The Legend of Georgia McBride

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NOTE TO AUDIENCE: The videotaping or audio and/or visual recording of this production is a violation of United States Copyright Law and an actionable federal offense.

Thank you to our restaurant sponsor! Visit Elia, a short walk from the Lesher Center, eliarestaurants.com.

THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

New York Premiere at the MCC Theater September 9, 2015
(Robert LuPone, Bernard Telsey, & William Cantler, Artistic Directors;
Blake West, Executive Director)

“Lost and Found”
Music by Joe Tippett
Lyrics by Matthew Lopez

"PADAM PADAM"
Norbert Glanzberg / Henri Contet
© Ed. Salabert c/o Universal Music Publishing

Matt's Memo

Welcome to Flor-I-da! Pronounced like Fluoride-Ah. This is how director Elizabeth Carter refers to the fictional Florida world within THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE, our second production in Center REP’s 55th Season of plays and musicals.

Flor-I-da is a bit more quaint and forgiving than the Florida we know from today’s headlines. It’s not rife with toxic politics, hate speech, or discriminatory legislation targeting the most vulnerable in our society. But still, Flor-I-da struggles with issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community. What playwright Matthew López does so brilliantly in GEORGIA MCBRIDE is conjure a land of possibility where one can evolve and change. Flor-I-da is a place where our better selves have a fighting chance.

I believe the story of Casey discovering his destiny in drag can be understood by many. How often have you stopped, looked around, and exclaimed “How the heck did I get here?” Although specific to the LGBTQIA+ community, Casey’s haphazard and messy journey into this new world is profoundly universal.

When THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE debuted in 2014, it was unthinkable that drag artists could be so hatefully targeted, banned, and vilified. Almost a decade later, bringing Lopez’s affirming and joyous play back to the stage is an act of resilience and a testament to the inclusiveness, love, and unity the queer community truly represents.

These are the values we hold dear at Center REP, as well. We hope you find joy, laughter, and community as you visit our land of Flor-I-da, and perhaps see a little bit of your own journey reflected on the stage.

Warmest regards,

Matt M. Morrow
Artistic Director
Center REPertory Company

PS: Check out "Rexy's Glossary" to better understand what she cites when schooling Casey on Queer culture!

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

SCENIC CONSTRUCTION by Rooster Productions

Rooster Productions is a small, employee-owned scene shop located in Richmond, California. Rooster provides each of its clients with hands-on experience, dedicated service, creative & effective technical solutions to ensure complete realization of design, production and staffing needs. Rooster's team consists of experienced, multi-disciplinary project managers, scenic carpenters, welders, sculptors, scenic artists and theatre technicians. Rooster's approach to scenic construction provides innovative solutions that are budget-sensitive, spectacular, and can be delivered as envisioned. Over the years, Rooster's theatrical client roster has rapidly grown to include many companies ranging such as Des Moines Metro Opera, Center REPertory Company, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Festival Opera, Livermore Valley, and the hit productions of Opera San Jose’s Cinderella, that was just revived in 2022.

About the Playwright

Matthew López

Matthew López is an American playwright and screenwriter. His play THE INHERITANCE, directed by Stephen Daldry, is the most honored American play in a generation, sweeping the “Best Play” awards in both London and New York, including the 2021 Tony Award®, Olivier Award, Drama Desk Award, Evening Standard Award, London Critics Circle Award, Outer Critics Circle Honors, Drama League Award, and GLAAD Media Award. He is the first Latine writer to win the Tony Award® for Best Play.

In 2023, Matthew received a second Tony Award® nomination for co-writing the musical adaptation of the classic film SOME LIKE IT HOT, with Amber Ruffin.

In New York, Matthew’s work has been seen off-Broadway with THE WHIPPING MAN and THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE. Other works include SOMEWHERE, REVERBERATION, THE SENTINELS, AND ZOEY’S PERFECT WEDDING.

This summer, Matthew will be making his directorial feature debut with the LGBTQ+ romantic comedy “Red, White & Royal Blue” for Amazon Studios. In addition to directing the film, Matthew has adapted the script, based on Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel.

Matthew is also working on a reimagining of the iconic 1992 Whitney Houston box office hit, “The Bodyguard,” for Warner Bros, as well as a feature film adaptation of the novel “Leading Men” for Searchlight Pictures, which centers on Tennessee Williams and his longtime partner Frank Merlo.

In October 2020, he signed an overall television development deal with Amazon Studios.