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‘Miss Navajo’ Musical in the Works From Director Billy Luther and Singer-Songwriter Raye Zaragoza (EXCLUSIVE)
Director Billy Luther, known for "Frybread Face and Me," is developing a stage musical adaptation of his acclaimed 2007 documentary "Miss Navajo," working alongside singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza. The project revisits the documentary's story nearly two decades after its Sundance premiere, translating its portrait of Indigenous womanhood and cultural pride into a theatrical format with original music.
The original film followed Crystal Frazier, a 21-year-old contestant, through the gruelling five-day Miss Navajo Nation pageant, in which entrants are tested on Navajo language, sheep butchering, frybread making and rug weaving rather than conventional beauty pageant criteria. Luther, who is of Diné, Hopi and Laguna Pueblo heritage, has a personal connection to the subject, as his mother was crowned Miss Navajo in 1966. Zaragoza, who is of Akimel O'otham descent, will contribute new and existing songs exploring themes of Indigenous women, cultural resilience, immigration and the environment.
In short
- Billy Luther is turning his 2007 documentary "Miss Navajo" into a musical
- Singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza is co-creating the show's music
- Luther's mother was crowned Miss Navajo in 1966, inspiring the project
Explained simply
The Miss Navajo Nation pageant is a cultural competition that tests contestants’ knowledge and practical skills, including speaking Navajo and making traditional foods and crafts. Its events differ from conventional beauty pageants and reflect aspects of Diné life and tradition.
Billy Luther’s 2007 documentary followed Crystal Frazier, a young contestant, through the five-day competition. Luther is a filmmaker with Diné, Hopi and Laguna Pueblo heritage, and his mother won the title in 1966. Singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza, who is of Akimel O’otham descent, makes music about Indigenous identity and other themes.