DROWSY — Breaking the Binary Theatre

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE in Concert

🎟️ Tickets on sale Thursday, August 21 at 11am ET 🎟️

🚨 (TOLEDO) SURPRISE! 🚨

We are opening our fourth annual Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival at Carnegie Hall!

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE in Concert
Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar

Monday, October 20, 2025 at 8pm
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall

A Benefit for Breaking the Binary Theatre, Trans Lifeline, and Black Trans Liberation

Music Supervision by Anessa Marie Scolpini
Directed by Tony Award Nominee L Morgan Lee

Featuring an all-TNB2S+ cast:
Laverne Cox is The Drowsy Chaperone
Max Mendoza Crumm is George
Joslyn DeFreece is Underling
Jack Haven is Feldzieg
Dylan Mulvaney is Kitty
Alex Newell is Janet Van De Graaf
Peppermint is Mrs. Tottendale
Chris Renfro is Aldolpho
Jonathan Van Ness is Man in Chair
Betty Who is Robert Martin
Garnet Williams is Trix
Gio Coppola and Futaba are The Gangsters
Patrick Nathan Falk, Luz, Zachary A. Myers, Wren Rivera, Nora Schell, and Charlie Steiner are The Ensemble

🎟️ Tickets on sale Thursday, August 21 at 11am ET 🎟️

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE in Concert Host Committee includes Jody Falco & Jeffrey Steinman, Jennifer Friedland, Carson Gleberman, Junkyard Dog Productions, Gina Maria Leonetti, Margie Mintz, and Claire Wilkes.

Producer: George Strus
General Manager: Evan Bernardin Productions
Press: DKC/O&M
Key Art Graphic Design: Marc Ella Roy

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. Original Broadway production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE produced by Kevin McCollum, Roy Miller, Bob Boyett, Stephanie McClelland, Barbara Freitag and Jill Furman.

**Laverne Cox**

**The Drowsy Chaperone**
Laverne Cox is a four-time Emmy-nominated actress, Emmy winning producer and a prominent equal rights advocate and public speaker.  Laverne's groundbreaking role of Sophia Burset in the critically acclaimed Netflix original series "Orange is The New Black" brought her to the attention of audiences all over the world. This role led to Laverne becoming the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a Primetime acting Emmy. 
Laverne continues to grace both the big and small screens with diverse and groundbreaking roles. She stars in the Amazon Prime Video comedy series “Clean Slate,” a Laverne Cox Production in collaboration with Norman Lear's Act III Productions and Sony Studios. Other credits include the Netflix film “Uglies,” the Emmy nominated Shonda Rhimes’ limited series 'Inventing Anna,” the critically acclaimed film “Promising Young Woman,” and Justin Simien’s film “Bad Hair.” Laverne served as host of “Live From E!” for three years and hosted “The Laverne Cox Show,” a podcast for Shondaland Audio and iHeart Radio.  Laverne won an Emmy for her works as executive producer of the eye-opening documentary “Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word” and has also produced other documentaries including "Disclosure,” “Free CeCe" and "Heightened Scrutiny".

**Max Mendoza Crumm**

**George**
Max Mendoza Crumm is a New York–based actor, singer, and writer whose work spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, television, and film. On Broadway, they originated the role of Scott in Disaster! (Nederlander Theatre) and starred as Danny Zuko in the most recent revival of Grease. Off-Broadway credits include The Connector, Emojiland, The Evolution of Mann, Hot Mess, The Fantasticks, Disaster!, and Brooklyn Crush (formerly F#%king Up Everything, NY Times Critics’ Pick). Regional work includes Something Rotten! (Sharon Playhouse), Matthew McConaughey vs. The Devil (NYMF), Beatsville (Asolo Rep), and Legendale (Human Race Theatre). On screen, Crumm’s credits include “Elsbeth”, “Emergence,” “Ray Donovan,” the cult comedy Easy A, “Killing Diaz,” among others. Creator/Host of the comedy podcast “High, Sweetie!”

**Joslyn DeFreece**

**Underling**
Joslyn DeFreece is a NYC based writer, producer, actor, and activist. This year marks her third BTB Festival! She also traveled with the BTB family to the Williamstown Theatre Festival in 2023 to workshop a BTB original production, TWITCH, by Lilliana Padilla. Joslyn starred in a production of The Enclave at Rattlestick Theater and has appeared on The Daily Show, Comedy Central, CNN, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and Family Feud. Her work can currently be seen in the comedy series Marque and Hector on Amazon Prime/Dekkoo, and on the show Strange Angel, where she plays a German trans woman who escaped the Nazis, streaming on Paramount+. Joslyn is also the subject of a new documentary, Pieces of Me, she created in collaboration with PFLAG National, currently streaming on Youtube.

