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Intiman Theatre presents

SHe Said

A transformational new musical
Songs & Story by Jen Ayers
Directed by Allison Narver

January 14 – February 1, 2026

Erickson Theatre 1425 Harvard Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

SHe Said is a powerful new musical in the style of Hedwig and the Angry Inch from local musician and vocalist Jen Ayers, inspired by her own family’s journey. When her husband comes out as transgender, their relationship embarks on a transformational path of love, identity, and acceptance. Featuring an all-star Seattle band and an immersive night club lounge set upSHe Said redefines what it means to love and be loved.

RUN TIME: 2hrs, including one intermission

SHe Said is supported in part by funding from the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation.
Thank you to our production partner Gender Justice League.

For fans of...

"This is a love story that grabs your heart, makes you smile and cry at the same time amidst great music and talent!
The world needs this story!!!”

- Audience member

About the Play

SHe Said is a transformational new musical in the style of Hedwig and the Angry Inch about gender identity and transition. Written by Seattle’s own Jen Ayers, it is based on her personal experience with her partner of over 25 years. Twelve years ago, Jen’s husband came out as transgender, which led to an unexpected journey of self – as individuals, as a couple, and as parents. Jen turned to her piano where SHe Said was born – an ageless and transformational love story that deals with the impact of gender identity on a family and couple who transition together. As told by Jen and an all-star cast of Seattle musicians, this compelling true story changes the way we think about what it means to love.

THE EXPERIENCE: 
The production features an immersive night club lounge set up, with a blend of cabaret-style tables including cocktail service (ages 21+), and traditional theater seating options (all ages).

“Jen Ayers delivers vocals with a passion and purpose…she has star quality written all over her…her voice is unparalleled on the music scene today when it comes to passion and intensity…” – Showbiz Digest, New York

“The love child of Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde, Ms. Ayers takes hold of the ’80s rock-n-roll and makes it her own.” – Seattle Gay News

Jen Ayers

Singer, Songwriter, and Playwright

Jen Ayers (she/her) is a vocal dynamo, pianist, songwriter, playwright and recording artist. She and her partner, guitarist Graham Ayers, formed original bands, Honey Tongue and Fedora, playing thousands of shows across the U.S. and releasing 4 albums. Jen followed up her debut solo CD Every Day Is A Parade, with SHe Said, a concept album and theatrical production about gender identity and transition, encompassing Ayers’ signature blend of piano-driven 70’s soul/pop meets rock-n-roll with soaring vocals – a nod to classic rock operas (The Wall, Tommy) & gender-bending musicals (Hedwig). 

Jen’s powerhouse vocals and electric performances have earned invitations to sing the National Anthem at NBA/MLB games nationwide and share the stage with members of Heart, REM, Pearl Jam, and most recently Dave Matthews at Seattle’s Moore Theater for SMASH. She “delivered mind-bending vocals” in House Of Thee Unholy (Led-Zeppelin inspired Broadway-level burlesque at Seattle’s Triple Door), currently fronts the band Wild Rumours and ran away with the circus, Teatro ZinZanni, performing Honey Tongue’s “I Wanna Go” in her 2012 debut, and starring in six more productions. 

Meet the Band

RL HEYER

RL (he/him) has been a prominent fixture in the Seattle music scene for over 20 years as a freelance guitarist, producer, composer, band leader and teacher. Original bands include The Bigtooth, Your Sweet Action, Al Hemiola and Annie J. RL also regularly performs at The 5th Avenue Theater.

KATHY MOORE

Kathy (she/her) is an expert guitarist who frequently plays with Seattle’s rock and roll royalty, including Krist Novoselic Bonafide band, Star Anna, Wild Rumours, Stone Gossard and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Grace Love, Duff McKagen and Kim Virant. She brings her Prog-Punk ethic center stage in her band KMSPT.

MELISSA MONTALTO

Songwriter, vocalist and keyboardist, Melissa Montalto (she/her) is a heavy hitter in the Seattle music scene, performing every Friday on vocals and keys at the Sea Monster Lounge with her band, Funky 2 Death, as well as various other music and theater projects.

GEOFF READING

Geoff (he/him) is a drummer, vocalist, and producer who’s been a staple of the Seattle and Los Angeles music community since the late 80's. As a member of Green Apple Quickstep, New American Shame, and Duff McKagan's Loaded, he’s toured the world, sharing stages with Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), Billy Duffy (The Cult), and Slash (GNR). He currently plays drums in the Fleetwood Mac Experience that is Seattle’s Wild Rumours.

REBECCA YOUNG

Rebecca hails from Toronto, Canada where she studied piano from a young age at the Royal Conservatory of Music. An Honors Graduate of The Musician's Institute and recipient of the Human Relations Award, since moving to Seattle in 1997, she records and performs bass in all styles of music. Catch her with Dean Johnson, Margo Cilker, Brenna Bruce, Betsy Olson and others. She is a member of the NW Chapter of The Recording Academy.

