JOSEPHINE,
A burlesque cabaret dream play
Created by Tymisha Harris, Michael Marinaccio, and Tod Kimbro
Performed by Tymisha Harris
Directed and Produced by Michael Marinaccio
Book and Music Direction by Tod Kimbro
Based on the life of Josephine Baker
RATING: Adults Only (NC-17)
HOMEBASE: Orlando, FL
SHOW DESCRIPTION: JOSEPHINE, a burlesque cabaret dream play combines cabaret, theatre and dance to tell the story of the iconic Josephine Baker, the first African-American international superstar and one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century. The show is intended for adult audiences, as it contains adult content and nudity. Josephine shatters stereotypes of race, gender roles and sexuality in this intimate, charming and haunting cabaret with a twist.
Born in St. Louis in 1906, Josephine Baker achieved only moderate success in the United States, but became an international superstar after moving to France in the early 20’s. She starred alongside white romantic leading men in films in the 30’s, had multiple interracial marriages and homosexual relationships, and performed in men’s clothing before the term “drag” existed in the lexicon. Her adopted country of France gave her the opportunity to live freely without the racial oppression of her home nation, though she never stopped yearning for acceptance in America.
Producer/Director/Co-creator Michael Marinaccio notes: “In a period of profound division in America, we are excited to present the story of a woman who broke boundaries of race, gender, and sexuality in a time before America had begun coming to terms with the concept of diversity. We are thrilled to bring this story of one of the most impactful yet often overlooked figures of the 20th Century to New York City audiences for the first time.”
ABOUT THE COMPANY:
- Tymisha Harris, Co-Creator/Performer/Costume Designer. Tymisha Harris (aka “Tush”) has been performing professionally for over 20 years. Her early credits include assistant choreographer and backup dancing for the 90’s pop group N*SYNC, backup dancer for LFO, multiple roles at Universal Studios Orlando, 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 founding member and Assistant Director/Choreographer of the successful Orlando based troupe, VarieTease.
- Michael Marinaccio, Co-Creator/Director/Producer. Michael has been a successful Producer, Director, Actor and Teacher in Central Florida and beyond for over 20 years. A BFA Theatre Performance graduate of The University of Central Florida, Michael has participated directly in hundreds of theatrical productions. As a collaborator, he has helped create over 20 original theatre pieces, and has produced and directed dozens of new works. He is currently employed as the Festival Producer of Orlando Fringe.
- Tod Kimbro, Co-Creator/Playwright/Musical Director. Tod Kimbro has written over 25 plays and musicals since 1997, including My Illustrious Wasteland, which was presented Off-Broadway at the 2009 New York Musical Theatre Festival. His 2000 musical LOUD was nominated for the M Elizabeth Osborn Award, a national prize for emerging playwrights. Tod is also an accomplished pianist and singer, and has released two albums of original music.
