Calling all Golden Girls fans, Maude maniacs, and those who love tough broads with soft hearts, Bea Arthur is back!  Jason B Schmidt, the world’s premiere (and only) Bea Arthur impersonator, channels the famed Tony and Emmy-Winning star in his deadpan tribute, “Beatrice Arthur: Astral Dame.” In the show, Bea is prompted by her celestial stage manager Jimmy Durante to make her way down from the astral plane to the Empire Stage for a STRICTLY limited engagement of her Astral Dame Tour in early May 2021. Expect Bea’s most favorite showtunes, showbiz stories and a few surprises only Ms. Arthur could deliver; it’s sure to be an evening that is out of this world. 

The show was originally directed by Amy Anders Corcoran, with original musical direction and backing tracks provided by Mason Griffin. The South Florida debut will feature Jason B. Schmidt alongside his bosom buddy (and Golden Gays co-star) Very Gerry Mastrolia.  Additional staging, choreography and digital show coordination by Jason’s husband Anthony Giorgio-Schmidt.

Jason B. Schmidt, a NYC based actor, voice over talent and member of the hilarious drag trio, The Golden Gays NYC, has been impersonating the sardonic and sassy Bea Arthur since 2010. While others have perhaps played a “Dorothy” type, Schmidt is the only one to fully embody the late actress in all facets of her marvelous life. Like Arthur, Schmidt has been described as having “perfect comic timing.” In addition to his extensive Off-Broadway, Off-Off and Regional credits, Jason B. has also traveled the US starring in numerous productions. @Bea_Astral_Dame

The Golden Gays NYC are currently booking their post-Covid “GOLDEN RETURN TOUR” for the 2nd half of 2021 and will headline the Golden Fans at Sea cruise in January 2022. @TheGoldenGaysNYC

Special Guest Very Gerry Mastrolia, hails from North Jersey, where he began entertaining at the age of 3 with Three Stooges routines in his living room. He knew sports weren’t his thing because he was much too fabulous for them. At age 9, Gerry was introduced to the Merry World of Musical theatre. He began professionally working in New York at 18 and was seen on CBS & E! News for his work in the Off-Broadway show, Totally Tubular Time Machine, starring Debbie Gibson. Then, he created and starred in his debut solo cabaret show, Me, Myself & Goldie and Very Gerry, that played famous cabaret clubs like Don’t Tell Mama, Metropolitan Room and Paul Colby’s The Bitter End. Currently working on his new Impersonation show, Legendary Divas, Kiss My Sass, paying homage to the magic of Old Hollywood. More recently, he’s co-founded the award winning, as seen on PBS, Four’s A Crowd Productions, which specialize in comedy shorts, short films and parodies on YouTube and The Golden Gays NYC LLC, a drag tribute to TV’s The Golden Girls that has been growing rapidly and travels the country. Endless love and gratitude to his family, friends and mentors for their love and support. @VeryGerryNYC 

Empire Stage is an artist-driven collective that produces new and existing works for the diverse audiences of Ft. Lauderdale, including the LGBTQ and Senior populations. They are committed to presenting dynamic works originating from both the New York City and South Florida theatrical communities. www.EmpireStage.com.

For more information: visit www.JasonBSchmidt.com.

Tickets are $35 (plus fees). 

Wednesday May 5th through Saturday May 8th at 8pm

Sunday May 9th at 5pm

Direct in-person ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beatrice-arthur-astral-dame-tickets-146823383693

Friday May 7th will be broadcast on Stellar Tickets  for those not in the South Florida area. https://www.stellartickets.com/o/beatrice-arthur/events/beatrice-arthur-astral-dame/occurrences/c81e0268-e567-4940-a9d7-8027967a2671