Meet the Creative Team

ALLISON NARVER (she/her) is a freelance director whose work has primarily centered on directing and developing new plays and productions. Regional work includes productions at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, ACT Theatre, Seattle Children’s Theatre, the Fifth Avenue Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Seattle Shakespeare, Book-It Repertory theatre, New Century Theatre, Portland Stage Company, Portland Center Stage, Portland Opera, the Yale Repertory Theater, Studio Theater, Pittsburgh City Theatre, RedCat Theater, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. In New York, her work has been seen at the New Victory Theater, Ars Nova, Clubbed Thumb, New Dramatists, The Public Theater, The Kirk Theater, and the Women’s Project, among others. Allison was the Resident Director for The Lion King (Director, Julie Taymor) both in London and on Broadway. She is the former Artistic Director of the Empty Space Theater, Annex Theater, and the Yale Cabaret. She has her MFA in directing from the Yale School of Drama.

Ahren Buhmann is a Lighting and Video designer based in Seattle. His previous shows include Twelfth Night with Seattle Shakespeare and ACT, Brigadoon, Jersey Boys, Beautiful, Miss Step and Eastbound with Village Theatre, Disney Descendants and Legally Blonde: The Musical with Village Kidstage, The Park, The Moors, Hometown Boy, This Bitter Earth, Pipeline, Mala, Dry Land, Fade, Grounded, and Vanishing Point with Seattle Public Theater, Or, Nonsense and Beauty, White, The Revolutionists, Burn This, The Pride, and Annapurna with Theatre22, The Angel In The House with Café Nordo, Solaris and My Antonia with Book-It Repertory Theatre, Eulogy and Parliament Square with Pony World, Cyla’s Gift with Samara Lerman,  Every Five Minutes with WET, The Who’s TOMMY with Seattle G&S Society, White Noise, The Good Book, Angels In America and Out of Character with Berkeley Rep, and Carefree with NJPAC. Ribbet.

Harmony (she/her) is an accomplished costume designer, image consultant, wardrobe stylist, and teaching artist whose work spans theatre, film, commercial media, photography, and immersive platforms. Harmony brings over two decades of expertise in visual storytelling, character development, and impactful wardrobe styling and design. Harmony serves as Associate Professor of Costume Design and Director of the Theatre Program at Seattle University, where she integrates her extensive industry experience with a commitment to inclusive, values-driven education. Her work bridges the artistry of costume design with executive coaching strategies—empowering leaders to refine their image, express their values, and lead with authenticity.

A proud member of United Scenic Artists Local USA 829, Harmony is dedicated to excellence, creativity, and collaboration. Whether working with public figures, executives, or creative professionals, she delivers tailored visual strategies that inspire transformation and elevate presence on every stage.

Robert (he/him) is a Seattle based designer for live performance and film. His work has been seen at Seattle Repertory Theatre, Intiman Theatre, TUTS, 5th Avenue Theatre, The Old Globe, ACT, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Seattle Children’s Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Village Theatre and Portland Center Stage among others.

Craig (he/him) has designed all things sonic for SHe Said. Prior to his 14-year run as Sound Engineer at Seattle’s premiere live music venue, The Triple Door, Craig toured the world with Nirvana, The Presidents of the USA, Weezer, The Posies, Juliana Hatfield, Meredith Brooks and The Goo Goo Dolls. 

SHe Said was originally produced in a workshop production in 2022 at Broadway Performance Hall, directed by Daryle Conners and choreographed by Marc Kenison. Video projections by Tristan Fairchok. SHe Said album produced by Jeff Fielder

Become an Intiman Member

Being an Intiman Member is more than discount tickets and fun events—it’s a way to invest in creativity, community, and culture right here in Seattle.

Your membership provides funding that makes Intiman’s bold theatre productions and transformative arts education programs possible. 

As a Member, You’ll Enjoy:

Membership starts at just $8/month or $88/annual.

Join today and be part of something bigger: a vibrant, inclusive theatre that educates, inspires, and brings our community together.

About the Gender Justice League

Gender Justice League is a civil & human rights organization focused on elevating the rights of TwoSpirit, Trans, & Gender Diverse (2STGD) communities in Washington state & beyond through advocacy efforts, direct services, shared leadership development, and the creation of sacred Trans spaces like Trans Pride Seattle.

Founded in 2012 in Seattle, WA by a group of long-time Trans, queer, and allied activists, GJL’s purpose was to increase the community’s capacity to address the cissexism, transphobia, transmisogyny, and homo/bi/queer-phobias that 2STGD people face. Recognizing that only 4% of employees in the major LGBTQ+ organizations were Trans, and that Trans people face nearly double the unemployment rate of cis people, GJL’s gender justice model seeks to empower 2STGD people to combat the structural oppression, discrimination, and violence that we face in our daily lives.

Special Events

Celebrate opening night with a reception in the lobby after the show featuring a hosted champagne toast and a chance to meet the artists.

The LGBTQ+ community and allies are invited to join us for this performance, hosted by the Gender Justice League. There will be a reception in the lobby after the show featuring a hosted champagne toast and a chance to meet the artists. This performance is open to everyone.

There will be a conversation in the theater after the show featuring members of the cast and creative team.

Intiman Members and their guests are invited to arrive before the show at 6pm for a dedicated Member check-in, receive a complimentary glass of wine or bubbles, light snacks, and Artistic Director Jennifer Zeyl will host an artist talk. Non-Members are invited to arrive for the performance at the standard time.

There will be a conversation in the theater after the show featuring members of the cast and creative team.

Supported By

Support Intiman’s work by making a tax-deductible donation today. Donations create union jobs in Seattle (we work with all of the theatrical unions), provide free and subsidized education programs, and make free tickets available for every performance.

Thank you to all our sponsors, donors, and Members!

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