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originally published: 03/14/2023

(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- In celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility, The ShowRoom Cinema will present a one night only screening of the documentary Julia Scotti: Funny That Way on Friday, March 31 at 7:30pm. The film will be followed by a Q&A with comedian, writer, speaker and subject of the film Julia Scotti, hosted by Alex Biese of the Asbury Park Press. Tickets are $25 and available now at showroomcinemas.com.

With breathtaking emotional honesty, this tender, funny, and powerful portrait of transgender comedian Julia Scotti explores the unrelenting courage and humor it takes to be Julia. 

Rick Scotti was a busy guy during the comedy boom of the 1980’s, appearing in clubs across the country on bills with Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld, until he came to the dawning realization that nothing felt right. 

 

At a time when the words gender dysphoria and gender reassignment surgery were rarely heard, Rick’s true awakening at age forty-seven led to a new identity as Julia Scotti. And then everyone turned away—former wives, friends, family, comedy world buddies. Most painfully, Julia was shut out from any contact with her children. Julia reinvented herself and spent a decade teaching, eventually stepping back on stage to begin her journey back to the world she loves. 

Shot over a period of five years, the film tracks Julia’s triumphant comeback and the complex process of reuniting with her children, as comedy becomes the shared language of identity, healing, and joy. 

 

Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

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The film is rated 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. It was directed by Susan Sandler, writer of the screenplay for the film Crossing Delancey. 

“International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on March 31, dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.” -- Wikipedia

The ShowRoom Cinema, Asbury Park’s home to Movies & More, is located at 707 Cookman Ave., Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

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