This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Hi everybody, it's me, Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo, your host of Odd Woman Out, a show where we talk to women, artists, and just women in general about what it is like to be a woman in the entertainment industry and a woman in the world. We're talking some crazy stories, some experiences, overcoming insecurities, but we're having a great time while we're doing it. So thank you guys so much for tuning in and continuing to show love and support. I love you, my Odd Squad. Stay odd and send a woman in your life a text today and tell her how fierce she is. That was great. Hi, Qween Jean. Welcome to Odd Woman Out. How are you? Good to see you.

[0:40] Qween Jean: Oh, my God. I'm good. I was just telling you my allergies are absolutely killing me. It's a lot right now in New York. Come on. What'd they say last week about the pollen? It's like the craziest pollen New York has seen in a long time. It's wild. And I'm like, yes, girl. I know. I can feel it every single day I wake up. I'm like, ah. Well, thank you for coming in the thick of allergy season.

[1:03] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Thank you for having me. Hi. No, I'm so excited. I've been stalking you on email. I'm like, hello, Qween Jean. Will you come to the show? Please. Thank you so much. I'm here. Let's see. That's so good. Well, first of all, congratulations.

[1:14] Qween Jean: Thank you so much. Thank you. Double Tony nominee.

[1:16] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Yes. Making herstory. Okay. First black trans woman to be nominated in your category. But also like double nominee. Let's just keep adding the layers of fierceness on top of that. So I hope you're so proud of yourself and like taking the time to reflect because well, wow, wow. It's fucking amazing.

[1:34] Qween Jean: No, it's really been a really extra special time. And I think I'm really proud that like, you know, to be able to celebrate with the family and community and also just knowing that like, you know, Liberation just announced, you know, I don't folks know, but we're a Pulitzer Prize winning play. Shout out to Best Wall and love her. And we, you know, we'll be doing our tour this fall. So that's also really special. So I think in a way it's like, you know, Liberation has really become a blessing that continues to impact people's lives in such a really dynamic way. And you know, there's even a UK, you know, a little announcement. So we'll be coming overseas to let's go Liberation, the gift that keeps on giving for real.

[2:20] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: I want to talk so much about Liberation, about Cats, about the Tonys and all of that. But I want to talk, you know, the show is called Odd Woman Out. I want to talk about the woman of it all. I want to bring it back to like baby Qween Jean. When you first like got inspired to be an artist, was there a woman that you looked up to that sort of encouraged you to go down this path?

[2:45] Qween Jean: No, this is a great question. I mean, I think I feel, I think growing up, like I was super into like opera. And so I would see like videos of like Shirley Verrett, Leontine Price. And, you know, and I just felt like, oh, okay. You know, there's like these powerful women that are like on stage doing like tremendously incredible things with their voices. And they always look magical. And I was like, okay, how can I help to contribute? You know, so I think for me, that was always my inspiration and like seeing those ladies take up space in that way.

[3:19] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you know, all of the artists in the 50s, 60s, 70s. Yeah. There's so many more, but yeah, for me, like those, those ladies were a deep, deep, deep inspiration.

[3:32] Qween Jean: Definitely. And when you started working professionally, was there ever a moment of like a woman supporting woman type of thing? Like, was there a woman in the industry that sort of was like showing you the ropes, taking her under your wing and like saying, welcome to the Broadway community or like whatever that means to you?

[3:49] Qween Jean: No, absolutely. I mean, I think, I mean, two people that definitely come to mind are my mentor, Susan Hoferty.

[3:54] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Shout out.

[3:55] Qween Jean: Hey, Susan. Darling, the reigning queen, honey, of Wicked, you know, she teaches at NYU and ran the program for like decades. And so I'm just really grateful because I think, you know, I'm one of like, you know, I graduated like 10 years ago. So I think I'm really one of the people that like, you know, kept at it. And so I'm very grateful for her mentorship and tutelage. And I think for me, the biggest thing that I felt I was like super adamant about was like doing it my way. You know, you could tell I'm a little rebel, but you know, and I think Rubble Rouser, whatever it's called, but I think, you know, you get those titles because, you know, you want people to be treated fairly, or you want, you know, your folks on your team to get paid the same amount or to be paid on time.

So, you know, I'm going to get called, you know, Rubble Rouser for that. But I think I am very super grateful for her support. You know, really navigating, you know, how to talk to folks and how to get, you know, resources, how to meet your deadlines. You know, those are things that were really crucial, especially as a costume designer. It's not just one person in a sewing machine. You know, you're really like leading sometimes a team of like artists that from all over the city, sometimes different parts of the country, depending on how specific that project is. And so those artisans, you know, you really are organizing, A, to help you build and to create the vision, and also to make sure that the fittings look and feel resplendent for our talent. And so that has been something that I really, really, yeah, to this day, I'm so thankful for her. I actually called her crying when the announcement came.

