Photo, YouTube
Stu Rasmussen
A new musical, Stu for Silverton, is inspired by the people of Silverton, Oregon elected Stu Rasmussen to be their mayor in 2008. That made Stu the first openly transgender mayor in America. This email just landed in my inbox saying that the production,
SEEKS TRANS & NON-BINARY PERFORMERS FOR MUSICAL’S LEAD ROLE
The production is inspired by the very real Stu Rasmussen – an entrepreneur, politician, movie theatre owner, and leader in the small rural town of Silverton, Oregon. Stu was named the nation’s first transgender mayor when elected in 2008, although Stu identifies as a “gender anarchist.”
Stu is as much methodical as bold, equal parts brave and kind, pragmatic while also maintaining fabulous, and all at once a mechanic, Rocky Horror lover, inventor, vintage shoe collector, and Oregonian. Vocally expressive and gritty – Frankenfurter meets Dolly Levi.
The musical’s book is by Peter Duchan (Dogfight, Breaking Upwards), music and lyrics by Craig Jessup who goes by Breedlove, and direction by Andrew Russell (former Artistic Director of Seattle’s Intiman Theatre).
Stu for Silverton will have two-week workshop in Newport News, Virgina this August to prepare for future regional and New York productions. The casting search is led by Benton Whitley CSA of Stewart/Whitley and the musical is produced by Diana DiMenna (Three Tall Women, The Iceman Cometh, The Great Comet of 1812).
Interested performers are encouraged to submit their info, as well as any pre-existing videos of their work they might have on hand, to stuauditions@gmail.com. There will also be by-appointment casting calls held in New York, Los Angeles, and other major cities in late June.
(I’m thinking Ginger Minj right off the top of my head. Although not trans, qualifies as non-binary maybe? Ever heard her sing…?)
