Michael Benjamin Washington

Currently: Playing the scene-stealing, cross-dressing maid Jacob in La Cage aux Folles on Broadway.

Hometown: Dallas, Texas. Washington's father was a lieutenant colonel in the army and his mother is a motivational speaker. He was a performer from an early age, doing commercials for Texas-based companies such as J.C. Penny and Frito Lay. He earned his Equity card by age 15 with a gig at the Dallas Theatre Center. By the time he was a senior in high school, he was honored as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and performed the title role in Othello at the Kennedy Center for President Clinton. Washington went on to study drama at New York University.

A Week of Saturday Night: During his last semester in college, he was performing eight shows a week off-Broadway in Stephen Sondheim's Saturday Night. "It was my first big gig," Washington exclaims. He only received one note from the legendary composer/lyricist: 'Remember Michael, this isn't Othello. Dirty it up!'"

From Broadway Baby to Drag Diva: Washington made his Broadway debut in 2001, originating the role of Eddie in Mamma Mia!. The musical's smashing success led to other opportunities, including a part as the Summer Bride in a starry benefit performance of Funny Girl for the Actors' Fund. "I had never thought about doing drag before," Washington says. He was inaugurated with "a pound of makeup, this gown I had never seen and five-inch stilettos." The other performers teased Washington that doing drag without a drag name was unacceptable. He recalls telling his cast mates, "'I liked Diana Ross in Mahogany.'" And a new persona--and name--was born." Washington took on the brassy alter ego for future engagements, mostly at Joe's Pub, with all proceeds going towards Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids. Mahogany is planning another appearance for February 2005.

He Enjoys Being a Girl: La Cage creators Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein saw one of Mahogany's appearances and began championing him in for the role of Jacob, eventually bringing him in to audition. " He made the most of the opportunity by singing "I Enjoy Being a Girl" for his La Cage audition--in five-inch stilettos and full men's clothing. "I got through the second verse before they looked down and noticed I was wearing heels," Washington says, "I know that got [director] Jerry Zaks' attention!"

On Your Feet: Washington's audition was obviously successful, but he was in for a bit of culture shock with his second Broadway job. With his minor role in Mamma Mia! Washington spent a lot of time offstage, but he has a bigger part in La Cage, so the pace is altogether different. "Backstage at Mamma Mia!, I could read a book, get up, do my thing, sit down," he says. "There's no sitting here. Not allowed!"

Like Mother, Like Son: Washington has often found inspiration from his family. "My mother is a motivational speaker for Washington Enterprises," he says. "She came to see the show on Saturday and made gift bags for the entire company with 20 dollar bills on each bag for the Cagelles. I was like, 'Mother, please!' She's a southern belle through and through. Grand entrances, grand exits! I guess I learned this [gesturing to a dressing room full of elaborate dresses and heels] from my mom."

Broadway Family Values: The tender homosexual relationship at the heart of La Cage was groundbreaking when it first opened on Broadway in 1983. Washington hopes the material will still have a profound effect on audiences. "Our goal is not to shock people, because if people were shocked we really haven't made a lot of progress. But right now with politics being what they are, it's amazing to be doing this show." Washington claims the show is really about family values with "a different twist." He notes, "It's not about shocking people. It's about a beautiful story and a score. It's timeless."