Dicky Dutton, Heather Jones, Michael Lewis and Rose Freeman
Cabaret & Variety, Music, Opera, Theater
Connect
Revisit the curiosity, mischief, and confusion of childhood in this drag cabaret based on themes of queer escapism found in Peter Pan. Performance artists Dicky Dutton and Heather Jones explore the gender binary of mother versus pirate and the conflicts that arise if anyone should try to outgrow those extremes. Hook and Wendy must sever from their assigned identities in order to free themselves from this haunted fairy tale, but as it turns out, they need each other to be truly liberated. They try on many literal and metaphorical hats to find the path: Pirate and mother? It’s a no go. Pirate and pirate? Maybe? Pirate and fairy? Let’s go. Bring your costume box, your outside voice, and we’ll see you on the island of Never Land.
This project started as a classical recital around ideas of running away from constricting and prescriptive identities and the consequences that arise when you stay or when you leave. Months later, the duo commissioned a duet for mezzo, baritone, and piano composed by Michael Genese with words by Rajiv Mohabir titled “A Boy with Baleen for Teeth.” After one workshop with Amanda + James Productions, it became clear this theatrical recital could live on its own as a fully fleshed cabaret that provides a connection for the two singers as friends and as a vessel for some very serious clownery as is showcased in our most recent edition with new songs and all incidental music by composer/pianist, Michael Lewis, with stage direction by Rose Freeman.
PWYC Options $10+
Venue: The Latvian Society of PhiladelphiaDates: September 10, 2026 - September 12, 2026
September 10, 2026 7.30pm
531 N 7th Street
General Admission: $35
PWYC Options
September 12, 2026 8.00pm
531 N 7th Street
General Admission: $35
PWYC Options
About the Artist
Dicky Dutton (they/she), singer and performance artist based in Philadelphia, has collaborated with organizations including National Sawdust, Beth Morrison Projects, Opera Philadelphia, and Bearded Ladies Cabaret among others. Recently she appeared as baritone soloist in Mahler's Rückert-Lieder with the New York City Orchestra Project. Their innovative approach to performance art is exemplified through original works including musical rituals commissioned by NYFOS and the Why Collective.
Heather Jones is a performer and creator whose multi-genre works have been commissioned by GRAMMY-nominated Wild Up Ensemble, Spoleto Festival USA, Amanda+James Productions, and the Resonance Collective in LA. This summer Heather is in residence at the Byrdcliffe Artist Colony in Woodstock, NY workshopping their one-person show for voice and electronics titled ONE BODY, and later this year they’ll join the off-Broadway world premiere of “I Became We” at the Atlantic Theater Co. heatherbjones.com
Rose Freeman (zie/zir) is an award winning stage director, teacher, writer, and producer of theatre, burlesque, and opera. Zie managed monster truck rallies and ran a sailboat company. Freeman occasionally acts, including touring Italy with Teatro di Viti. Freeman writes libretto for musicals and operas. Zie co–founded Third Eye Theatre Ensemble. Freeman is represented by Marvel Arts Management. www.Rosefreeman.org
Philadelphia-based pianist, and vocal coach Michael Lewis finds joy in collaborating with others to create and recreate musical worlds in a multitude of styles. He is currently on the faculty of the Academy of Vocal Arts as a vocal coach, chorus master, and collaborative pianist. At Opera Philadelphia he serves as principal pianist and coach on mainstage productions.
Accessibility & Content Considerations
Contact the Fringe Festival Box Office for up to date accessibility information.
This event is appropriate for ages 18+
Violent ContentAdult Language
Audience Interaction
Fog/Smoke Effects
Covid-19 Safety policy
This event does not require masks to be worn
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