[5:38] Qween Jean: I was just going to say, she's like, oh my God, you know, we did it. You know, and so that was really special.

[5:44] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Oh, no, but that's so important to you. Like the, we did it of it all is like, we wouldn't be able to do the things we do without the people who believe in us, who teach us, who support us. And so that is so beautiful that this amazing time in your life where like your accomplishments are so huge and your hard work is paying off that you call her and you're like, we did it.

[6:05] Qween Jean: Yeah, absolutely. And I think, I mean, part of the testimony for that is that, you know, I was working in Alabama, like near Tuscaloosa. And I was like, I got to get out of here. You know, and so, you know, but I took a Greyhound bus to come interview at NYU. And, um, Susan.

[6:23] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: How long was that bus ride? I need to know.

[6:27] Qween Jean: It was two days. Okay. I mean, it was like 18 hours, but you know, like over like the night into the morning. Okay. But it was definitely a key, you know,

[6:37] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Like how many hours was that bus ride?

[6:39] Qween Jean: I mean, it probably felt longer, but I was just like, I just held onto my portfolios and I was like, look, Lord, if you see me through this, like, I just know I'm going to give it my best. And I showed up and I tried to give my best and, you know, Susan accepted me on the spot, you know? Uh, so that was really special. And I think for me that helped to, um, launch my path. And I think for some folks, but, oh, you know, like you validate it as an artist, but I was already an artist and already, you know, hustling in that regard. And then I would say the second woman that truly and completely has like shifted my life and my vision as a storyteller would be Whitney White, without a doubt, she's someone that, I mean, I just, I'm like, I don't even know if people know the full expanse of Whitney.

I mean, she's a rock star, a storyteller, a writer, an incredible, phenomenal mom, a loving like wife and partner, um, a collaborator, a leader, director, choreographer. I mean, it's, it's, it's kind of like a hype woman too. And she's a hype woman. She's a girl's girl. She really is a girl's girl. And I just, I think that, um, and she's fun and, and I don't know, I feel sometimes I think grow like, or coming up anyways, I felt like there was this like, uh, policy, whatever, unspoken thing that like, oh, in order for women or fems to succeed, you really had to like adopt this armor. And, and I mean, for me, your armor can be fun. It can be flirty. It could be, of course, I mean, your armor can be whatever it is that, you know, keeps you strong and, you know, without fear.

But I felt like there was this real, like, um, deep seated thing about, you know, you had to like adopt a masculine approach or, you know, you had to a girl boss, I guess that's what it's called. But, you know, to me, I just feel like I always understand and know for truth that, you know, women know how to lead without stepping on people's backs. And so I think that Whitney White, um, exemplifies and personifies love and leadership and sisterhood. So, yeah. And that's, I mean, to me at the core of what Liberation, um, speaks to and also like relationships, relationships with your family, with your moms. Uh, I know so many people that were like, I called my mom immediately after seeing this show, or like, I went to go visit, you know, her site, you know, like, so, so there were so many things that I felt, um, this production allowed people to not only start their healing journey, but to maybe like, you know, launch a path towards restitution, reconciliation, repair, and, um, to also just really examine and to understand that this fight that, you know, women and girls have been going through is not a new fight.

I mean, when, you know, when we were hearing data and statistics about like the percentages and, uh, more so about like, uh, you know, having to break the glass ceiling, um, like wage, wage inequities, um, you know, women only being like delegated or regulated to, you know, um, obituaries and weddings. And so, and like, even as like a reporter, a storyteller, like, um, that your work is being diminished or like sidelined, um, still exists in 2026, but it's changing. Hello. We got odd women that are doing some magical things. That's it. That's it.

[10:04] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: So speaking of odd women and you're such an activist and, and thank you so much for being so vocal about, you know, everything that you do. It's so important as an artist, as a trans woman, as an odd woman, as a woman, all of it. So what can you tell us about a time in your life or in this industry where you have felt like the odd woman out and how you have overcome that?

[10:30] Qween Jean: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I shared, um, this story a couple of weeks ago, uh, about one of like my first like professional jobs or professional, you know, summer stock. Okay. Um, and I shared that story because there was, um, you know, I was working with a small team. I mean, oftentimes, you know, uh, the sewing costume, uh, technicians as we are, you know, you're in a basement somewhere or in a shed. It's hot with a one fan, you know, but you know, we're still making it. You know, hopefully it oscillates, but you know, and so, uh, one of my first jobs was doing that for a summer, uh, stitching and draping. Cause you know, I love making clothes or I always do. And so, um, myself and another such a beautiful chocolate lady, uh, artists. And we found out that like the non-chocolate folks were getting paid a 250 a week and we were getting paid $75 baby. And we found out like at the end of the season, 75 to 250 for the same job.

