Trail & District Arts Council presents “Josephine”, a one-woman biographical musical that combines cabaret, theatre, and dance to tell the story of the iconic burlesque performer Josephine Baker.
Before Ella, Tina, Billie, or Beyoncé, there was Josephine, the first African American international superstar, and one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century. Josephine Baker was born in St. Louis in 1906. She achieved only moderate success in the United States, despite starring alongside white romantic leading men in films in the 30’s. But after moving to Europe in 1924 she became an international superstar.
Off the stage Josephine was also a remarkable woman - a spy for the French Resistance in WWII, a civil rights activist, and mother to 12 adopted children. She had multiple interracial marriages and homosexual relationships and performed in men’s clothing before the term “drag” was commonly used. Her success often gave her the opportunity to live free from the racial oppression of her home nation, though she never stopped yearning for acceptance in America.
Josephine shatters stereotypes of race, gender roles and sexuality in this intimate, charming and haunting cabaret with a twist.
Learn more at the website https://josephinetheplay.com/
Recommended for audiences 19+. Some nudity.
80 minutes. No intermission.
Co-Creator, Performer, Costume Designer and Choreographer Tymisha Harris (aka “Tush”) has been performing professionally for over 20 years. Her early credits include assistant choreographer and backup dancing for the ’90s pop group N*SYNC, and a featured role in the hit movie series Bring It On. More recent endeavors include the national tour of “Rock of Ages”, a European tour with the innovative and world-renowned Pilobulus Dance Theater Company, and as a founding member and Assistant Director and Choreographer of the successful Orlando based troupe, VarieTease.
Reviews
“If there’s a truly must-see show...it’s Josephine” - Winnipeg Free Press
“She should be starring in a movie version directed by Baz Luhrmann” – RuPaul (about Tymisha Harris)
“Harris is a magnetic performer, strong singer, and high-powered dancer” Critic’s Pick -San Diego Union Tribune – 5 stars
"It’s a perfect piece of theatre for the time we are currently in" – Plays to See NYC – 5 stars
"Probably the closest to an evening with Josephine Baker as one will ever experience."- Stage Biz NYC
“A star vehicle for Harris. And she delivers.”- Orlando Sentinel
Just a few of the show’s awards
BEST OF FEST, 2016 San Diego Fringe Festival
BEST LEADING ACTRESS in a MUSICAL, 2017 Orlando Sentinel
OUTSTANDING FEMALE PERFORMANCE, 2017 Indy Fringe
BEST OF FEST, 2018 Saskatoon Fringe
BEST OF FEST, 2018 Ottawa Fringe
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE, Now Magazine 2018 Toronto Fringe
OUTSTANDING NEW PLAY/MUSICAL, Now Magazine 2018 Toronto Fringe
OVERALL PICK OF THE FRINGE, 2019 Victoria Fringe
BEST PERFORMANCE, 2019 Victoria Fringe
FAVOURITE SOLO SHOW, 2019 Victoria Fringe
GEORGIA STRAIGHT CRITIC’S CHOICE AWARD, 2019 Vancouver Fringe
With funding support from the BC Arts Council, the Government of British Columbia, and the BC Touring Council. This project is funded [in part] by the Government of Canada. / Ce projet est financé [en partie] par le gouvernement du Canada.
Individual Adult Ticket: $25
All tickets are general admission.
Tickets available online, by phone and in person. Call 250-368-9669 or drop into the Bailey Box Office at 1501 Cedar Ave., Trail.
COVID Protocols
•Anyone 12 years-old or over must have two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine to enter the venue. We will only accept the Vaccine Passport as proof of vaccination in either digital or printed format. We also require a piece of valid government photo ID to be presented, such as a B.C. driver's licence or BC Services Card, a Passport, or Photo ID issued by another province or territory. Youth aged 12-18 years-old are not required to show valid government photo ID as well as their vaccination proof.
•Exterior doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time.
•Patrons will be seated as a pod. Our ushers will assist.
•All shows are capped at 100 audience members as per BC Provincial Health Orders.
•Masks are mandatory at all times for attendees, staff and volunteers while inside the building and the performance hall.
•COVID protocols are subject to change depending on the COVID Climate and BC Provincial Health Orders.
•Not feeling well? Please stay home. Call us in advance and we will refund your ticket.