The Legend of Georgia McBride, a new musical by Matthew Lopez, is now at their Arcadian Stage in Philadelphia until November 27. Opening night was October 19, and it was an evening filled with joy and expectation. By the audience’s reaction, the actors mightily pleased their audience and brought them to their feet at the musical’s conclusion.

According to Producing Artistic Director Terrence J. Nolen, Matthew Lopez’s successful, previously produced play at the Arden in 2011, The Whipping Man, led to The Legend of Georgia McBride. Indeed, Mr. Nolen states that he found the main point of both plays was the power of transformation.

Transformation is what happens in the entire story. We meet Casey, a handsome, young and struggling Elvis impersonator, who needs to connect with an audience, but has yet to find a means to successfully do just that. Two drag divas arrive, seeking work, a place and a space to live and earn a living at Cleo’s, cousin Eddie’s dive bar in Panama City, Florida. After some exposition, the musical takes off.

As the handsome, young, but mediocre Elvis impersonator, Matteo Scammell as Casey is instantly appealing. His performance grows in stature as he discovers himself by being asked (perhaps for the first time) what it is that he really wants in life by the imposing Miss Tracy Mills, played by Philadelphia favorite Dito van Reigersberg. According to Mr. Nolen, Mr. van Reigersberg was the first and only choice for the role, and he did not disappoint Mr. Nolen or his fans. He began as brittle and unsure, later graduating to real pathos and sincerity in the role. Jessica M. Johnson as Jo, Casey’s wife, was authentic and believable as an earthy young wife who countered her husband’s boundless enthusiasm with cold-eyed logic. The excellent actor Damien J. Wallace was Eddie, the owner and emcee at Cleo’s. Having an actor like Damien J. Wallace in this cast is true luxury casting. He brought much to the role. Mikeah Ernest Jennings was absolutely splendid in his two roles. Many in the audience had no idea that Mr. Jennings was both Jason, the landlord and Casey’s friend, and Rexy, the troubled and troubling drag queen, Anorexia Nervosa until the end of the show. Mr. Jennings was a natural, relaxed man who was much beset upon by his nagging, domineering wife, and the startlingly real, larger-than-life Rexy, who had opportunities galore to shine, and took every one of those opportunities to amazing effect.

Director Emmanuelle Delpech’s sure and trusting hand, set designer Jorge Cousineau’s ingenious set, Olivera Gajic+’s fabulous costumes (which went from one peak upward to the stars), choreographer Melanie Cotton, and lighting designer Maria Shaplin all deserve bravos.

The Legend of Georgia McBride does tell a story of bravery and fearless self-determination, much as Priscilla, Queen of the Desert did, but there is so much more of the American experience on view. Many may mistakenly believe this to be Georgia McBride, Queen of Panama City, but they would be grossly underestimating the skill of playwright Matthew Lopez, and the fine cast of actors, who take us along on a journey we will not soon forget.

The Legend of Georgia McBride is now playing at the Arden Theatre Company, 40 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA. For more information visit www.ardentheatre.org or call 215-922-1122.