On Jackie, and the many faces of Nola Noonan.

Melba La Rose, Jr.	Jackie Curtis	D'Arcy Drollinger

A new independent film, written by the legendary Warhol Superstar Jackie Curtis, entitled, "Glamour, Glory & Gold, The Life & Legend of Nola Noonan, Goddess & Star!" is now in pre-production. His cousin, Joe Preston is directing, and producing the film under the name of his production company, Slugger Ann Productions. First written by Jackie in 1965/66, it was first performed for the stage at the Bastiano's Playwrights Workshop in Greenwich Village, New York City in 1968. It was none other than Mr. Robert De Niro that got his first acting job, playing all the male parts in the show. The play was successful in it's first run, but truly shined seven years later, when in 1974, a 27 year old Jackie confidently took the stage in the starring role of Nola Noonan. Ron Link showcased the production in the off-off Broadway Fortune Theatre to glowing reviews. After Dark called it a "Dishy Delight, a freewhelling hilarity, and penetrating analysis of what it's really like to live a dream 24 hours a day." and "Jackie's finest hour."

Glamour has enjoyed several revivals throughout the years. In December 2003, Joe was able to bring it back to the stage where Jackie was first given the spotlight by Ellen Stewart of La Mama, E.T.C.,where Jackie started his career as a young playwright. It was through Ellen's guidance, that made Jackie a star overnight. Their association has been sealed in theatrical history forever.

Throughout the years, Nola has been played by many different players. In 1968, Melba La Rose, Jr. was the first. Then six years later, in 1974, by Jackie, who by now was well known as a famous transvestite in the "New York Underground", played Nola in drag. Then it wasn't until 2003, when D'Arcy Drollinger paid a brilliant tribute to Jackie's work at La Mama.

BACKSTAGE Review by Ron Cohen, Dec. 12, 2003

Presented by and at La MaMa E.T.C., 74A E. Fourth St., NYC, Dec. 4-14.

"The title and subtitle pretty much sum up both the plot and attitude of "Glamour, Glory & Gold: The Life and Legend of Nola Noonan, Goddess & Star." It's a genial recreation of the underground theatre of the '60s and '70s, and if you have an appetite for this kind of freewheeling camp, you should have a good time viewing it. The play was written in 1965 by a precocious 19-year-old Jackie Curtis, born John Holder, who in his time became one of Andy Warhol's drag superstars, as well as making a name for himself as a writer. Curtis died in 1985, and this revival has been directed with obvious affection by his cousin Joe Preston."

"The work traces a familiar trajectory through the annals of camp, detailing the rise of Nola Noonan from waiting tables to burlesque queen to Hollywood stardom and the unavoidable dissipation that comes with it..."

"... as Nola, D'Arcy Drollinger delivers a performance of epic drag dimensions, from the inelegant coquettishness and petulant pout to the snarling asides and sudden burst of macho-tinged fury. There's even a touch of poignancy as Nola reaches her tragic end. Moreover, he looks stunning in the wigs by John DiBartolomeo and his plentiful share of the uncredited costumes, which pretty much account for the production values. Clayton Dean Smith as Nola's longtime sidekick also turns in a slick female impersonation, and, indeed, the entire company of nine takes to its camping chores with infectious enthusiasm."

Jackie Curtis, a.k.a. John Holder, Jr, was born on February 19, 1947. He was born in New York City, but moved to his father's home state of Tennessee. One year later, his parents divorced, and Jackie and his Mother Jean moved back to New York City. Jackie was now being raised by his Mom Jean, his Grandmother Slugger Ann, and his Aunt Josie, (Joe's Mom.)

Since all three were Taxi dancers in the New York dance halls, Jackie's own creativity started to flourish as a brilliant playwrite and poet. Jackie also showed talent as a singer and actor. With that type of flamboyant influence, as Jackie once said on David Suskind's show , "There was a Choice", suggesting that he did not favor the male side of the family.

It was in the late 1960's when Jackie met Andy Warhol on a Greenwich Village street. Jackie soon became a regular member of the Warhol Factory on Union Square. With the influence of both Holly Woodlawn and Candy Darling, Jackie would soon become a transvestite to spark Andy's attention. As it turned out, Jackie, Candy, and Holly became the three transvestites known to the Factory and the "New York City Underground". All three made a name for themselves and went on to star in many of Warhol's films. Jackie starred in "Flesh", and "Women In Revolt", for which Jackie was known for writing.

Jackie had created a fashion look that had never been seen in show business, let alone the rest of society. His look became very influential with the art and music world, and has influenced the look of many a rock star such as Bowie and Alice Cooper amongst many others. It was none other than Lou Reed, who was also a member of the Factory, that immortalized Jackie in his most famous signature song, "Walk On the Wild Side". Anna Sui, one of the world's most cutting edge designers, has recently dedicated her Fall 2004 collection of clothing to Jackie's look of the 60's and 70's. Jackie is also a subject of two portraits created by the late Alice Neel. One entitled, "Jackie As A Boy", (1972) was last seen here in New York at the Whitney Museum during an international tour.

It was in the middle 1970's that Jackie and his first cousin Joe started working together. Joe became an assistant, a business manager, and a stage manager. Jackie taught Joe alot about show business, but shared many a family experience as well. They were family first, above all.

After years of struggling with heavy drinking and drugs habits, Jackie finally succumbed to a major heroin/cocaine overdose on May 15, 1985. Those who had known Jackie for many years have been devastated to this day. His memory has surfaced throughout the years, with his close friends paying loving tribute with many dedicated shows. As Jackie's photos and work were kept safe in Joe's storage for 18 years, it wasn't until Craig Highberger, long time friend of Jackie's had decided to produce a documentary on Jackie's life, that Joe's interest became renewed in show business and he joined forces with Craig to produce the film, "Superstar In A Housedress, The Life and Legend of Jackie Curtis".

"Superstar" opened in May of 2004, and is now enjoying a wonderful tour of the world, playing in both paid venues and film festivals. Many more details of Jackie's life, work, and "Superstar" can be found at: www.Jackiecurtis.com. It was Craig that first filmed "Glamour's" stage version when he was attending NYU Film School back in 1974.

Home / Gallery / Film Info / Contact