Skip to main content

Distributed for Carnegie Mellon University Press

The Half of It

A play that explores the influence of pioneer drag artist Bert Savoy.


The Half of It is inspired by the life and work of Bert Savoy, a Vaudeville drag artist who was active in the 1910s and early 1920s. Savoy was at the height of his career when he was tragically killed by lightning in 1923. The play highlights the groundbreaking and inspirational work of this important, yet largely forgotten, pioneer. Characters include some of Savoy’s famous friends such as Klondike Kate and Mae West (who many believe borrowed her sassy stage persona from Savoy’s drag act). The play explores themes of gender identity, gender expression, celebrity in the modern era, the LGBTQ community of the early twentieth century, and the origins of contemporary drag performance.


176 pages | 5.5 x 8.5 | © 2026

Carnegie Mellon University Press Drama

Literature and Literary Criticism: Dramatic Works


Carnegie Mellon University Press image

View all books from Carnegie Mellon University Press

Reviews

“Domenick Scudera’s The Half of It is a funny and wry look at the life and career of drag performer Bert Savoy. Savoy has been unjustly forgotten, but Scudera’s play brings him back to life in this deft and poignant play.”

Jeffrey Hatcher, playwright of Compleat Female Stage Beauty

Be the first to know

Get the latest updates on new releases, special offers, and media highlights when you subscribe to our email lists!

Sign up here for updates about the Press