**Jack Haven**

**Feldzeig**
Jack Haven is an American actor and filmmaker most recently nominated for a Gotham and Independent Spirit Award for their performance in Jane Schoenbrun’s acclaimed second feature, I Saw the TV Glow. Jack is known for playing teenage heartthrob Casey Gardner in the Netflix original series “Atypical.” They can also be seen in Gabriel Abrantes' surrealist horror film Amelia’s Children. Jack’s directorial debut October Crow premiered in official selection at the 2025 UnCanney Film Festival in Cannes, France.

**Dylan Mulvaney**

**Kitty**
Dylan Mulvaney is an actress, comedian, content creator, and New York Times bestselling author who is known for her viral series “Days of Girlhood” which has over 1 billion views across all social media platforms. Dylan was previously named Forbes’ 30 under 30, Out 100 and Attitude Magazine’s Woman of the Year for 2023. To celebrate her first year of transition, Dylan produced a live show - Day 365 - at The Rainbow Room to support The Trevor Project and raised nearly two hundred thousand for queer youth. Most recently Dylan made her West End debut in the new play We Are Not Kids Anymore, which premiered at the Savoy Theater. Next up, Dylan will be starring in her one-woman show The Least Problematic Woman in the World which will run this Fall at the Lortel Theatre. The show is adapted from her sold-out Edinburgh Fringe play, F*GHAG. In March of 2024, Dylan released her first book Paperdoll: Notes of a Late Bloomer, which debuted on The NY Times Best-Sellers list. Dylan is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and has performed in the Broadway musical Book of Mormon in the US, Canada and Mexico.

**Alex Newell**

**Janet Van de Graaf**
Alex Newell made history with their Tony Award win for the hit musical SHUCKED, which has received glowing reviews and praise with Alex's performance of the song "Independently Owned" being called a showstopper. Their performances have also granted them the Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical. Prior to this, Alex starred as the God 'Asaka' (female role) in the Broadway revival of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. This show granted Alex a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album, and the show was nominated for nine Tony Awards in 2018, won Best Revival and featured Alex's song which they performed live at the Tonys.
Alex has been named in 2023’s Variety New Power of New York List and featured in the 2023 TIME 100 Next list. The TIME's annual list consists of 100 individuals who are shaping the future of their fields and defining the next generation of leadership. Alex's piece was written by Academy Award winning actress Mary Steenburgen, and they were honored at their gala in October as well. Alex was additionally named the 2023 Breakthrough of the Year by TIME Magazine, a brand-new exciting position which is part of the annual Person of the Year. Alex can now be seen in Amazon film SIMPLE FAVOR 2 for Paul Feig.

**Peppermint**

**Mrs. Tottendale**
Peppermint rose to fame as the first out trans contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 9, finishing as runner-up. She then made history as the first trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway in Head Over Heels.
Her recent projects include roles in Netflix's Survival of the Thickest, Hulu's Fire Island, and various TV series. She has hosted and presented at the GLAAD Media Awards and co-hosts the Black Queer Town Hall podcast.
Peppermint is also an activist, serving as the ACLU's first Artist Ambassador for Trans Justice and raising funds for LGBTQ+ organizations. She has been recognized for her work with award nominations and honors, including a GLAAD Media Award nomination, a "Queeroes" award, and a spot on Out magazine's "OUT100" list.

**Chris Renfro**

**Aldolpho**
Chris Renfro is an Asian-American multi-hyphenate who most recently starred as Mary’s Teacher in the Tony Award winning play, Oh, Mary! On TV/film, they can be seen in “Queer as Folk,” “Good Trouble,” “The L Word: Generation Q,” “Tom Swift,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Reno 911!,” and the MTV original movie, Pretty Stoned.

**Jonathan Van Ness**

**Man in Chair**
Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-winning television personality, 4x New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, comedian, celebrity hairstylist, and founder of JVN Hair. They star on Netflix’s Emmy Award–winning reboot series Queer Eye, where they shine as the hair guru and self-care advocate; and they host the popular podcast Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness.

**Betty Who**

**Robert Martin**
Betty Who is a classically trained singer, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist whose soaring pop anthems and vibrant energy have made her a global fan favorite. From her viral breakout Somebody Loves You to her hit album BIG and recent singles Run! and Sweat, Betty blends powerful vocals with euphoric, genre-bending sound. Fresh off her Out of the Darkness Tour, which lit up the 2025 Pride season with a World Pride stop covered by The Washington Post, Them, and Billboard, she continues to bring authenticity to everything she does—from hosting Amazon’s The One That Got Away to her Broadway debut as Persephone in Hadestown. With bold new music and creative chapters ahead, Betty Who is entering her most electric era yet.

