Antigonish, NS – Festival Antigonish is thrilled to present Josephine: A Burlesque Cabaret Dream Play, an internationally acclaimed show celebrating the extraordinary life of Josephine Baker, on February 6 at the Bauer Theatre. Combining cabaret, theatre, and dance, this award-winning production pays tribute to Baker’s artistry and activism, offering an evening that promises both entertainment and profound inspiration.
Coinciding with International Black History Month, this performance provides a timely and poignant opportunity to honor Josephine Baker’s legacy as a trailblazer in the fight for racial equality and her contributions to art and activism. “Josephine Baker was the first African American international superstar, and we want to celebrate her incredible talent alongside her adventurous life. It’s a chance for us to be entertained but also delve into her courage and the challenges she faced in the historical context of the early 1900s,” explained Festival Antigonish Artistic Director, Andrea Boyd.
Josephine is produced by PFK Productions and stars the magnetic Tymisha Harris in a powerful portrayal of the iconic entertainer. After debuting in 2016 at the San Diego Fringe Festival and earning critical acclaim across North America, the show has captivated audiences globally, including sold-out runs off-Broadway and performances at the Edinburgh Fringe.

In 2023, Josephine enjoyed a residency at Montreal’s Segal Centre for the Performing Arts under the direction of Sean Cheeseman (So You Think You Can Dance), adding fresh content and stunning new costumes. This latest iteration offers a moving exploration of Josephine Baker’s groundbreaking contributions to the arts, her civil rights activism, and her indomitable spirit.
Josephine has received over 20 five-star reviews from major publications. The production has been heralded as “a triumph” (CBC), with Harris delivering “a tour de force” performance (Broadway Baby). From her sultry vocals to her sensuous choreography, Harris channels Baker’s charisma while illuminating her historical impact.
“A triumph” – CBC
“Tour de force” – Broadway Baby
“Mesmerizing” – Edmonton Journal
“Captivating and sensuous” – Glam Adelaide
“Spellbinding” – Winnipeg Free Press
“Unforgettable” – Orlando Sentinel
“Critics’ Pick” – San Diego Union Tribune
“Powerful and riveting” – Stage Biz Review
“Magnetic performer” – San Diego Reader
“Heart-pounding” – Orlando Sentinel
“Perfect for the times” – Plays To See NYC
Josephine Baker was born in St. Louis in 1906 and rose to stardom in France during the 1920s, becoming a symbol of liberation and a trailblazer for race, gender, and sexual identity. Beyond the stage, she served as a spy for the French Resistance during WWII and a fearless advocate for civil rights. Baker’s legacy as a cultural icon and humanitarian endures, and this production brings her extraordinary story to life with grace and authenticity.
The most poignant, powerful, and impressive show you could see this February!

Tickets and Information
Date: February 6, 7:30 PM
Location: Bauer Theatre, StFX Campus, Antigonish, NS
Duration: 80 minutes, no intermission
Special Feature: Artist Q&A to follow (optional for audience)
Location: Bauer Theatre, StFX Campus, Antigonish, NS
Duration: 80 minutes, no intermission
Special Feature: Artist Q&A to follow (optional for audience)
Tickets available at: festivalantigonish.ca
Not Recommended for Youth
Media Contact:
Caleb Marshall, Managing Director
Festival Antigonish
(902) 867-3954 | caleb@festivalantigonish.ca
Caleb Marshall, Managing Director
Festival Antigonish
(902) 867-3954 | caleb@festivalantigonish.ca
For press kits and images, visit:
About the Cast and Creative Team
- Created by: Tymisha Harris, Michael Marinaccio, and Tod Kimbro
- Performed by: Tymisha Harris
- Directed and Produced by: Michael Marinaccio
- Book and Music Direction by: Tod Kimbro
- Additional Choreography and Direction by: Sean Cheeseman
Tymisha Harris (Performer/Costume Designer/Choreographer) has been performing professionally for over 25 years. Her career highlights include assistant choreographer and backup dancer for NSYNC, backup dancer for LFO, and roles at Universal Studios Orlando. Recent credits include the national tour of Rock of Ages, a European tour with Pilobulus Dance Theater, and founding member of the Orlando-based troupe, VarieTease.
Producer/Director/Co-Creator Michael Marinaccio notes: “In a period of profound division in the world, we are excited to present the story of a woman who broke boundaries of race, gender, and sexuality in a time before America had begun coming to terms with the concept of diversity. You would be hard-pressed to find a more remarkable human being than Josephine Baker, and it’s about time that this extraordinary woman has her story told.”
About Festival Antigonish
Festival Antigonish is one of Nova Scotia’s premier theatre companies, offering professional productions that celebrate artistry, community, and storytelling. Located at the Bauer Theatre on the St. Francis Xavier University campus, the festival has been a cornerstone of cultural life in Antigonish for over 35 years.
The Presentation Series is designed to bring a diversity of acclaimed artists and works from Canada and abroad to enrich the cultural offerings available to the community of Antigonish and surrounding areas. Through this initiative, Festival Antigonish fosters creativity, inclusivity, and the transformative power of the performing arts.
For more information, visit: festivalantigonish.ca