Laverne Cox is looking back at her recent performance in the musical theater of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ by putting together a slide show of behind-the-scenes photographs, expressing her admiration for the new stage family and above all, the trans characters in the play.
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Laverne Cox, the lead actor in the musical, has ended her run for the off-Broadway revival of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ and is allowing us to witness a limited but very pleasant view of the backstage. In her most recent Instagram post, the actress and activist expressed her regret for not clicking more pictures backstage, but the sentiment she exuded was nothing but thankfulness. ‘More Drowsy. Didn’t get a lot of #bts and photos. This is what I got,’ she shared. ‘I love my new Drowsy family.’ Tagged with #TransIsBeautiful, this post was a public love letter to the cast and crew of the production presented by Breaking the Binary Theatre, a company that is committed to putting transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive artists at the forefront.
The feedback from her co-workers and fans was prompt and very intimate, turning the comments section into a virtual stage door celebration. One trans actor, very much impressed by the production’s impact, wrote: ‘incredible serve, so grateful I got to see this beautiful production as a fellow trans actor!!!! it truly inspired me so so much :,).’ This comment brings to mind the huge importance of visibility and how Cox’s involvement is not only a performance but a light that illuminates other artists in the community. Moreover, it serves as a reminder that stage representation creates a plethora of possibilities that stretch far beyond the footlights.
Another commentator decided to compliment the very aspect of the actress’ performance that was most striking stylistically and thanked her for ‘bringing the style and integrity of the golden era of Hollywood.’ This comment indicates that the speaker was indeed talking about the very specific demands set by ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ a musical that is a good mix of comedy and tribute to the American jazz-age. To be awarded by the critics for being able to project that particular glamorous essence signifies both her skill and commitment to the art, as she transitions effortlessly from serious television roles to the delicate and exaggerated world of musicals.
Cohorts from backstage also came along with one of the make-up artists sharing, ‘You were wonderful Laverne!!! It was a tough job to glam you for such a great time!! HERstory was made!!’ The word “HERstory” has a strong impact in this context as it indicates the very nature of the industry being ruled by the presence of a trans actress in the lead role of a major musical revival. It was not merely a performance; it was a cultural moment, occupying the space in a theatrical tradition that has mostly overlooked the narratives and artists of the trans community.
What can be considered the representatives of the most touching replies came from those who were literally on stage with her. A fellow actor made a simple yet profound comment, ‘It was a great privilege to be on stage with you, thank you for everything.’ Such a clear and straightforward respect from a peer only serves to highlight the ambience of mutual admiration that Cox has created. It suggests that her influence extended not only to the audience but also to the ones who were having intense interactions within the company, thus making a truly ‘family’ environment as she has described it. The shared feeling legitimizes the idea of an artist who is as much loved by her closest co-workers as she is by her global following.
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Curiosity from the audience did not cease even after the performance went on and one fan asked, ‘when do you have your next musical?’ This eager waiting demonstrates that her participation in theater has been a gigantic victory, with the viewers expressing their wish for more. The transition of Laverne Cox from a groundbreaking actress in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ to a highly praised stage performer in a traditional musical is a considerable expansion of her already powerful career. By ending this phase of her life with such a public show of appreciation and receiving equally heartfelt tributes in return she has once more underlined the significance of community and the necessity of diversity in story-telling and doing it with excellence and joy. Her participation in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ was not merely an act, it was a merry manifestation of talent, identity, and the amazing families we encounter on our journey. Her recent appearance at Carnegie Hall with an all-trans cast was another historic moment. She has also been known to champion other performers, such as when she defended Britney Spears‘s infamous 2007 VMA performance. In a more playful moment, she even questioned “am I the drama?” in a post with Cardi B. Furthermore, her passion for fashion is evident, as seen when she unveiled a vintage Mugler dress for an upcoming fashion book.
