Ophelia's Jump Presents THE SLOW DRAG, a jazz play by Carson Kreitzer
2025-06-28 03:00 - 05:00 UTC | Ophelia's Jump 2009 Porterfield Way, Suite I Upland
The Slow Drag-- a jazz play by Carson Kreitzer

Directed by Sheila Malone I Music Direction by Janette Combs

Featuring: Caitlin Lopez (Johnny Christmas), Grace Buzzini (June Wedding) and Edgar Salas (Chester Kent)

The Slow Drag is the unique story of Johnny Christmas, a jazz musician, his wife June Wedding, a sultry and sexy torch singer and their best friend Chester Kent, a singer, dancer and pianist.

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.

Featuring a live jazz combo in our immersive club setting.

Featuring Jazz Favorites:

"Why Don't You do Right?"

The Way You Look Tonight.

More Than You Know

Blues in the Night

They Can't Take That Away From Me

and more
