BUSTED

Busted is a solo musical by Bianca Leigh (original Broadway cast Oh, Mary) about the night in 1987 when she was arrested for prostitution after the NYPD raided the high-priced Tribeca dungeon where she worked as a dominatrix, one of the few professions available to openly trans women in those days. In an era when the legal system did not acknowledge trans identities, she is held before her sentencing in the men’s section of the Manhattan House of Detention, a.k.a, The Tombs. Originally conceived as a cabaret show consisting of existing Broadway show tunes, we eventually were blessed to have luminaries of the American theatre, such as OBIE winners Taylor Mac and Ellen Maddow and Tony winner Jeff Whitty, write original material. Bianca’s story of resilience and survival resonated deeply with audiences when the show was performed at Bowery Poetry Club and the Laurie Beechman, as well as at the Community House in Cherry Grove on Fire Island. 

BUSTED CREATIVE TEAM

Written and performed by Bianca Leigh

Directed and developed by Tim Cusack

Musical direction by William TN Hall

Costume designed by Arthur Oliver

Dramaturgical consultant: Chris Weikel

Produced in association with Spin Cycle at the Laurie Beechman Theatre 

Featuring original songs by

• Taylor Mac

• Jeff Whitty

• Ellen Maddow

• William TN Hall

• Super Buddha

• Jeff Domoto

• Isam Rum & Matthew Pritchard