Ring Of Keys Presents ‘Queering The Canon: A Retrospective’ At Joes Pub In New York City

Ring of Keys, a non-profit dedicated to supporting queer women, trans, and non-binary artists in musical theatre, will celebrate its 7th anniversary with “Queering The Canon: A Retrospective,” a benefit concert at Joes Pub in New York City.

The event, which will take place on March 17 at 9:30 p.m. and be streamed worldwide, is set to be hosted by drag icon and trans activist Miss Peppermint (“RuPauls Drag Race,” “Head Over Heels”).

The annual gala highlights renowned queer performers and songwriters, blending reimagined canonical songs with newly created works that expand and challenge traditional narratives in musical theatre. This latest installment of the “Queering the Canon” series will revisit song pairings from past concerts, offering audiences a retrospective of the organizations ongoing effort to reshape and diversify the theatrical canon.

The event features performances from Broadway veterans, including Natalie Joy Johnson (“Lempicka”), Tomás Matos (“Diana: The Musical”), Jade McLeod (“Jagged Little Pill”), Sushma Saha (“1776”), Anessa Marie Scolpini (“Cabaret”), and Pearl Rhein (“Natasha,” “Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”). Additional performers include Klea Blackhurst, Grant Evan, Esther Fallick, Samy Figaredo, Jack Haven, Jari Billie Sadé Jones, Petralina Lambert, Madison McBride, and Rivkah Reyes, with more names to be announced.

The new canon of songs featured in the concert will showcase works by Joanna Burns, Andi Lee Carter, Lucier&Rose (“Xena: Warrior Musical”), Lindsey Augusta Mercer (“Mrs. Dalloway”), Zeniba Now (“Take The Lead”), Rodney Bush, Anessa Marie Scolpini, and Pearl Rhein.

Beyond the performances, the evening will include a silent auction featuring exclusive experiences, travel and dining packages, and artist testimonials on the impact of Ring of Keys’ work in the industry.

The event is directed by S.C. Lucier (“Xena: Warrior Musical”), with music direction by Dionne McClain-Freeney (“Show Boat: A River”), orchestrations by Emily “Freddie” Fredrickson (“Hadestown”), and casting by Charlie Hano (“Titanique,” “The Christine Jorgensen Show”). Andrea Prestinario, co-founder of Ring of Keys, produces the event.