[11:38] Qween Jean: When I tell you I, I like march my little booty all the way up to the production office. And I was like, this is so insane. Also, we were teaching the other people how to sell. And again, and you know, and I say this not to like, you know, but everyone deserves to get paid. You know, everyone was working, right? So yeah. And regardless of skills or everything, you know, we're all here to be up. We're in community, we're learning and growing from, you know, with each other. So that wasn't really the issue. I think it was more so about that, like, you that it was okay, that we were deemed a lower pay per year. What year was this? Like, not long ago? I mean, like, maybe like 13, 14 years ago. That is so crazy.

It was so wild. It was that is really crazy. And I said, Let me tell you something, y'all. Not only are y'all about to pay us to 50. You're also going to retroactively make this right. And the day that we started Oh, absolutely. I mean, baby, I want to I was just not gonna Yeah, what was the excuse? Like, what was the reasoning? Or were they just like, quiet? Yeah, I think definitely the latter, you know, filled with shame that they'd been called out. But also, I think part of it too, was like, I think that's how sometimes a lot of places in power positions, offices, institutions do that. And so that like, you know, they pay people whatever they want to pay them. But I think the understanding is that no one is talking about it.

I think for us, that has been a big paradigm shift. Like women, you know, in our artists in any field, any institution, anywhere you're working at, to have financial transparency, that is the way that we actually get a better deal. I mean, I remember seeing or hearing something even on the devil wears Prada, where Meryl Streep was like, Oh, no, no, no, I Yeah, shout out to Meryl Streep, you know, but like, I mean, so even to this point, like, like, even now, right in this current moment, in this climate, people are still doing, you know, unfair things to women, so.

[13:39] Qween Jean: And so deep rooted in like, the woman's confidence to stand up for what you know, you deserve, like that Meryl story when she was like, said no to whatever the first offer she was got, because she said, send it back, I know that they couldn't have done this project without me. And it like, that's a scary thing to do, right to turn down a huge offer. But when you're confident in your work, and you know what you can bring to the table, bucket. I mean, something that Whitney White just like breathes and exudes is that, you know, no one can do what you do. And so the price point that makes sense for you is what you need to get paid in order to really effectively and like, deliver on the work, right?

Or to be able to really contribute with your full and best self on that collaboration. And I know so many artists, like, again, like other mentors and colleagues, peers that we ended up having to like, take the lower deal, because we needed to get our foot in the door. But so we took a lower deal. But then we also ended up like coming out of our own personal pockets, just to make things happen, right? So like pay someone to help us with stitching notes, to help someone to help us shop and get things, you know, because we're often a team of one, right. And I broke this up to recently at a conference with young artists as well. But just saying that, like, you have to fiercely be able to advocate for yourself.

I can't tell you how many times I go to a theater, and there's like 20 to 30, you know, gentlemen, you know, union folks, hey, you all, you know, building in the set, loading it in carpenters, craftspersons, lighting, programming, people setting things up and the costume team or wardrobe is just myself and the assistant often, you know, it's or it feels like that, that ratio is just so unfair. And so I'm always like, Oh, no, baby, we're doing you know, if you want to pay me the same fee or favorite nations, then then we need the same support. Right. And so I think for me, that has always been a huge conversation. And every artist I know has that conversation. But I think that again, it kind of gets, okay, well, we'll do it this one time, or like people make you feel like, oh, we're doing you a big favor.

Yeah, we'll, you know, we'll give you extra support. And it's like, well, no, this is actually, no, this is what the team needs in order to have to happen. And I know, like, in my starting in my career, like, I would ask people to support me. And like, knowing that they didn't have rent money, I'm buying lunches, because like, Hello, like, you know, and this is not just theater, but theater, film, commercial work, right? You're just trying to get paid and trying to really show industry what you could do. Right. But there's so many times that like, myself and other leaders would like come out of our own pockets to ensure that people have what they needed, or we're getting out super late, okay, they're not going to offer us a car, or they're only offering us two ubers.

And it's like, okay, well, people live in different parts of the big city. So and so really, just like wanting and I think for me, that's like, what women do, like, look after each other, you're coming home late, we're not trying to have you on the scary situation. So it's just those things that like, I think people don't that are necessities that we have to ask and fight for. It's crazy.

