About this project

Earl Dax, one of downtown’s most prolific independent producers, has lined up a winning creative team ready to embark on what will be a rewarding theatrical odyssey for performance-lovers, music devotees, and fashionistas everywhere: a brand new show starring the legendary Joey Arias, emcee of Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity for 6 years, star of NYC theatrical smash hit Arias with a Twist, and most recently, co-star of 2010 Berlin Film Festival and Tribecca Film Festival award winning, Arias with a Twist: The Docufantasy.

Arias is fully committed to the project, and has enlisted longtime friend and collaborator Manfred Thierry Mugler to direct. As a renowned creative director and designer, Mugler is paid handsomely for his work (most recently as the lead costume designer for Beyonce’s world tour). He is generously waiving his fees to develop this show, a remarkable contribution! Acclaimed jazz musician Ben Allison has signed on as Music Director, and The Propellerheads’ Alex Gifford has made himself available for collaboration as well. The production will feature stunning visuals and video by Seth Kirby (Joshua Light Show, Scissor Sisters World Tour). We have secured a two-week residency at Abrons Arts Center from Jay Wegman. Now all we need is YOU!

Dax has managed to assemble a dynamite creative team, and the last, but crucial piece is the funding needed for projector rental, scrims, bulbs, screens, and other hard costs related to the developmental workshop. We already have interest from producers who can support the New York City premiere in September (also at Abrons), and this workshop is critical to galvanizing their support. Your contribution at this important juncture will play a key role in making this remarkable show come to life!

Z Chromosome: the Essence of Joey Arias will be a brand new theatrical concert; a double helix of aural and visual delight. It will star Joey Arias, and will mark Thierry Mugler’s directorial debut in theatre. Anticipating the show's world premiere in the Fall, Dax has also enlisted the support of Andy Salzer (Lead Publicist and Marketing Director) Kimberly Sexton (Events Producer and Publicist) and Leo Herrera of the SF-based collective Homochic (Web and Marketing Design). These individuals have distinguished themselves in the fields of fashion, entertainment, art, experimental film and video, event production, press and marketing.

Peruse our premium levels and consider supporting this exciting project at the level that is comfortable to for you. Premiums include show tickets to Weimar New York co-hosted by Joey Arias and Penny Arcade (June 11 and 12 at Abrons); tickets to the world premiere of Z Chromosome: the Essence of Joey Arias; CD, books and other Arias collectibles; and Angel giving levels with custom benefits. Thank you in advance for your support!

About Joey Arias

From his early days at Fiorrucci and his work with Klaus Nomi, Joey Arias has been synonymous with downtown New York City fashion, nightlife and performance for over three decades. Known for his evocative 'channeling' of Billie Holiday and outrageous performances at seminal New York nightclubs including Club 57, Jackie 60 and Squeezebox, Arias originated the role of the emcee in Cirque du Soliel's "Zumanity" in Las Vegas. After 6 years he returned to New York to star in the wildly successful "Arias with a Twist," a collaboration with master puppeteer, Basil Twist. Most recently he’s co-starred in “Arias with a Twist: The Docufantasy,” which premiered at the 2010 Berlin Film Festival, and won an audience award at the 2010 Tribecca Film Festival.

Z Chromosome: the Essence of Joey Arias, will be Arias’ first full-length theatrical performance in New York City since 2008.

About Thierry Mugler

Mugler began his career as a dancer, and went on to become an internationally celebrated fashion designer. He launched his first line Café de Paris in 1973, and founded his own label for women two years later, to be followed by designs for men in 1978. Mugler's work over the next two decades had a style that was very much of its time. Mugler met Arias in 1992 while directing the video for George Michael's single, "Too Funky," featuring a parade of Mugler fashions including the famous "motorcycle dress." The two collaborated again on Cirque du Soleil's "Zumanity" for which Mugler designed costumes and served as a creative advisor, and Arias starred as the emcee. Most recently Mugler served as the primary costume designer for Beyoncé Knowles' latest 2009 “I Am… Sasha Fierce-” concert tour. He created e a 58-piece wardrobe for Knowles, her dancers, and band for the tour. Knowles selected Mugler for the position after becoming enamored by his work at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute's "Superheroes" exhibit in 2008. Mugler is also responsible for the fashions in Lady Gaga’s 2009 “Paparazzi” and 2010 “Telephone” music videos.

In 2010, Mugler continues his legendary tour de force in collaboration with Joey Arias once again, for Z Chromosome: the Essence of Joey Arias.