For Immediate Release
June 11, 2009
Out & Proud in Chicago presents Schoolboy to Showgirl: The Alexandra Billings Story,
a new program in WTTW's Out & Proud in Chicago series
Premieres Friday, June 19 at 8:30 pm on WTTW
CHICAGO - June 11, 2009 - WTTW is pleased to present a new local documentary in its Out & Proud in Chicago series, SCHOOLBOY TO SHOWGIRL: THE ALEXANDRA BILLINGS STORY.
The 30-minute film explores the extraordinary life and career of the unforgettable transgendered actress/singer, star of stage and screen, and Schaumburg native. The program, through rare footage and candid interviews, traces her harrowing journey through many transitions - from fear to fearlessness, from sickness to health, from loneliness to love, and her most remarkable transition of all - from male to female. With her trademark humor, courage and honesty, Billings discusses her childhood struggles as a boy growing up in suburban Chicago, how she developed her unique talents, some of the influential people she met along the way, and how she survived a suicide attempt and conquered AIDS, addiction, ignorance, and much more.
SCHOOLBOY TO SHOWGIRL: THE ALEXANDRA BILLINGS STORY debuts on Friday, June 19 at 8:30 pm on WTTW HD (over the air on channel 11.1), with an additional airing on WTTW's new Prime channel (channel 11.2/Comcast 243) at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 21. You can find more information about WTTW's Out & Proud initiative at http://www.wtw.com/outandproud
The film features original music by esteemed Chicago bandleader/songwriter Nicholas Tremulis, and is narrated by poet and performer Cin Salach, who has a unique personal connection to the story that is revealed in the program. The producer is Alexandra Silets, who co-produced last year's award-winning Out & Proud in Chicago, now airing on PBS stations nationwide.
About WTTW
For more than 50 years, audiences have turned to WTTW for distinctive programming that informs, inspires, educates, and entertains. It reaches 1.5 million weekly households over a four-state area, making it one of the most-watched public television stations in America. Recognized for its award-winning local and national productions, WTTW is committed to presenting the very best in cultural, nature, science, public affairs, and children's programming across its four distinct television channels: WTTW HD, WTTW Prime, its Spanish-language channel V-me, and WTTW Create. For more information about WTTW programming across all its platforms, please visit our web site at http://www.wtw.com.
|