[16:58] Qween Jean: Yeah. But I mean, we still fight. I'm, you know, I'm always like, but you know, or advocating, I should say, you know, for these things to really shift, yeah, to shift in a real, permanent and regenerative way.

[17:12] Tutz: Yeah, well, thank you for, you know, sticking up for the things that are necessary.

[17:22] Qween Jean: Absolutely. It's not like you're asking for a bottle of voodoo to be set and like a desk every day. I don't even drink. Yeah. Hello. Yeah. But you know, yeah. But like you want caviar set out. You're like, I just want a fair pay and an uber home. Like that's not in a team to help make your show look as stunning as it's going to. Absolutely. Well, thank you so much for that. I wanted to, I want to talk a little bit about liberation, even though we touched on it a little bit, but I want to dig into it. I love liberation. So, so, so deeply. I can't wait to like go follow it on tour and see it 12 more times. Like you said, you said something, I watched an interview you did and you said, I'm honored to be dressing the leaders making change as a woman yourself who is making change that we just spoke about. What did it mean to you to be able to costume this particular show? And what was your biggest inspiration for the women?

[18:14] Qween Jean: This question is really, um, this really speaks to like the heart of this story for me or like my way into it. Um, knowing, like being part of movement work, I observed and witnessed so many like moms, teachers, caregivers that were like organizing in the evening, preparing food, like making sure that, um, you know, schedules were happening. I remember like all of the marches on Washington. I mean, it, you know, a lot of the organizing is often women, women of color, but you know, but most of the time. And so, and it's been like that for decades, um, but no way in immigrants. And so it was just really, um, reading the script. I was just like, oh, wow. Like I know all of these ladies. Yeah. I, I know them intimately and well.

And so. When we, um, started like, you know, to really draw out like the arc of the show. Um, cause for folks that may not know, I mean, obviously, you know, there's a big, um, shift that happens at the top of the second half, but, uh, something that me and Whitney really, uh, helped articulate is that when we return for the second half of the show, the women are radicalized and, uh, they now, um, believe that they deserve their freedom and they believe that what they're going to do is going to shift it. Um, or is going to contribute to it in this way, uh, collectively. And so that was a, um, a foundation, uh, for me to launch into like the era to also launch into like the specificities knowing that, I mean, these are women that all have different, um, you know, employ, you know, that are, um, ultimately have like different like backgrounds, um, different work skills and all of these things.

And, and we even have women of all ages and so really wanting to celebrate, um, each person in their fight, uh, and their fist in the fight collectively is what shifts and shifted, um, culture as we know it.

[20:18] Qween Jean: Yeah. And so thinking about, um, in the very beginning, you know, there's almost a sense of like formality, you know, uh, for the conscious raising, uh, raising group and, um, for the CR and, uh, you know, so everyone's like nice and polite, um, but then we actually start getting into the thick of, you know, into the weeds and it's like about, uh, disparities also about, um, what has always kept us from reaching our full potential. You know? And so then everyone starts to underline a similar thing. It's like, Oh, I had this experience too. Uh, this also happened to me when I was a younger person. And so, um, there is a shared understanding about struggle and no matter if you're black, white, chocolate, vanilla, tapioca, tall, short, big body, curvy body, slim body.

I mean, you know, we've all experienced, um, these circumstances. And so, um, how do we now come together to really, um, a, uh, be a foundation for information for other people, but also, you know, as the eldest, so, you know, the, the more, you know, the more you grow. And I think that that's what we see as we shift into the second half of the story is that, uh, you know, people are saying absolutely not. I mean, the story, you know, they're refusing to be paid lower. They're refusing to be quiet. Um, they're shattering glass literally. And so, and, you know, shout out to Betsy Adam and, um, I mean, all of our incredible artists, you know, in the entire production, um, Kayla Davion and, and Crystal and Lloyd.

I mean, all of these incredible folks, Dina, I mean, Sophia, what's going on, but, you know, it's just, um, it's really special. And, you know, Irene's character, um, who isn't, you know, who's like, really like, I'm trying to, you know, I'm in this country trying to hustle, trying to do this thing, but I still feel stuck. Um, and so those are, again, there's like so many parallels that I think every woman identifies immediately with, and we're like, okay, if this was going on in 19th century, you know, a, what has shifted a lot has shifted. However, but there's still a lot of things. Deep seated things that, um, cannot be ignored. You know, when we think about women in leadership, the women that could have been leading this country, all of these things.

So, you know, it's a lot that, um, we, um, are reflecting and now taking, taking to the streets or wherever you may be, you know, and I think for some folks, yeah, it could be protesting for other folks. It's about education for other folks. It's about mobilizing in a different way, mobilizing to ensure that the people are unionized. I mean, there's, there's literally, um, there's a role for each person in this revolution and the revolution, um, didn't stop in the sixties, the seven or how.

