Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Series by Jen Bush

There’s a Stormé coming to Playwrights Horizons, but you won’t get wet, you’ll get enlightened and entertained. 

Carolyn M. Brown brings her envelope-pushing tome
about the punch heard ‘round the world!  

STORMÉ is a play with music dramatizing the true-life story of the legendary Stormé DeLarverie — a big band singer, male impersonator, and icon of the historic Stonewall Rebellion during the summer of 1969 — will be presented on October 28 followed by a panel discussion entitled No Tea, No Shade, Just Facts: A Conversation with Drag Kings and Queens of New York, with prominent members of the LGBTQ community on the following topics:

• The importance of remembering the StonewallRebellion and those involved.
• The history of drag as an art form from Renaissance until now.
• The difference between being queer, transgender, and doing drag.
• The current political climate towards the LGBTQ+ community.

Meet three members of this dynamic cast, Jaye C. Frasher, Will Bruno and Aidan Martinez.

Jaye C. Frasher portrays the character of Billy Daye

Jaye likes to take on work with substance and he recognizes that playing historical characters comes with an added sense of responsibility.  “I am an artist who picks up work that has heart and meaning. Something that pushes the envelope as well as myself.” 

Jaye’s creative process includes using music.  ”My creative process varies on the show. Most of the time a playlist or some type of songs are being played throughout…just to get me in the mindset of the character and the world of the show. 

This story makes a statement, and the cast is on board with that.  “I feel honored to be a part of it. I think this story needs to be told”. 

There are many reasons this show is important, especially now.  “This is a play that tells the story of an unsung legend that tells the story of other unsung heroes. It’s needed right because we have seen the same story about the LGBTQ life played out and now it’s time to get some real truth.” 

Jaye is hoping that seeing this play will cause the audience to enact some positive changes in their lives.  “I want the audience to take back with them standing up for what’s right and being comfortable in your own world.”    

After this project, Jaye will be pursuing further studies.  What’s next for him?  “ Grad School!” 

Will Bruno plays the role of Danny Brown

Will Bruno is a wonderful work in progress.  “I’m truthfully still discovering myself as an artist! I’m incredibly passionate about new work and new work development, continuing to hone my craft and acting technique(s), and dramaturgy but I am craving an artistic home surrounded by folks who can help me zero in on an artistic mission statement, so to speak.”

Will’s creative process entails a deep dive into the script.  “As an actor, my process starts in the script. I read the script multiple times, and on each pass, I read for different things. The first time, I’m generally looking for the arch of the narrative and how my character fits into it all and shapes it. Then, I’ll read for the biographical moments and key facts that are core principles or guiding experiences that are immutable to the soul of my character. Then, I’ll read once more to see how my character is shaped and affected by others in the day to day. Crucially, I’ll identify super objectives and objectives to distill my character’s core desires and pursuits before playing with what my character’s physical and emotional idiosyncrasies at the moment the play is happening might be. This bottom-up process of developing a character and then, paradoxically, letting all of that bookwork go and simply living in the moment when it comes time to perform is my ideal process.”

Will makes some fine statements about this play having a statement.  “I not only love that this play makes a statement, I wish this country gave artists more funding and resources that allowed for riskier, noncommercial theatre. Works like Stormé are exactly what theatre ought to be.”

This play is important for multiple reasons regardless of when the events took place in history.  It still holds relevance today.   “No matter the time it’s produced, this play’s dedication to unearthing the nuances and complexities of the Stonewall Revolution will always be important, as it is imperative to understand the genealogy of a movement and its impact. That importance crystallizes tenfold during contemporary historical moments like the one we’re in now, a moment characterized by forces seeking to obfuscate a history of people in order to criminalize and ultimately erase that group in the present. Radically railing against those forces by simply telling the truth I think is this play’s most important function.”

Will hopes that the audience will come to know the main character who is also a historical figure well.  “I hope, most of all, to convey the kind of world Stormé lived in in all of its complexity. Doing so with clarity will enable audience members to reflect on the world we’re in now and the ways in which it does and does not measure up to the radically equitable world Stormé dared to envision.”

Many artists feel that playing a historical figure comes with an added responsibility.  As an artist, Will portrays his characters with equal and diligent responsibility.  “Truthfully, I don’t feel any more responsibility portraying historical characters than I do fictitious ones. Real or not, people deserve to be dramatized with grace, tact, and precision and that’s my goal no matter what”.

Will isn’t sure what’s next but something good is bound to come along.  “Planning to keep auditioning and meeting people whose artistic goals align with mine.”

Aidan Martinez plays the role of Mikey Simmons

Aidan is a genuine artist who “sticks” to his convictions!  “I feel like I’m on a constant journey in discovering myself as an artist. I like and strive for authenticity and honesty with a sprinkle of me mixed in. I recently started selling stickers @AidansStickerStore which opened up a whole new side of my creativity.

Like his cast mate, Aidan also does a deep dive into the script.  “I love just diving into the script headfirst. While I’m reading, I start highlighting and most of the time the character just comes to me. As I go through, I take note of what the characters say about themselves, and what others say about the character. It all aids in making him who he is. The rest I get to create and that’s when I weave in situations and people in my life to make the performance more human, more me.” 

Aidan is happy to be in a production that makes a statement.  “I Love It. I wouldn’t do this time after time if I didn’t believe in it.” 

This story is not only important but it’s timely as well.  “Stormé is someone who’s story needs to be shared to show that people of the LGBTQIA+ community have been here and are amazing, complex humans who have helped shape history.”

Aidan would like the audience to take away some simple but impactful things.  “Truth, love, and a few laughs.”

Playing characters in history is a great responsibility and Aidan honors that.  “I feel more of a sense of respect is needed when becoming these characters. I’m beyond grateful to get to know them and share their story.”

Aidan will be going from the stage to the screen for his next projects.  “I’m currently filming the second season of The GO TO ( On YouTube), working on growing my Sticker Store and creating content for my socials @AidanMartinez. Come get to know me on TikTok where I share stories of my life and try to keep up with the latest trends. Social Media is no joke.”

Come see the perfect Stormé!

STORMÉ

A Musical Play

Special Presentation in New York

at Playwrights Horizons downtown

440 Lafayette Street, New York City

across the street from The Public Theater

followed by a spirited talk-back with trans Latinx Drag King, Richard D and Uganda-born, Brooklyn-based Drag King, Uncle Freak.

October 28 @ 3:00 pm
ticket price is $10 online, $15 at the door