The Slow Drag, a Jazz Musical | Ophelia's Jump | May 23 - Jun 22

The Slow Drag is the unique story of Johnny Christmas, a jazz musician, 

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his wife June Wedding, a sultry and sexy torch singer and their best friend Chester Kent, a singer, dancer and pianist.

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Inspired by the real-life story of jazz musician Billy Tipton who upon his death in 1989 was discovered to have been a biological woman, unbeknownst to his wives and three adopted sons.

Johnny harbours a dark secret. In order to play the music he loves, Johnny has to pass himself off as a man. This is a charade he keeps up for the duration of his life and shares with no one but June, not even to his and June's three sons. It's a charade that ultimately kills Johnny.

Meanwhile, Chester, like Johnny, is also leading a double life. As a bi-racial man he has found that many doors are shut to him. If Chester denies his heritage and passes himself off as a playboy with a tan, he can play music in "White Only" establishments. If not, he's out of work. Like Johnny, he chooses the lie.

The Slow Drag is a fascinating story of three individuals who lived and lied for their music.

Directed by Sheila Malone

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