Jade in America
by The Vortex
Feb. 27 - Mar. 02
Thursday-Sunday
Internationally renowned comedian Jade Esteban Estrada returns to The VORTEX with his biting one-man comedy Jade in America. As he has toured around the United States, Estrada has assembled humorous insights on life in America–a country transformed by MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and a once-in-a-century pandemic. Don’t miss this must-see show, four nights only at The VORTEX.
Run Time: 70 minutes
About the Artist: Jade Esteban Estrada was born in San Antonio and graduated from American Musical and Dramatic Academy. He gained international recognition in 1998 when he released his first Latin pop single, "Reggae Twist." A multi-talented and successful Latin comedian, pop singer, choreographer, actor, political commentator, and human rights activist was christened "the first gay Latin star" by Out Magazine in December 2000. He has performed his original works at The VORTEX including several volumes of ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World. Estrada has gathered his experiences from his Jade in America comedy tour and began in 2022 to create a show about what it’s like to tour the country as an LGBTQ+ stand-up comedian. ‘Jade in America’ made its world premiere at Big Couch Theatre in New Orleans in June 2024.
A Las Vegas headliner (Sapphire Comedy Hour), Estrada is a well-crafted and seasoned comedian who has performed all over the world. He started his career as choreographer to Latin diva Charo, was also a scratch vocalist to the Backstreet Boys, and was a recurring guest on The Jerry Springer Show. He has since headlined showrooms and colleges around the country and has performed at over 350 Pride events worldwide. He has graced the stages of The Second City, Laugh Factory Chicago and The Comedy Zone. Television credits include the Emmy award-winning 30 Rock (NBC), The Graham Norton Effect (Comedy Central) and hosting duties at the 19th Annual South Florida GLAAD Media Awards (Bravo TV). He also appears in the 2024 documentary Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution on Netflix. Festival credits: Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Fringe World (Perth, Australia) and he was a headliner for the 2022 P3 Comedy Festival in Pensacola, Florida. Estrada has shared the stage with Phyllis Diller, Richard Lewis, Gallagher, Iliza Shlesinger, Heather McDonald, Joey Medina and many others. The Richmond Times- Dispatch calls him “a master entertainer” and the Phoenix New Times calls him “absolutely super-fabulous!”
“Jade Esteban Estrada is a fantastic comedian,” raved Josh Shirley of The Art of Bombing podcast. “Not only is he a great comic, he does one-liner, rapid-fire type stuff that’s just old-school, Vegas-style comedy that you don’t see as much anymore, which gives him his own real flair for the craft. He also came up through the ranks differently, which makes what he does so unique.”
“After MeToo, Black Lives Matter, and a pandemic, I wanted to find out how we had changed as Americans,” Estrada said with regard to his reason for going back on tour.
“Jade Esteban Estrada’s ‘Jade in America’ is storytelling that breaks all the rules!” raves Alex Zemanovic, regional producer of The Moth New Orleans.
“Jade Esteban Estrada’s ‘Jade in America’ show was so good! It had all the feels! Funny, tender, serious, silly - it had everything. If you get an opportunity to see this, don't miss out!” - Amanda G, producer of Greetings from Queer Mountain New Orleans.
IG: @jadeestebanestrada
Twitter: @getjaded
Facebook: Jade Esteban Estrada
Jade in America is supported in part by VORTEX Repertory Company, Save our Springs Alliance, the City of Austin Economic Development Department, the Texas Commission on the Arts, the National Endowment on the Arts, Six Square Austin’s Black Cultural District, and ATX Theatre.
The VORTEX Mission: We conjure urgent, unashamed art to create action in a shifting age. We embrace diverse communities, break down barriers, and elevate inclusive discourse from our cultural harbor in Austin, Texas. We enliven humanity with magical green new theatre at our Butterfly Bar and Sanctuary.
The VORTEX Core Values: Our core values are encompassed by the Pentacle of Integrity: Transformation, Magic, Community, Diversity, and Earth. Integrity lives at our core. We engage in radical transformation through edge-walking artistic creations and innovations. Magic emanates from our cultural harbor, engaging Spirit. Our space and our culture support expanding circles of inclusive community. Our art reflects diversity of people and voices from the global majority. Sustainability and environmentalism center Earth at our foundation.
ABOUT THE VORTEX:
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a fearless theatre exchange for a shifting age
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change-makers and truth-tellers for more than three decades
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anti-racist lens reflects diversity of people and voices of the BIPOC global majority
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expanding circles of inclusive communities
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a catalyst for change, providing theatrical art characterized by direct impact
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stimulating inquiry and challenging white supremacy
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a unique regional theatre
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a cultural harbor in Six Square Austin’s Black Cultural Arts District
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radical transformation through edge-walking artistic creations and innovations
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ensemble-generated, aesthetically diverse world premiere plays and musicals
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hundreds of awards for artistic excellence.
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a leader in the growth of the arts and economic stability in Austin
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striving for an equitable, life-sustaining civilization
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centering Earth at our foundation
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Green Business Leaders with Recycling and Composting
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spacious Butterfly Sanctuary
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Garden Stage
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The Butterfly Bar
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Patrizi’s
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The Eloise Brooks Cullum Stage
Jade in America
by Jade Esteban Estrada
The Vortex
February 27 - March 02, 2025
February 27-March 2, 2025
Thursday-Saturday 8 pm. Sunday 6 pm
The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd. Austin, TX 78722
INSIDE the theatre on the Eloise Brooks Cullum Stage!
Tickets: $39/$29/$15
RESERVED seating
$39 Benefactor
$29 Supporter
$15 Discount/Child/Artist/Student/Senior
www.vortexrep.org or 512-478-5282
Advance Reservations Recommended. Limited seating.
Blue Star Theatre: Discounts for Military, Veterans, and their families.
Radical Rush Free Tickets: Limited free tickets for each performance in the spirit of sustainability, accessibility, and the gift economy. Radical Rush tickets released one hour in advance-in-person only.
Six Square-Austin’s Black Cultural District.
Bus route. Bike Racks. Limited Free Parking.
The Butterfly Bar@The VORTEX opens at 5 pm: hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and beer.
Patrizi’s@The VORTEX opens at 5pm: delicious homemade Italian food.
[Poster photo by Brent Kosadnar; design by Melissa McKnight]
