By Ivan Sanchez
Tennessee has led the nation in anti-gay laws, with book bans and drag bans proliferating throughout the state. With artists like Madonna protesting the never-ending slew of anti-LGBT laws, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) stand ready to fight back.
Mark Murphy, executive and artistic director at OZ Arts is bringinglegendary artist John Cameron Mitchell to OZ Arts for a benefit concert for the ACLU of Tennessee’s LGBTQ+ Justice initiatives. “John Cameron Mitchell is one of our most legendary queer alt-culture creators, launching to fame with the unforgettable stage musical-turned-film Hedwig and the Angry Inch. We are incredibly lucky to have a rare chance to see BOTH Tony Award-winning creators of Hedwig at OZ this weekend – co-creator Stephen Trask will join John for these special benefit concerts, and the two will sing iconic songs from their popular musical, including favorites like ‘Origin of Love’ and ‘Wig in a Box’” Mitchell says.
The benefit hopes to raise money for the ACLU due to the impact Tennessee’s laws have had on immigrant rights, racial justice and LGBT equality.” Their work is dedicated to translating the guarantees of the Bill of Rights into reality for all Tennesseans, and each of their programs promotes justice and equality for all people” said Murphy.
Murphy notes that Amber Martin, cabaret star, will also be performing with Mitchell and Trask. The show itself will be an “unforgettable night of hilarity, powerful performances, and unabashed queerness will include song selections from the iconic Hediwg and the Angry Inch as well as a fun ‘spinning wheel’ method that allows the audience to choose what some of the next songs will be. It will be a mix of Broadway classics, rock’n’roll, and even some country and pop thrown in.”
Going forward, OZ Arts will present Rennie Harris Presents: Rome & Jewels from November 9 to 11, Geoff Sobelle: Food from November 30 to December 10, and Shamel Pitts/TRIBE’s Black Hole: Trilogy & Triathlon from February 2-3, 2024.
If you are interested in checking out the show tickets are available at a patron price of $125, a standard price of $70, and a limited number of $40 tickets are available at www.ozartsnashville.org/john-cameron-mitchell.
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