‘Jawbreaker’ Stage Musical Shines Spotlight On Vylette’s “Trans Narrative” With Non-Binary Actor AJ Paramo
Jawbreaker The Musical, a stage adaptation of the 1999 teen cult film, is making a notable change to one of its central characters by explicitly reimagining outcast Fern Mayo, who transforms into the glamorous Vylette, as a trans character. Writer Darren Stein said the decision followed years of trans fans, including actress Eve Lindley, telling him the character's journey of transformation, exposure and eventual self-acceptance resonated as a trans narrative, prompting him to "take the subtext and make it text" for the musical.
Non-binary Chicago actor AJ Paramo plays Fern/Vylette in the production, directed by Matt DiCarlo with choreography from RuPaul's Drag Race alum Laganja (Jay Jackson) and music and lyrics by Jeff Thomson and Jordan Mann. Paramo said Stein contacted them directly to explain the character's significance before rehearsals began, deepening their connection to the role, while original film star Rebecca Gayheart, who now plays Principal Sherwood, praised the cast's talent as the story moves from screen to stage.
In short
- Jawbreaker musical reimagines outcast character Fern/Vylette as trans
- Writer Darren Stein says trans fans long identified with the role
- Non-binary actor AJ Paramo stars; Rebecca Gayheart joins cast
Explained simply
Jawbreaker began as a 1999 teen film about high-school student Fern Mayo, an outsider who changes her appearance and becomes the glamorous Vylette. The story follows her shift in status and the consequences of trying to fit in.
Writer Darren Stein has said trans fans saw parallels between Fern’s transformation and experiences of being exposed and accepting oneself. The musical makes that reading explicit, with non-binary actor AJ Paramo playing Fern and Vylette. The production also brings back Rebecca Gayheart, who starred in the film, in a different role.
The adaptation matters because it turns an interpretation some viewers found in the film into a stated part of the character’s story. It also places a trans narrative at the centre of a stage version of a well-known teen film.
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