[23:16] Qween Jean: History books, my oh, you know, whoever's writing those anyways, you know, don't have to think. Oh, yeah, this was in this moment that we experience a great civil injustice. No civil injustice is now. You know, gender injustice is now. I mean, so there's so many fights that I think had been siloed for so long that in 2026, we're like absolutely no, this fight affects all of us. Yeah, you know, thinking about what's happening even now with ICE immigration, the war on, you know, people that are contributors to the ecology of this beautiful big nation. I mean, literally, was the, you know, Ellis Island was the breeding place and all, you know, for a lot of immigrants all over the world, right? And so to now like try to send people off into cages, not crazy.

I'm not supporting them, cut off their communication, denying them health care resources. I mean, splitting families apart, children from, I mean, these are the things that have just happened right over in Jersey. So, I mean, and they happen daily. I mean, there's literally been riots outside of the ICE Center this entire week happening now. So for me, it's like I, I mean, we were protesting while we were down at the Laura Pels. There was so much, you know, things that were happening around trans youth access, a lot of the, you know, affirmations or not affirmations, use me, a lot of the executive orders. Yeah, that were really affecting the community. So, I mean, we'd be protesting, going back to rehearsal, protesting, going back to tech.

I mean, and that was my experience. Yeah, and it just really somehow me heard what was happening on stage. Amazing is not the right word, but like the fact that that's your art that you get to go to and then go pull from real life to inspire what's happening on stage is a-crazy. Yeah, that we have this play talking about exactly what you said, like what has happened, but it's still happening in different ways.

[25:29] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Well, how do you navigate like being an artist and sell especially right now, right? You're nominated for two Tony Awards, being able to sit in this time and enjoy it and embrace it, but also still be on the front lines of everything that you're an activist for. Just like you said, going from protests to the theater. How do you find the joy in the celebration but still not let what's happening destroy that for you? Yeah, do you know what I mean?

[25:56] Qween Jean: Yeah, absolutely. I, I do. And I think honestly part of that is just like, you know, being accountable to myself and to the people that I love. I mean, ultimately I am the community that I serve and so that commitment like doesn't change, right? You know, we have so I'm the founder of Black Trans Liberation. Yes, we are a weekly mutual aid fellowship resource. We are a weekly mutual aid fellowship resource and we feed folks and we educate, we have programming every Wednesday, and so that has not shifted since we started five years ago. I mean, so, and again, I think that has also been part of like my process, right? You know that on Wednesdays, I have to leave early or, you know, the case may be.

But I think to really answer your question, I eagerly and will-willingly I want to fight for a free world. Mm-hmm. I know that it's possible. Yeah, and I know there are people around me, communities from, you know, all different backgrounds that are also eagerly wanting to like break these chains. Yeah, that have kept us in the margins and also like we no longer want to just like suffer in silence. Why, you know, when there's a wealth of reason? We live in one of the most powerful, you know, some say richest, don't say most, you know, beautiful cities in the world, which I firmly believe. But then there's like so many of our own city folks that have been mishandled, that are left without resources, that have been deficited.

You know, when I think oftentimes about would like the crisis on the trains or about mental health resources, I mean, you know, we walk around and we see things all the time, you know, and so, and sometimes it's mitigated unmitigated. However, what is like what's the change? And just like kind of corralling people onto a bus to send them to Rikers to let them perish is not the answer. So I think so I, my fuel is that I have to do something. Yeah, and was it not, it's speaking about this, making sure we're changing. I mean, I think in the last administration with Eric Adams, maybe, I mean, you know, I just didn't stay home because there was always something happening. It was so ludicrous. Yeah, you know, even thinking about like having to really rally and like fight and push back around them, you know, closing the doors and shutting the doors and shutting the doors and shutting the doors, you know, closing the public libraries on Sundays.

I mean, that was the thing that I mean, this affects every New Yorker, right? And why, I mean, what savings? Like are you kidding me? You know, like there's a lot of departments and a lot of areas in the city budget that at this point are overly funded and continue to be a detriment and, you know, are what, you know, people, they are corrupted. Yeah, and so to not name that and to not say, hey, actually, you know, folks are literally drowning or being siphoned, right? There has to be a better way to reimagine our city. Yeah, and so I think for me those are the things like I can do. I can't, you know, we can't help. Well, I mean, I think we can create more awareness like all around, but in terms of like in our backyard and what changes we can do here on the local level, it can happen and it has happened.

