Netflix Star Lea DeLaria to Perform on Campus

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Lea DeLaria, who plays Carrie “Big Boo” Black in Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black,” will perform Wednesday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. The actress, comedian, singer and gay icon presents a live show combining stand-up comedy and sultry vocals.

Though known best for her SAG Award-winning role in “Orange is the New Black,” DeLaria’s career also includes work as a comedian and jazz musician.

She holds the distinction of being the first openly gay comic on television in the United States, with her 1993 appearance on the late-night television show, The Arsenio Hall Show. Since then, DeLaria has appeared on numerous television shows, including “Awkward,” “Californication,” “One Live to Live,” “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Will and Grace,” “Friends,” and “Matlock.”

She’s received Obie & Theater World Awards and a Drama Desk nomination for her portrayal as Hildy in the Public Theatre’s revival of “On The Town,” an Ovation nomination for “The Boys From Syracuse,” and has played both Eddie and Dr. Scott in the gender-bending Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show.

DeLaria was the featured vocalist at the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival and has performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Chicago Symphony, Hollywood Bowl, The Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

DeLaria has five records on the Warner Jazz and Classics label. Her sixth record, “House Of David: delaria+bowie=jazz,” was released with Bowie’s support and blessings in the summer of 2015 to critical acclaim. 

Tickets for Lea DeLaria's live concert are $45, $35, $20 and Five College students and youth 17 and under are $15, $12, $10. Faculty and staff are eligible for a 15% discount on tickets. For tickets call the Box Office at 545-2511, toll-free at 800-999-UMAS, or purchase online at fineartscenter.com/BigBoo. The performance is sponsored by 93.9 The River, The Rainbow Times, Noho Pride and Out! for Reel.