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Charles Busch Takes on Cleopatra in His Latest Stage Appearance

Busch’s latest play is currently running at Theatre for the New City.

Charles Busch heads the cast of Cleopatra at Theatre for the New City''.
Charles Busch heads the cast of Cleopatra at Theater for the New City''.
(© David Rodgers)

Charles Busch's Cleopatra is currently in performances at Theater for the New City. Busch’s longtime collaborator Carl Andress directs the production, which closes April 17.

Joe Zaso as Marc Antony and Charles Busch in the title role of his take on Cleopatra.
Joe Zaso as Marc Antony and Charles Busch in the title role of his take on Cleopatra.
(© David Rodgers)

The show is described as follows: "Following in the footsteps of Sarah Bernhardt, Tallulah Bankhead, Claudette Colbert, Vivien Leigh and Elizabeth Taylor, Charles Busch gives us his own original, outrageous, majestic and bawdy interpretation of the fabled Egyptian queen. History shall be portrayed… and made!"

Tony Sheldon and Charles Busch share the stage.
Tony Sheldon and Charles Busch share the stage.
(© David Rodgers)

In addition to Busch, who takes on the title role, the cast includes Lawrence Bullock (Times Square Angel) as Apollodorus, Jennifer Cody (Shrek) as Iras, Andy Halliday (Vampire Lesbians of Sodom) as The Soothsayer, Ashley Austin Morris (Die Mommie, Die!) as Charmion, and Jennifer Van Dyck (The Divine Sister) as both Octavian and his twin sister, Octavia. Tony nominee Tony Sheldon (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) also joins as Julius Caesar and Caesar’s wife Calpurnia, while Joe Zaso (The Wolf of Wall Street) will appear as Marc Antony.

Ashley Austin Morris and Jennifer Cody costar in Charles Busch's Cleopatra.
Ashley Austin Morris and Jennifer Cody costar in Charles Busch's Cleopatra.
(© David Rodgers)

The creative team includes scenic and graphic design by B.T. Whitehill, lighting design by Zach Blane, costume design by Jessica Jahn, sound design by Bart Fasbender, and wig design by Katherine Carr.

Catch Charles Busch's Cleopatra at Theatre for the New City.
Catch Charles Busch's Cleopatra at Theatre for the New City.
(© David Rodgers)

For tickets and more information, click here.

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