[29:37] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: And I just want to applaud you because I think it's so incredible how you put 1,000 into both lanes, right? Your activism and your art in such a way. I mean, you're nominated for two Tonys. Did I say that already? Like you're nominated for two Tonys and you're out here actively working on making a change and not a lot of people can really put a hundred and thousand, a thousand percent into both. So like congratulations on that, you know, we can sit here and say congratulations on your two Tony noms until we're blue in the face, but like on top of that, doing all this other work is so incredible and again, not a lot of people can take it all on, so congratulations to you. Yeah, it's really, really amazing and beautiful and keep it up, girl. We're all here.

[30:27] Qween Jean: Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, I know and it's possible because of the family and the network of comrades who are as proud and as, um, who see the vision. Yeah, and for me, I think that I for a long time, I almost felt like I was like separating myself like an artist and like an activist advocate. And ultimately, I mean there was no separation, you know? I mean, it goes hand in hand. Yeah, and I think that I mean to me honestly the summer of 2020 was a spiritual awakening for myself personally as like an artist like, you know, do we just sit around, you know, and also just being reminded, you know, as the unit Simone says that, you know, it is an artist's duty to reflect the times. And Toni Morrison also lives and reminds us that, you know, this is the time that artists go to work.

We write, we do language, we tell stories. Um, we have the power to heal civilization. Yeah, and I want that eagerly and desperately for our own people, for our own neighbors, the young people that are coming. I mean, you know, for the young artists that are in high school right now, they're gonna be doing summer stock. I mean, these folks getting fair pay, that's right. But you know, I mean, but this hopefully they got two fans now, you know, but this is, you know, but this is the, um, like that's how to me that that's what really matters. Yeah, um, is that like it shouldn't be 15 years from now, okay, folks have like, you know, like we've made a change happen. The change could happen tomorrow.

The change could be shifted next month, right? The following year. So I think in a way, um, there's a reluctance or like, oh yeah, you know, like there's like, um, an attitude, right, that kind of diminishes the urgency of it. Yeah, and believe me you, I mean, the urgency has grown each and every day. Has to, yeah.

[32:40] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Thank you for sharing all that. I think you are such an icon and I'm so happy you're here. I do want to talk a little bit about Cats.

[32:48] Qween Jean: So you're nominated for two Tonys again. How many times are you saying it? Yes, let's go. Thank you.

[32:53] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: So best costume design of a play and a musical, like that is so amazing. Cats is so special and so stunning and so reimagined is what I want to talk about, the reimagination of Cats from a costume perspective and the ball of it all. And yeah, where did you pull your inspiration from and how long was your process? Because each and every person on that stage, you can look at them and it is a piece of art, truly. You can tell each costume and each character is so well thought out and everybody is so different and you're getting cat vibes from all of them. Like that's not in your face fashion. Yeah, like and it's just not in your face, it's not like cat in your face, but it's like that's giving cat vibes. Yes.

[33:43] Qween Jean: Um, yeah, so I just want to know about your process and like what that reimagination means to you also. Absolutely, um, so I have been part of the New York City ballroom community. Um, for a while now and I found like my voice there like, you know, coming out and transitioning and I felt like it was the first time, the first space, first experience I had like seeing like trans women of color in leadership roles, but also like gloriously taking up space. Yeah, um, and allowing their artistry to sing, to dance, and to fly. Yeah, I mean if you go to a ball, I mean, it's just, it's like the power is undeniable there and so I like that power continues to live in me and continues to like grow. And so I was, uh, I saw like a posting about, you know, we're building, you know, we're emerging these two incredible communities together and I was like, oh baby, I'm your girl. I am your girl. And so this was like a few, you know.

[34:54] Qween Jean: Maybe like four years ago, but they were doing workshops and I was like, okay, how could, yeah. Sign me up. Sign me up, babe. But both of our incredible co-directors, Bill Rausch and Jay LeLewison, we met. And I think it was like, very, yeah, I think it was very instant. I saw their vision. And also I think we all unanimously wanted to celebrate humanity. And I think that that's something that Jalen really speaks to. And Bill really being like, shaping and bringing all of this together, the collaboration with Sir Angeloid Webber and the entire team. I mean, it just, it happened so quickly, but everyone locked in. And I think that everyone really wanted to honor the authenticity of this world, celebrate and uphold this incredible music, but also to celebrate all of these cats that exist all over our city.

And so for me, that was my way in and really wanting to honor them, the artists and the cats. And I went to a rehearsal, I got invited to a rehearsal, which is nice. You get to see the thing before you were brought on.

