I’ve always enjoyed writing, but lately I’ve been compelled to write not just about my past, but also about the incredible people that I’ve met.  Around five years ago, I realized that it was my responsibility and duty to help preserve my gay history, especially during the era in which I spent my young adult years in Atlanta.

My first intent was to write and publish a book, but after spending countless hours in rewrites and dead ends with potential publishers, I decided to present my memoir as a free gift on this website to those who want to read it. It is my contribution to preserving just one small bit of female impersonation history. It is by all means not inclusive of everyone I ever knew or ever met. And for those who are not a part of the memoir, I encourage them to create their own piece of history for future generations to enjoy.

PLAY LIST

Though fictional, my playwriting has been influenced by situations and characters that have impacted my life. They are available for production.

METAMORPHOSIS (Learning to Sashay Like RuPaul)

Finalist in the Saints and Sinners 2010 Literary Festival Full-Length Play Competition (New Orleans, LA).

Full-length dark comedy

A young gay man throws the family (staff and show cast) of Club 82 into chaos when they take him in.

(6 M characters).

FIRST and CHESTNUTS

Full-length light, twisted comedy

While the director of an adult education center is sexually exploiting the auditor to maintain operational funding, her zany staff and teachers are being held hostage by a disgruntled student. In the duration of the plot, the characters reveal secrets about past and present gender-bending and sexual issues.

(3M and 4F characters)

PURPLEXION

Full-length dark comedy

An aging female impersonator reflects on his booger drag past, telling the story of how a group of young gay men crossed paths for a short time in the fall of 1971. Based on the memoir, Teased Hair and the Quest for Tiaras.

(1F and 5M characters)

In Michael's Honor

Short one-act play (approximately 12 minutes)

Drama

When Michael is murdered, these misfits have to deal with their grief and what to wear to his funeral. Adapted from a scene from PURPLEXION.

(1F and 3 M characters)

Checkout

Short one-act play (ten minutes)

Comedy

An irate shopper and a dim-witted cashier find an interesting way to connect at the checkout line.

(2M characters)

Starting Rumors

A Ten Minute Play

Comedy

Two conniving community college professors add a flavorful twist to lunch while mentoring an instructor.

(1M and 2F characters)

Out of the Closet

A Ten Minute Play

Comedy

A dinner party takes a queer turn when one of the guests sits in a chair that has life-altering powers.

(2F and 2M characters)

Mourning of the Dead

A Three Minute Play

Dark Comedy

Wanda and Jack have a tense conversation over coffee. Is their love life dead?

(1M and 1F)

Latest News!

Who The Hell Is Rachel Wells?

Finalist in the Second Annual Saints and Sinners GLBT Literary Festival Short Fiction Contest (2011).

After a fairwell ceremony, a drag bag is left at a Kentucky rest stop. How will the bag and its contents impact those who find it? This short story is pure satire on the status of celebrity.

Now published in Saints & Sinners (New Fiction from the Festival 2011), available through Amazon.com.

LINKS

It has become so important to not just remember the past, but to record it as well. The following links will connect you to a couple of rare video flashes of me and others from the past.  I've also included some incredible articles and interviews with some spectacular divas from their crossroads in Atlanta reflecting the days gone by.

Miss Gay America  The official MGA website.

Hot Chocolate Interview  A wonderful Legends interview with Larry Edwards. Lots of historical details.

Hot Chocolate's Website  Larry's great website!

Lisa King Interview  A must read interview with Lisa. She gives lots of insight into the past. Another legend to be honored.

Lena Lust Interview  If anyone remembers and is part of any Atlanta drag history, it would be Lena Lust. A wonderful person and I was so happy to have found this recent article.

Video Rachel Wells Performing  Someone recorded this video (it was during a MGA preliminaty night in the early 80's). It's rare to find a video of most of us from that era.

Female Impersonator of the Year Evening Gown  I'm sure everyone has seen this video by now, but it's fun to be reminded of how much fun this particular group could have when we got together.

Female Impersonator of the Year Sportswear  Okay, guys. Fur coats and such? What were we thinking?

Female Impersonator of the Year Talent (Kate)  The one and only time I did this routine live. Life has always been about taking risks!

Video Library Commercial 1984  Someone let me know they had found this after all these years. A commercial with me as Kate and Carol, and Chocolate showing off his early Tina!

Impulse Video Digest 1984  Tina Devore and me with one of our episodes of News Beat that aired each week on Cable Atlanta. As always, Tina was great to work with.

Tribute to Logan Carter, aka Roxanne Russell  A wonderful tribute to Logan.

Creative Loafing Article (Atlanta History) This article looks at the past 30 years in Atlanta. The Sweet Gum Head is listed!

Diamond Lil Interview  The grand diva of all Atlanta drag entertainers, this is an incredible article with Diamond Lil.

Dina Jacobs Interview   Another great original entertainer (and one of my favorites) from the past.

Tina Devore Interview  The stability for any show, Tina Devore is paid tribute to a wonderful and long-lasting career. One of my favorite people.

CONTACT AND COMMENTS

I’d love to hear from you. My email address:  jrgreenwellmga79@yahoo.com