DIRECTING
** WORLD PREMIERE ROCK MUSICAL **
TRANS AM explores the most complex and personal parts of the human experience, through the lens of Lisa Stephen Friday. With stories and songs, Lisa shares her own trans journey as a means of understanding our common human desire for self-actualization and respect while calling out the absurdity of a world obsessed with other-ness. An irreverent new one-woman autobiography, TRANS AM features the music of cult-favorite NYC glam rock band Lisa Jackson & Girl Friday and is directed by Broadway’s Fred Berman.
Director Fred Berman
Set Designer / Master Carpenter Matthew J. Keenan
Lighting Designer John D. Alexander
Sound Designer / Engineer Kaitlyn E.M. Sapp
Multimedia Designer Jeremy Bennett
Video Engineer / Production Assistant Shee Shee Jin
Reviews for Trans Am
BROADWAY WORLD
Behind the scenes, there’s an additional layer of emotion: TRANS AM is directed by Lisa’s old bandmate, Fred Berman. Berman’s presence is particularly noteworthy after the audience learns about how the band broke up and lost contact for over a decade before reuniting for a performance in 2017; it also speaks to the strength of the foundations Lisa has built over her life, a strength that reverberates through the show itself.
TRANS AM is a powerful, honest portrayal of a fascinating and gifted woman, and brings a beautiful blend of storytelling and performance to the stage (and our screens). With its compelling story, sensational music, and deep emotionality, TRANS AM is a show that stays with audiences in the best way, and makes you excited to see what Lisa’s next steps will be.
MD THEATRE GUIDE
It’s a place of possibility for Friday, and allows her to explore her music, find a community, and gradually decide to transition. This period of her life makes way for some great scenes, including her introduction to Jayne County, a friend and mentor, who Friday describes as “Stevie Nicks’ punk rock sister.” Friday’s affectionate impersonation of her, combined with the clean editing of the show’s direction, courtesy of director Fred Berman (who was also the drummer in Lisa Jackson & Girl Friday), allows her to recreate County’s distinct persona.