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

Based on astonishing the life of the immortal Josephine Baker

  “Tymisha Harris’ performance is a tour de force. Not only can this gal sing, her burlesque numbers are captivating and her dalliances with audience participation are perfection. When she belted out Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are A-Changin’, I cried.” ★★★★★, Staff Pick –CBC 

“The show, a look at the dramatically unconventional life of 20th-century entertainer Josephine Baker, is a star vehicle for Harris, and she delivers.”-Orlando Sentinel

Probably the closest to an evening with Josephine Baker as one will ever experience.” –Stagebiz NYC

“It’s is a perfect piece of theatre for the time we are currently in” ★★★★★ Plays To See NYC

Harris work with Varietease and Universal established her as one of Orlando’s best singer/dancers, but under Marinaccio’s direction she gets to demonstrate her considerable acting chops as well, digging deep into the sadness beneath Baker’s sunny showbiz exterior.” –Orlando Weekly

“Harris is a magnetic performer, strong singer, and high-powered dancer” Critic’s Pick -San Diego Union Tribune

JOSEPHINE, a burlesque cabaret dream play combines cabaret, theatre and dance to tell the story of the iconic Josephine Baker, the first African-American international superstar and one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th Century. The show is intended for adult audiences, as it contains adult content and nudity. Josephine shatters stereotypes of race, gender roles and sexuality in this intimate, charming and haunting cabaret with a twist.

Born in St. Louis in 1906, Josephine Baker achieved only moderate success in the United States, but became an international superstar after moving to France in the early 20’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. Her adopted country of France gave her the opportunity to live freely without the racial oppression of her home nation, though she never stopped yearning for acceptance in America.

 

Meet the Team

Tymisha Harris

Co-Creator/Performer/Costume Designer/Choreographer. Tymisha Harris (aka “Tush”) has been performing professionally for over 20 years. Her early credits include assistant choreographer and backup dancing for the 90’s pop group N*SYNC, backup dancer for LFO, multiple roles at Universal Studios Orlando, 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.

Michael Marinaccio

Co-Creator/Director/Producer. Michael has been a successful Producer, Director, Actor and Teacher in Central Florida and beyond for over 20 years. A BFA Theatre Performance graduate of The University of Central Florida, Michael has participated directly in hundreds of theatrical productions. As a collaborator, he has helped create over 20 original theatre pieces, and has produced and directed dozens of new works. He is currently employed as the Festival Producer of Orlando Fringe. 

Tod Kimbro

 

Co-Creator/Playwright/Musical Director. Tod Kimbro has written over 25 plays and musicals since 1997, including My Illustrious Wasteland, which was presented Off-Broadway at the 2009 New York Musical Theatre Festival. His 2000 musical LOUD was nominated for the M Elizabeth Osborn Award, a national prize for emerging playwrights. Tod is also an accomplished pianist and singer, and has released two albums of original music.

For booking information

email Producer Michael Marinaccio at dynamitelunchbox@gmail.com