Blonde on a Bum Trip at Fuse Theatre Ensemble at Reed College

Blonde on a Bum Trip

                by Mikki Gillette

                Starring: Juliet Mylan, Riley McCarthy, Ruby Welch, Heath Hyun, and Cosmo Reynolds

                Directed and Set designed by Rusty Tennant

                Costumes designed by Jessica Kroeze

                Lights designed by Luc Allison

                Sound designed by Ry Malloy

The OUTwright Theatre Festival, a beacon of LGBTQ+ storytelling and theatrical innovation, proudly announces its return for the 14th consecutive year. This year, the festival is set to surpass all previous records in terms of scale and ambition, showcasing a variety of performances that celebrate the richness and diversity of the queer experience.

This year's feature production, Blonde on a Bum Trip, comes from the brilliant mind of playwright Mikki Gillette. A vibrant backstage comedy, the play delves into the lives of pioneering trans actresses Candy Darling, Holly Woodlawn, and Jackie Curtis as they claw their way from off-off-Broadway theatre to the underground film stardom of Andy Warhol's Factory scene. Through a blend of ambition, pettiness, and envy, Blonde on a Bum Trip explores the complexities of friendship and fame as the limelight threatens to undo the trio's deep bonds.

Mikki Gillette, an ensemble and board member of Fuse, is a renowned playwright whose works have consistently captivated audiences. Her recent play, American Girl, clinched the 2023 BroadwayWorld Award for Best Play (Portland). Gillette's voice is a significant force in contemporary theater, offering authentic and powerful narratives centered on the trans experience. Her accolades include being named to American Theatre’s Roll Call of emerging talent and Willamette Week's 25 Most Influential Artists, underscoring her impact and influence in the arts.

“Mikki has been a festival favorite for over a decade. She has amassed quite a local following and is developing a reputation nationally as a leader in playwriting,” says Rusty Tennant, Artistic Director of Fuse and creator of The OUTwright Theatre Festival. “Blonde on a Bum Trip may be Mikki’s best play to date, and we are thrilled to give it its world premiere.”