Laverne Cox Leads Groundbreaking All-Trans Musical Performance at Carnegie Hall

In October 2025, acclaimed actress Laverne Cox took the stage at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City, starring in the musical comedy The Drowsy Chaperone. The performance, which ran for one night only, featured an all-trans and non-binary cast, a groundbreaking achievement in the theater world.

Cox, who played the title role, described the experience as a "dream come true." She had long dreamed of performing at Carnegie Hall, having attended concerts and recitals there since childhood. The 53-year-old actress called the cast "magical" and the overall experience "perfect" for her Carnegie Hall debut.

Beyond the personal significance, Cox also stressed the importance of increased trans and non-binary representation in mainstream theater. "We could use more representation in theater everywhere," she said, underscoring the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the performing arts.

Cox's role in The Drowsy Chaperone comes on the heels of her starring turn in the Prime Video comedy series Clean Slate, where she portrayed a proud, transgender woman returning to her Alabama hometown. The actress has drawn from her own life experiences to bring authenticity to her acting work, even when the subject matter is "triggering" and "challenging."