SPEED QUEEN uncovers deep truths about the moments that define us, the women who shape us, and the ache of love that can last a lifetime.
SPEED QUEEN: The Joe Carstairs Story is an ambitious musical conceived to honor one of the most courageous foremothers in the struggle for gay liberation and transgender equality. The Gay Pride of Marion Barbara 'Joe' Carstairs (1900 – 1993) and her refusal to hide her true identity as a transgender person has resonated with Phoebe Legere.
Legere's musical Speed Queen: The Joe Carstairs Story, will combine storytelling, painting, sculpture, lesbian movie stars, costumes, and music. The musical will open March 7th at legendary LGBT performance space Dixon Place. Legere seeks funds to cover production costs...which will include a real motorboat, romantic lesbian films, and spectacular special effects.
PHOEBE LEGERE STARS in her first cross-dressing role. In addition to the lead role of 'Joe" Carstairs, Legere will play many of Carstair's movie star lesbian lovers including Tallulah Bankhead, Marlene Dietrich, Garbo and Mabel Mercer. This will be a style fest for gay people of every stripe. Joe Carstairs was a natty dresser. Her suits were made by her tailor in Saville Row. She even dressed her doll, Lord Tod Wadley, in impeccable, Saville Row yachting attire.
Legere's male costumes have been made by Ralph Lauren.
Her period movie star costumes of the 20's, 30's and 40's are inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood glamor: Adrian, Edith Head, Travis Banton....
Speedboat world record-holder Joe Carstairs, heir to the Standard Oil fortune, came of age in the 1920's. Her robust lesbian milieu included Gertrude Stein, Natalie Barney, and Dolly Wilde. Joe was an action hero. She loved engineering, speed, and stiff competition; but above all, Joe loved women. Joe Carstairs broke the world speed record for motorboat racing in 1926. She quickly became an international celebrity.
In 1931, there was a sudden change in the public attitude toward gay women. Joe was criticized for her masculine attire and mannerisms. The European press condemned the“Cult of the Clitoris.” Joe set sail across the Atlantic to create her own Lesbian Paradise in the Bahamas: Whale Cay.
Joe redefined herself, again and again, refusing to look back, always triumphing as the captain of her own destiny. The story of Joe Carstairs unfolds in three acts: from Joe’s experiences as a young ambulance driver in World War l; to the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of making lesbian love to fabulous gay starlets; to her years as, “the Fastest Woman on Water” when Joe held the world speed record for motorboat racing. In the final chapter, Joe Carstairs sailed away from the glare of publicity and became the King of her own, private, Lesbian Island.
Speed Queen is an exploration of the true life story of a courageous, historical lesbian. It is a sensual, intoxicating LGBTQ play that uncovers deep truths about the moments that define us, the women who shape us, and the ache of love that can last a lifetime.
This is an evening-length play that will include: multi-media, songs, dances, and portrayals of Joe’s lesbian lovers: Marlene Dietrich, Tallulah Bankhead, Greta Garbo, Mabel Mercer, Billy Holiday and Dolly Wilde. At the center of the story is the inspiring, inimitable Gay-Pride pioneer Joe Carstairs.
This campaign will close on 2017-12-10. This is a Flexible Funding Project. It will receive the funds raised, even if it does not reach its goal.
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The JET SKI
A mp3 download of Phoebe Legere'es hit song "SPEED QUEEN"
Estimated delivery: March/2018
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Pledge $25 or more
1 backer
Limited (99 of 100 available)
The TUGBOAT
A Thank You note and YOUR NAME in the program!
A Thank You note and YOUR NAME in the program!
Estimated delivery: March/2018
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The FIRE BOAT
YOUR NAME in the program, plus a hand signed print of Phoebe's drawing of Joe Carstairs in her speedboat!
YOUR NAME in the program, plus a hand signed print of Phoebe's drawing of Joe Carstairs in her speedboat!
Estimated delivery: March/2018
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Limited (10 of 10 available)
The POWERSAIL
Autographed photo of Phoebe Legere as Joe.
Estimated delivery: March/2018
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Limited (5 of 5 available)
The CATAMARAN
Phoebe Legere signed Speed Queen poster and program.
Estimated delivery: March/2018
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Limited (1 of 1 available)
The BOSTON WHALER
4th of July Phoebe's birthday Barbecue with Phoebe Legere, plus YOUR NAME in the program; plus free ticket and VIP seating at Dixon Place
4th of July Phoebe's birthday Barbecue with Phoebe Legere, plus YOUR NAME in the program; plus free ticket and VIP seating at Dixon Place
Estimated delivery: July/2018
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Pledge $1,000 or more
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The TRIMARAN
Yachting Hat signed by Phoebe Legere;
Yachting Hat signed by Phoebe Legere;
Learn more at: http://www.pinkstart.me/en/speedqueen
