Make Me Gorgeous! - The True Story of Kenneth "Mr. Madam" Marlowe is a play written by Donald "Donnie" Horn and produced by triangle productions!. The play is based on the life of Kenneth Marlowe, exploring the roles and experiences that led him to become one of the first public figures to transition to a woman, living as Kate Marlowe in 1975. The play is adapted from Donnie's book, US: The Life and Times of Kenneth/Kate Marlowe, which is the result of years of research and interviews.[1][2]

History

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The play, Make Me Gorgeous!, began performances Off-Broadway on November 10, 2023, at Playhouse 46 and starred Wade McCollum.[3][4] It featured 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.[5][6]

Overview

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The play offers an insightful look into the life of Kenneth Marlowe, who transitioned to Kate Marlowe in 1975. It portrays his journey and struggles, providing an eye-opener for people of all genders and sexualities.[7] The story is not only educational but also entertaining and poignant, highlighting significant aspects of LGBTQ+ history.[8][9][10]

Reception

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Make Me Gorgeous! received positive reviews from critics. Michael Musto called it "an education, an entertainment, and an eye-opener." Chris Byrne of Voice Out Loud described it as a "new, dynamic Off-Broadway hit." Other critics praised the play for its humor, emotional depth, and its contribution to LGBTQ+ history.[11][12]

Awards

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Make Me Gorgeous! has been recognized with several prestigious awards:

  • Off-Broadway Alliance Award[14]
  • Drama Desk Award[15]

References

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  1. Carlin, Dave (2023-11-12). "New play "Make Me Gorgeous!" explores life of often-overlooked figure in LGBTQ history - CBS New York". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  2. "Make Me Gorgeous! on Off-Broadway: Get Tickets Now! | Theatermania -". 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  3. "Review: An Underappreciated LGBTQ Icon Blazes to Life in Make Me Gorgeous! - TheaterMania.com". 2024-01-16. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  4. ElSawah, Gamal (2023-12-08). "'Make Me Gorgeous!' star Wade McCollum on the healing power of queer stories". New York Theatre Guide. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  5. Rabinowitz, Chloe. "MAKE ME GORGEOUS! Extended Off-Broadway Through Late March". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  6. "Make Me Gorgeous! The True Story of Kenneth "Mr. Madam" Marlowe | Theater in New York". Time Out New York. 2023-11-10. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  7. Byrne, Christopher (2024-02-09). "Drag Star Darius Rose AKA Jackie Cox takes on new role in 'Make Me Gorgeous'". gaycitynews.com. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  8. "Jackie Cox of "RuPaul's Drag Race" to star in MAKE ME GORGEOUS!". www.theatrely.com. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  9. Fallin, Ken (2023-11-19). "Ken Fallin's Broadway: Make Me Gorgeous's Wade McCollum". Times Square Chronicles. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  10. Miller, Deb (2024-02-12). "Remembering the life and times of an LGBTQ trailblazer in 'Make Me Gorgeous!' at Off-Broadway's Playhouse 46 at St. Luke's". DC Theater Arts. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  11. Byrne, Christopher (2023-11-21). "'Make Me Gorgeous' is one of the best plays of the season". gaycitynews.com. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  12. Bowling, Suzanna (2023-12-02). "Make Me Gorgeous Tells Of One Man's Authenticity". Times Square Chronicles. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  13. "Portland Playwright Donnie Horn Earns Lucille Lortel Award Nomination for "Make Me Gorgeous!"". Willamette Week. 2024-04-12. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
  14. GANS, ANDREW. "Dead Outlaw and Oh, Mary! Among Winners of 13th Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards". playbill.com. Archived from the original on 2024-05-29. Retrieved 2024-05-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  15. "Dead Outlaw and The Outsiders Top List of 2024 Drama Desk Awards Nominations - TheaterMania.com". 2024-04-29. Retrieved 2024-05-29.