More Theater Monday - The Christine Jorgensen Show

We were given complimentary tickets to The Christine Jorgensen Show. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: The Christine Jorgensen Show

Where: 59E59 Theatres

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York, NY

Who: Ages 16 and Up

When: Through March 3, 2024

Christine Jorgensen was one of the first transgender celebrities. She was one of the first people to have what was then called sex change surgery and is now called gender reassignment surgery. At first, she wanted to keep her surgery private and live a quiet unassuming life. However. when word leaked out, it became impossible for her to make a living except in the public eye so she transitioned into a performer. The show is the story of that transition and of the man who helped her make it, Myles Bell, a former song-and-dance man himself.

Jesse James Keitel shines in the title role in a performance that is equal parts plucky and poignant. The character's struggle to live life on her own terms in a world that doesn't want her to makes the show extremely relatable and timely. Mark Nadler is affecting as well in the role of the washed-up song and dance man who clearly is not ready to hang up his dancing shoes no matter what nature is telling him. The opportunity to see him show off his delightful tap skills is a highlight of the show as is Keitel's journey from an untalented novice to a seasoned performer in the role of Christine. The two have a nice chemistry, and the gradual development of their friendship is heartwarming. The show has some nice original songs as well which were in reality co-written by Bell (along with Donald Steven Olsen) and are charmingly sung by Keitel. All in all, the show is quite moving and pleasant.

For more about The Christine Jorgensen Show or to purchase tickets, visit 59e59.org/shows/show-detail/the-christine-jorgensen-show.

Tune in tomorrow for Tips for Tuesday.

Photo credits:

All The Christine Jorgensen Show production photos by Joan Marcus

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us here, and we will look into the matter.