Darius Rose aka Jackie Cox joins critically-acclaimed show Make Me Gorgeous!
New Yorkers have four more weeks to see the New York premiere Make Me Gorgeous!, The True Story of Kenneth “Mr. Madam” Marlowe.
The new year continues to get even more Gorgeous! Starting February 1, Darius Rose (aka Jackie Cox, a top-5 finalist from “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Season 12) steps into Mr. Marowe’s pumps for a 4 week engagement February 1 through 25. Wade McCollum, in a solo performance thailed as “the best to hit New York in many seasons” (Gay City News). continues in the role the role through January 28. before departing the production to appear on Broadway in the upcoming Water For Elephants. Presented by triangle productions!, the New York premiere of Make Me Gorgeous! is now playing Off-Broadway at Playhouse 46 At St. Luke’s (308 W. 46th Street). Make Me Gorgeous! is written and directed by Donnie, and stars Wade McCollum who also contributed additional material. For tickets and further information, visit GorgeousPlay.com.
“It’s always been important to me to share Queer art and history,” says Darius Rose. “But now, given the opportunity to make my Off-Broadway debut starring as an LGBTQ+ trailblazer like Kenneth / Kate Marlowe, it goes well beyond my wildest dreams. Marlowe was an extraordinary figure who pressed beyond the boundaries of gender long before the world at large was engaging in this conversation. This role gives me an opportunity to act, sing, dance, and bring dozens of roles to life, both in and out of a wig. I’m excited to combine my theatre background with my drag and cabaret work to bring Kenneth / Kate to life at Playhouse 46.”
Presented by triangle productions!, the limited engagement is now playing Off-Broadway at Playhouse 46 At St. Luke’s (308 W. 46th Street). Make Me Gorgeous! is written and directed by Donnie, and stars Wade McCollum (Broadway: Wicked, the upcoming Water For Elephants. West End: It Happened In Key West), who also contributed additional material. For tickets and further information, visit GorgeousPlay.com.
Described as one of mid-Century America’s gayest and most openly homosexual personalities, Marlowe took on many roles in life. Kenneth was 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; a newspaper columnist … and for the final decade of an incredibly lived life, Marlowe was a woman, having transitioned to become Kate Marlowe.
The New York premiere of Make Me Gorgeous! The True Story of Kenneth “Mr. Madam” Marlowe, is getting accolades with Gay City News proclaiming it “one of the best plays of the season” and Michael Musto declaring it “an eye opener.”
Make Me Gorgeous! is adapted from Donnie’s book, Mr. Madam: The Life and Times of Kenneth/Kate Marlowe, the culmination of years of research and interviews and establishing Donnie as one of the foremost historians to chronicle Kenneth/Kate Marlowe’s life. A new edition of the book, retitled Us, further explores the life of Kenneth/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,” says Donnie. “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 book, I am now delighted to be debuting Make Me Gorgeous in New York during Transgender Awareness Week.”
Make Me Gorgeous! features Scenic Design by Walt Spangler; Lighting Design by Jamie Roderick; Sound Design by Ien DeNio; Costume Design by Jeffrey Hinshaw; and Props by Brendan McCann. Visceral Entertainment is the General Manager. Kasson Marroquin is Production Stage Manager and Ellie Handel is Assistant Stage Manager.
Tickets, now on sale at GorgeousPlay.com, range $39-$89, with table seating available for $89. An upgraded VIP package for $129 is available at the table seating, which includes a premium table seat, 2 free drinks, and an exclusive merchandise item. Additional ticketing & processing fees may apply. For groups of 8 or more, email groups@gorgeousplay.com.
