Josephine, A Burlesque Cabaret Dream Play

The Trail & District Arts Council presents international award-winning one-woman biographical musical Josephine, a burlesque cabaret dream play, at The Bailey Theatre on Monday, February 2 at 7:30 pm as part of the Performing Arts Trail series.

Critically-acclaimed off-Broadway and International touring show Josephine, a burlesque cabaret dream play returns to the West Kootenays with new content, new songs, and some stunning new costumes. A combination of cabaret, theatre and dance, Tymisha Harristells 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 Baker was born in St. Louis in 1906, and while only achieving moderate success in the United States, she became an international superstar after moving to France in the early 1920’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. 

Josephine was also a spy for the French Resistance, a civil rights activist, and the mother of 12 adopted children from 4 continents. Her success in France and Europe often gave her the opportunity to live freely without the racial oppression of her home nation, though she never stopped yearning for acceptance in America.

Josephine debuted at the 2016 San Diego Fringe Festival where it won “Outstanding Solo Performance” and “Best Show”. Josephine toured throughout North America in 2017, picking up awards and 5 star reviews at every stop, including the 2017 Fringe Encore series award for “Outstanding Production” award. For the off-Broadway run at Soho Playhouse, where it sold out performances and received high critical acclaim., Tymisha Harris was nominated for a 2018 Vivian Robinson AUDELCO Award for Outstanding Solo Performance. 

Then, in the summer of 2018, the show traveled across Canada to five festivals, and was the top selling show at every one of them, earning another dozen awards. And, in 2020, the show received rave reviews, sold out and extended its run at the Adelaide Fringe Festival (the second largest in the world), and received a coveted “Critics Circle Award”. 

Josephine “…is a perfect piece of theatre for the time we are currently in” ★★★★★ – Plays To See NYC

“In a period of profound division in the world, 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.” – Producer/Director/co-Creator Michael Marinaccio 

Tymisha Harris (aka “Tush”) has been performing professionally for over 25 years. Her early credits include assistant choreographer and backup dancing for the 90’s pop group N*SYNC, backup dancer for LFO, 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.

About the company: 

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

Additional Choreography and Direction by Sean Cheeseman (So You Think You Can Dance)

Single tickets are $30. Under 30 years is $15.

7-show pass $188 or Pick Your Own season by becoming a Patron Member for $25 and get 20% off Trail Arts Council presentations and other benefits. All tickets available online at trail-arts.com, by phone at 250-368-9669, and in person at the Bailey Box Office at 1501 Cedar Ave., Trail.

Reminder – please do not wear strong smelling perfumes or colognes to the Bailey Theatre as the building is a scent free zone. Thank you for your cooperation.

This performance celebrates Black History month and is made possible thanks to the support of our funders the BC Arts Council, BC Live Performance Network, and the Government of Canada. We also gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.