ABOUT THE PROJECT
JENder BENDER is an original musical comedy/cabaret that explores gender and identity representation in the Golden Age of musical theater (1940s-1960s), while reimagining this classic era through a contemporary queer lens in 2026.
The show follows a young woman’s coming-of-age journey as she grows up watching Golden Age musicals such as Carousel, Oklahoma! and Camelot, and through them discovers her own identity. As a child, she finds a sense of community in the characters, and freedom and confidence in singing the songs that fill their world. As the piece reflects, “The Golden Age was in my home, and I was at home in the Golden Age.” Only later does she confront society’s gender expectations dictating who is traditionally allowed to inhabit these roles — both on and off the stage. Through humor, vulnerability, and imagination, she reclaims the music she loves on her own terms — as a queer woman, a tomboy, and a soprano. At once an homage to the Golden Age of musical theater and a contemporary critique of its conventions, the piece honors the artistry, wit, and emotional power of the original repertoire while challenging the era’s limiting gender norms through song, personal story, comedy, clown and physical theater.
By reclaiming the beloved songs and roles traditionally performed only by men, and giving new voice to the roles of the leading ladies, the audience is invited to experience a Golden Age that could have been — a Golden Age through the female gaze of the performer.
OUR JOURNEY SO FAR + NEXT STEPS
The project premiered as a one-night-only, sold-out performance in Philadelphia, in April 2026. It is being further developed as part of the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival and the 2027 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Beyond these festival presentations, we intend to present JENder BENDER at regional theater venues, cabaret venues, educational institutions, and LGBTQIA+ community events.
WHERE YOUR DONATION GOES
100% of funds raised go directly toward the artists and costs involved in bringing JENder BENDER to life. Your tax-deductible donation helps fund:
- Rehearsals and Artist compensation
- Production Expenses (costumes, props, set design, sound, lighting, and projections)
- Marketing and Publicity
- Venue and Festival Fees
- Travel and Lodging
- Future Touring Opportunities
Your support makes it possible for this meaningful work to continue growing and reaching new audiences. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Learn More: https://phillyfringe.org/events/jender-bender/