[36:25] Qween Jean: Yeah. And so I just started like, I mean, it just, seeing, I mean, a few, but I remember that day in particular, Mother Silk, House of the Royal House of Silk, who plays Stouffle's darling. Epic. Okay. Okay. Emma, who plays Gimbal Shanks and Cassandra. I mean, I was just like, okay, you know, and everyone kind of showed up in their own kitty cat eleganza. So I was like, okay, so for me, it just felt like, okay, these are artists that are clearly down to go on a journey. And so I ran off and created, just inspired by them, honestly. And each cat is designed, and that has been, I think to me, what is really special and different is that we, yes, this is an ensemble story, collective story for sure, but each person is divine.

You know? And so in a way it's like, you have a musical where there's like 20 hate principles. And you can see it too through the costumes, right? And so I do want to commend you for that because it is, as an audience member, you're like, you can see each one of these characters' stories with what they're wearing. Yes. And that is so cool. Thank you so much. And fierce.

[38:05] Qween Jean: No, I mean, it really is epic. It really, really is. And that language and that understanding also applies to our covers and our understudies as well. They all have their cat armor as well. So when they go on, I think I really, I've seen a lot of shows, or have been a part of productions where it's like, oh, okay, people come on and it's like, it's whatever version or that's crafted, you know, that just feels, oh yeah, this is close, but not the real thing. And I'm like, why shouldn't we have the real thing? But also, is this not a real story? We're really doing this. And so I think for me, I really want to honor the true tour de force, athleticism, dynamic power, vocal power, physical power that all of those cats are sharing at the Rodgers Theater.

I mean, Andre the Shields, Tempest Chastity Moore, the icon Junior LaBeija, I mean, Ken Ard, the original Macavity from the 1982, I mean, so it's embedded with royalty. And so I think for me, that was a role that I wanted to take with pride, with deep, deep pride and reverence.

[39:12] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: And you crushed it.

[39:14] Qween Jean: Thank you.

[39:16] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Every last stitch, do you know what I mean? It is so amazing. And I also love celebrating you this season and looking at both shows that you're nominated for, so different, so wildly different, these costumes and the journey, and so equally stunning in each production. And I said this a little bit already, but like each character in both shows, you can tell their story through their wardrobe. And that is an artist. And it's so beautiful to see that. So, girl, shout out to you.

[39:54] Qween Jean: Thank you. Let's get you your flowers. I can't wait to see you up on that stage June 7th. Let's go! Tony Sunday!

[40:03] Qween Jean: Can I try to crack the fan?

[40:03] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Absolutely, absolutely.

[40:05] Qween Jean: I don't know if I can do it.

[40:06] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: I think you got it.

[40:07] Qween Jean: I have to go back.

[40:08] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Okay. The other way, the other way.

[40:11] Qween Jean: What do you mean?

[40:12] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Like flip it this way. Yeah, there you go. Yeah, yeah.

[40:15] Qween Jean: Ah!

[40:15] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Uh-huh. You got it.

[40:17] Qween Jean: Thank you.

[40:18] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: A pro.

[40:20] Qween Jean: I really wanted to crack the fan.

[40:20] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: A pro.

[40:23] Qween Jean: You know, I was so mad when I saw it. Everyone was cracking the fans. Let me tell you something. There was, I think, the first couple preview nights.

[40:27] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Oh my God, I'm so excited!

[40:28] Qween Jean: That was so good! No, I mean, you're a Jellicle.

[40:31] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Thank you.

[40:31] Qween Jean: Jellicles can and Jellicles do.

[40:33] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Jellicles do, baby!

[40:36] Qween Jean: And I loved it. I mean, that's, this show is just so...

[40:39] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: So fun.

[40:40] Qween Jean: It's so fun. I mean...

[40:41] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: So fun. I couldn't but not believe I didn't have a fan.

[40:45] Qween Jean: Yeah, I mean, I think that, well, they, I mean, I think we like sold out.

[40:50] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Did I break your fan?

[40:50] Qween Jean: No, no, no, no, no.

[40:51] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Can you imagine?

[40:52] Qween Jean: No, but like, we sold, no, it's okay. But, you know, I think the first couple nights, I think the team, like, gifted them to the audience.

[41:01] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: When, I mean...

[41:01] Qween Jean: And then they said, mm...

[41:03] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: You know, but, I mean, it's, you know, it's just to, like, put the love out there in the world. But, I mean, it just, I think that, like, we care so much about our community. And our community is also the audience that comes in. You know, like, we're all in this powerful storytelling together. And I think something that Jalen and Bill have also said, like, in the past couple of weeks about, you know, like, you have people that are coming in that may have, like, been conditioned to think about life this way or to see certain people this way. And it's like, no, we can actually come to the joke of all. And guess what? We're sitting next to each other. We're loving this. I mean, we're in this together, right? And I think that despite circumstances and despite what, you know, has happening out in the world, things won't change unless we do.

