Acclaimed actor, musician, and writer Lisa Stephen Friday takes the Keegan Theatre stage to celebrate Pride with a healthy dose of Trans Pride, Trans Joy, and Trans Resilience! Join us to experience solo acoustic versions of her original songs, as well as music from her one-woman musical, TRANS AM, which was developed and debuted at the Keegan Theatre, and the concert version of the original new piece, DOLL/GIRL: A MUSICAL, which she co-created with writer Joseph Ritsch. As a child of the ’80s, Lisa’s artistic aesthetic is highly influenced by the early days of MTV and the post punk era of pop music. Her songwriting career is now in its third decade, with her most notable work coming in the early 2000s as the front woman and songwriter for the NYC-based rock ‘n roll band Lisa Jackson and Girl Friday. She is joined in this special Pride concert by guest artist Carmen Castillo.
Be a Pride VIP! Purchase VIP tickets to receive an exclusive invitation to the pre-concert sound check with Lisa Stephen Friday and reception in the mezzanine with light hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
VIP sound check and reception 7:00 pm
Pride concert 8:00 pm
Pride VIP tickets $50.00
Includes exclusive invitation to pre-concert sound check with Lisa Stephen Friday and reception in the mezzanine with light hors d'oeuvres and drinks
Regular tickets $25.00
Includes concert tickets only
90 minutes
LISA STEPHEN FRIDAY (she/her/hers) is a singer, musician, actor, and theater maker based in New York City. Lisa’s work includes her one-woman show TRANS AM the musical, DOLL/GIRL (about the life and work of Greer Lankton), and her latest project: A MUSICAL FOR HENRIETTA. In 2022, TRANS AM premiered at the Keegan Theatre in Washington, DC and was featured in the Hangar Theater’s summer season. TRANS AM made its New York City debut at Joe’s Pub in March. In 2023, DOLL/GIRL had its first public presentation at Judson Memorial Church, where Lisa and co-creator Joseph Ritsch were artists in residence. TRANS AM will be featured at Joe’s Pub in September 2025, thanks to collaborative efforts with the WP Theater and New York State Council on the Arts.
From 2000-2006, Lisa fronted and wrote songs for the band Lisa Jackson and Girl Friday. They were a featured act at NYC’s CBGB’s and headlined the monthly party Homocorp. Lisa Jackson and Girl Friday were one of the few trans fronted bands featured at Pride events around the country, sharing the stage with bands like The Psychedelic Furs, The Motels, and Pat Benatar. In fall 2022, Lisa returned to acting, performing the role of Maura in the workshop of TRANSPARENT by Joey and Faith Soloway, directed by Tina Landau. She then joined the cast of Robert O’Hara’s BARBECUE at The Human Race Theater in the role of Adlene, and made her Off-Broadway debut in Pipeline Theatre Company’s World Premiere of HOUSE OF TELESCOPES. Prior to her years with Lisa Jackson and Girl Friday, Lisa worked as an actor and singer in NYC, performing in regional productions at theaters like Goodspeed Opera House, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and The Ordway Theater. In 1999, Lisa toured the country with the National Touring company of THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY.
CARMEN CASTILLO (Carmenesperanza) is a singer, songwriter, musician, and actress originally hailing from the DMV. She is currently recording her debut EP for her solo music project, Carmenesperanza. DC stage credits include ONCE and CAROUSEL at Olney Theatre Center, and WONDERLAND – ALICE’S ROCK & ROLL ADVENTURE at Imagination Stage. Carmen was also featured on the 2019 National Tour of ONCE.
Carmen currently lives in New York City, where she has been seen in DOLL/GIRL, a new musical by Lisa Stephen Friday, THE FACTORY, an immersive play by Kate Name, and NEW GOLDEN AGE by Karen Hartman. As a musician, Carmen can be seen regularly playing bass for New York post punk band Pop Music Fever Dream, who recently toured the country opening for noise rock legends A Place To Bury Strangers.
