donald Steven Olson (Oscar & Walt) returns to the National Arts Club with the first staged reading of his new musical, Transformation: The Christine Jorgensen Show.
Bronx-born Jorgensen became an international sensation in 1953 when she returned from Denmark following sex reassignment surgery and launched a lifelong career as an entertainer. Renowned cabaret artist Mark Nadler co-stars as Myles Bell, the song-and-dance man who helps Jorgensen transform from an ex-GI into a glamorous performer. With its witty new songs and amazing story, Transformation recaptures the essence of American life and nightclub culture in the 1950s—and celebrates a trailblazing transgender pioneer.