JACKSON, Wyo. — Tickets are now on sale for a two-night run of “A Sissy in Wyoming,” a play by Gregory Hinton based on the remarkable life of Wyoming educator, activist and gender nonconforming pioneer Larry “Sissy” Goodwin (1946 – 2020).
“A Sissy in Wyoming” is presented by The Center and Off Square Theatre Company. Shows are this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 16, at 7 p.m.
“We are thrilled to work with Off Square Theatre Company to bring this important story about resilience in the face of discrimination to The Center,” says Events Operations Director Willi Brooks. “This piece of theatre is beautifully produced and carries special significance for our Wyoming community.”
“A Sissy in Wyoming” stars Cory Schaeperkoetter and is directed by Kenny Starling. Gregory Hinton was inspired to write the play by the October 2013 LA Times article, “In Wyoming, He’s Tough Enough to be a Sissy,” by John M. Glionna.
“Have you ever tried to climb into a squad car in handcuffs and a petticoat?” Sissy asks in the first act.
“And his story is one of perseverance and trailblazing that illustrates the power of being oneself.”
The Center
The play is an intimate look at the life and bravery of a cross-dressing man and his wife, Vickie Goodwin, as they navigate life in the Cowboy State with Sissy dressed in feminine clothing. A traditionally masculine man outside of his choice of clothing, Sissy was an airplane mechanic for the Airforce, a rodeo cowboy and worked at a power plant. His choice to publicly cross-dress led to violent attacks, arrests and harassment. Sissy’s endurance and refusal to leave his home state made him a pioneer. And his story is one of perseverance and trailblazing that illustrates the power of being oneself.
The play is based on Sissy’s journal and oral history provided by Vickie to the American Heritage Center. It previously toured rural communities across Wyoming in 2022. After that tour, an article about the tour and the creation of the play called “A Real Man’ in a Dress” by Jose A. Del Real appeared in the Washington Post.
Please note: This show deals in a number of sensitive, potentially triggering subjects. Viewer discretion is advised.
Tickets to “A Sissy in Wyoming” are On Sale now and start at $18.
