MCC Theater celebrated the September 18 opening of Philip Dawkins’ Charm, a new play inspired by the real-life story of Miss Gloria Allen, a black transgender woman who changed the lives of students at an LGBTQ community center in Chicago.

The production began performances August 31 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre Off-Broadway with Sandra Caldwell starring as Mama Darleena Andrews, the character based on Miss Gloria Allen. Will Davis directs.

Rounding out the cast are Michael David Baldwin, Jojo Brown, Marky Irene Diven, Michael Lorz, Hailie Sahar, Emmy nominee Kelli Simpkins, Marquise Vilson, and Lauren F. Walker.

Read: HOW MCC THEATER’S CHARM IS CHANGING THE GAME FOR TRANS ACTORS AND THEIR ONSTAGE STORIES

Charm tells the story of Mama Darleena Andrews, a 67-year-old, black, transgender woman who leads an etiquette class at Chicago’s LGBTQ community center, and asks what happens when the idealistic teachings of etiquette guru Emily Post clash with the very real challenges of identity, poverty, and prejudice.

Read reviews from New York City critics:

The Daily Beast (Tim Teeman)

NY Daily News (Joe Dziemianowicz)

New York Magazine / Vulture (Sara Holdren)

The New York Times (Jesse Green)

Time Out New York (Diane Snyder)

Variety (Marilyn Stasio)

Flip through photos from the production:

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See the Story of Trans Icon and LGBTQ Trailblazer, Miss Gloria Allen, Brought to Life in Charm

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The production features scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado, costume design by Oana Botez, lighting design by two-time Tony nominee Ben Stanton, and sound design by Palmer Hefferan. Casting is by Telsey + Company/Adam Caldwell, William Cantler, Karyn Casl.

For tickets and more information on Charm, visit MCCTheater.org.

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