[42:05] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Yeah.

[42:06] Qween Jean: You know, and I think that, like, action won't happen until we actually take it. And so I think for me, this is, like, this production is a phenomenal paw in the fight. And we proudly just love on our communities.

[42:11] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Yeah.

[42:12] Qween Jean: All of them. You know, like, it's, and it's not just like one, you know, like, as you can see, I mean, there's multiple cats. I mean, there's not just the cats, darling. Paw in the fight is so good. I love it. And I really, I mean, and that has, that experience and that love, that attention.

[42:27] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Yeah.

[42:28] Qween Jean: Detail. Yeah. Is from the top all the way, you know, down to backstage areas, our crew, stage management. You can see it. I mean, you can feel it as the audience. You know, community development. Ensuring that, like, folks and veterans and schools are able to also be a part of the Jellicle Vlog experience. I love that so much. So for me, it's like, why can't it happen? It can happen. And it is. No more excuses. That's it.

[42:56] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Okay. So it's Tony Sunday. You can only bring two things in your purse with you. What two things are you bringing?

[43:03] Qween Jean: Okay. Traditionally, it would definitely be lip gloss and my phone. However, I've been told that a girl might need her little snack. We need a protein bar. We need a protein or something. So I might be packing a little. A lip gloss and a snack. You know, maybe a Clif Bar or something.

[43:19] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Is that your snack of choice?

[43:21] Qween Jean: I do love a Clif Bar. I mean, my snack is like a little popcorn, but you know.

[43:24] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: I love a popcorn.

[43:26] Qween Jean: You know, you can't really, it's not a discreet snack.

[43:27] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Right.

[43:28] Qween Jean: Like you're just in the middle. Could you imagine? And you like pop in. Like, and also me, I love a white cheddar too. And that gets messy. And then you've got residue on your finger.

[43:38] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: I mean, you're a woman of her heart.

[43:43] Qween Jean: That cheddar is easy good. White cheddar, I'm only. Even like the white cheddar Cheez-It.

[43:51] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: The white cheddar Cheez-It is where it is at.

[43:54] Qween Jean: Like, I don't even need to go out. I just like tasted it. I just like, I have like.

[43:57] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Like you could just open that little box.

[44:01] Qween Jean: Or we're going to go out to the club. We're going to have Cheez-Its.

[44:03] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Yeah. We need Clif Bar to be listening here and give Queen Gina a partnership.

[44:08] Qween Jean: Please.

[44:09] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Okay. We'll see. We'll bring you to the Tonys.

[44:11] Qween Jean: Okay. That would be awesome.

[44:14] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: You are such an icon. And again, thank you so much for coming here today. And congrats.

[44:19] Qween Jean: Oh my God. This was so much fun.

[44:22] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: If anybody's listening and wants to get involved with any of your organizations, can you tell us how we can get involved? Or if somebody wants to volunteer and support, how we can support?

[44:31] Qween Jean: Thank you. You can definitely support us any day of the week, any time of the day. You can follow and support us at blacktransliberation.com. All one word.

[44:42] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: That's cool.

[44:43] Qween Jean: Yeah. And before I let you go, if there's an odd woman listening, whatever makes her feel like the odd woman out, that's maybe restricting her from pursuing her artistry, whatever that means. What is your advice to the odd woman who are listening?

[45:01] Qween Jean: My advice to the odd woman, wherever you may be. Hey, boo. I really want just to remind you that your voice is powerful. And do not ever be afraid to let it roar. Let it roar.

[45:16] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Queen Jean, congratulations again.

[45:18] Qween Jean: Thank you so much.

[45:19] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: We are all going to be screaming for you on Tony Sunday.

[45:22] Qween Jean: I'm going to be screaming today. This is so epic. Y'all, oh my God. Please continue to support this incredible podcast. And you are such a beautiful leader and host. And so thank you for inviting us and all of the artists this entire season. I think it's really nice to just be able to sit and to look at the expanse. Folks have been doing amazing work this year. All these artists, these directors, writers, I mean, designers. I mean, it's an incredible, magical season.

[45:54] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: It really is. Go support live theater.

[45:59] Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo: Hello, my Odd Squad. It's me again, Samantha Dawn Tuozzolo. Thank you guys so much for tuning into this episode, this literal iconic episode. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow to the show. Tell somebody else to take a listen. We are Odd Woman Show on Instagram and TikTok. And you can follow me also, if you want, at Sammy Toetz. I love you, my Odd Squad.