JOSEPHINE to Return to SoHo Playhouse

at this year's Fringe International Encore Series, JOSEPHINE, a burlesque cabaret dream playwas winner of the prestigious "Production of the Year" Award, beating out 18 top international performances will get a full Off-Broadway run this January. Presented by Dynamite Lunchbox and the SoHo Playhouse (Darren Lee Cole, Artistic Director), JOSEPHINE is based on the life of Josephine Baker and created by Tymisha Harris, Michael Marinaccio, and Tod Kimbro with book and musical direction by Tod Kimbro, direction by Michael Marinaccio and stars Tymisha Harris. The show will begin January 18 and will have a limited run through February 11. Opening will be celebrated on Sunday, January 21 at 2pm at SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam Street). Tickets are $39 and can be purchased by visiting SoHoPlayhouse.com.

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. 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."

JOSEPHINE debuted at the 2016 San Diego Fringe Festival and winning the distinctions of "Outstanding Solo Performance" and"Best Show", JOSEPHINE played three sold out runs to rave reviews in hometown Orlando Florida before starting a 2017 North American tour. The first stop was the second largest Fringe Festival in North America, the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, where it was touted as the "breakout hit" of the Festival, selling out the entire run and receiving 5-star reviews from both CBC and the Winnipeg Free Press. The show then went to Indianapolis where it won "Best National Production", "Outstanding Female Performance", "Audience Choice" and "Festival Top Seller". Now, following a successful run at Soho Playhouse as part of the 2017 Fringe Encore series, Josephine has been awarded the honor of the encore series "Outstanding Production of the Year" and will be returning to Soho Playhouse for an extended run with an extended version of the show feature three new songs, all Josephine Baker originals.

JOSEPHINE

A Burlesque Cabaret Dream Play

Begins performance on Thursday, January 18; Opens Sunday, January 21 through February 11

Performances Schedule:

Thursday - Saturday at 7PM; Matinees on Saturday & Sunday at 2PM

EXCEPTION: No 2pm Show on Saturday, January 20.

Show Runs 75 minutes

The show is intended for adult audiences, as it contains adult content and nudity

Tickets are $39 and can be purchased by visiting SoHoPlayhouse.com

For more information on Josephine please visit josephinetheplay.com/

SoHo Playhouse is 15 Vandam St, New York, NY 10013