The larger-than-life Kenneth Marlowe has been described as one of the gayest and most openly homosexual personalities of the late 50s and early 60s. He went from a 1940s/1950’s drag performer to being a madam who then went to transition into Kate a trans woman and then married a man locked up in jail. It makes perfect sense that this crazy-but-true is turned into a (flamboyant) musical comedy
The show is based on several books by Marlowe and adapted by writer/director Donnie, opens in his study one evening where we find Kenneth mad that the world has forgotten who he was. After all his other careers being a private hairdresser to the stars; the madam of a notorious gay prostitution ring in Hollywood; an author; a hustler; a female impersonator; a private in the U.S. Army; a call boy; a Christian missionary; a mortuary cosmetologist; and a newspaper columnist. And that was all before he transitioned to become Kate Marlowe.
Make Me Gorgeous!, The True Story of Kenneth "Mr. Madam"
Marlowe starring Wade McCollum is now playing Off-Broadway
at Playhouse 46, St. Luke’s (308 W.46th St
Labels: 2023, Kenneth Marlowe, Make Me Gorgeous, musical comedy, Off Broadway, Wade McCollom