**Garnet Williams**

**Trix**
Garnet Williams (she/they) is a writer, actor, and singer originally from Atlanta, GA. She’s recently been seen as Nina Simone in Nina Simone: Four Women (Geva Theatre), as Pythio in Head Over Heels (Monumental Theatre Co), and in an Obie Award winning turn as a litter of kittens in Cats: The Jellicle Ball (PAC NYC). She also recently raised the roof during her solo show: Garnet with a G at Joe’s Pub 9/29. For Lucile.

**Gio Coppola**

**Gangster**
Gio Coppola (he/him) is a recent graduate of Pace University’s Musical Theater BFA (after 3 years at The University of the Arts). As a proud trans man, Gio is so grateful and honored to be a part of this production. Regional: Ensemble in Something Rotten! (Barnstormers Theater) and Elle’s Dad/Winthrop in Legally Blonde (Prescott Park). Thank you to L Morgan and everyone at BTB for making this happen for our community. Insta/Tiktok @gioo.coppola, giocoppola.com.

**Futaba**

**Gangster**
Futaba (he, his) is an actor of transgender and Asian Diaspora experience and the winner of an Obie and a Paul Robeson Award for his work bridging art and advocacy. Select Theater Credits: Feste in Twelfth Night (Folger Theatre), Gerd in A Transparent Musical (Center Theatre Group), Clown in The 39 Steps (Rep Theatre of St. Louis), Galatea in Galatea (WP Theater), NoFi in BLUSH (SoHo Rep), and the Original 20th Anniversary Cast of RENT. Film: Therapist Crush, Sideways Smile. Voice Over: Kennedy Center for Young Audiences, Spotify’s “Raise Your Voice.” heyfutaba.com / @heyfutaba

**Patrick Nathan Falk**

**Ensemble**
Patrick Nathan Falk (he/him/his) is overjoyed to be a part of BTB’s THE DROWSY CHAPERONE! Patrick is a Brooklyn-based actor who recently made his off-Broadway debut in the New Group’s NYC premiere production of The Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse. Favorite other credits include Putting It Together at Pace University and Rock of Ages at the Firehouse in MA. Pace BFA MT 2024. Patrick is deeply, profoundly grateful for the fellow transgender people in his life who have uplifted him and held him close. It is all for you. More at patrickfalk.com @patricknfalk

**Luz**

**Ensemble**
Luz (they/them) is a performer and creative who is particularly passionate about creating in community with other queer people. During a time of great personal and collective upheaval, this project feels perfectly aligned with Luz’s goals as an artist. They’re thrilled to be working with BTB again and to be joining this incredible team!

**Zachary A. Myers**

**Ensemble**
Zachary A. Myers (she/her) is thrilled to be making her Carnegie Hall debut with this fabulous production! She made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange Loop (Broadway), understudying the roles of Thought 1 and Thought 2. Her other notable credits include Cats: The Jellicle Ball (Off-Broadway), A Complicated Woman (Goodspeed Musicals), Head Over Heels (Richmond Triangle Players), and Emojiland (First National Tour). Much love to Jhonika and Stacy—her greatest champions—and special thanks to Clear Talent Group for their continued support. IG: @zacharyamyers

Wren Rivera

Ensemble

Wren Rivera (they/them) is thrilled to be part of this trans production! They’ve been lucky to be in The Heart at La Jolla, Jagged Little Pill on Broadway, play Stephanie in Teeth Off-Broadway, Jules in Between The Lines Off-Broadway, and make their television debut on Apple TV’s WeCrashed amongst other wonderful projects. They are represented by Nicolosi & Co. and Emery Entertainment. Join them: @w.t.rivera

Nora Schell

Ensemble

Nora Schell (they/them) is honored to be a part of BTB’s The Drowsy Chaperone at Carnegie Hall. Nora originated the role of Bustopher Jones in Cats: The Jellicle Ball Off-Broadway (Obie Award). Nora received Drama Desk, Drama League and Clive Barnes Award nominations for their Off-Broadway debut in Spamilton. They made their Broadway debut in Jagged Little Pill. Nora serves as a cowriter and composer for the new musical Sweet Canaan. Nora graduated from the University of Michigan with a BFA in Musical Theatre & a minor in Gender, Race and Nation.