DCist was impressed by the Synetic Theater’s silent MacBeth, but a new production at the Studio Theater is attempting a similarly impressive feat. The stars not only remain silent, but their characters are performed with other people’s voices. Yes Washington, Lypsinka has returned, this time as Joan Crawford.

Twenty-five years ago a star was born on Christopher Street as Creator/Performer John Epperson made his theatrical debut as an amalgam of the most glamorous leading ladies from Hollywood’s golden era.

However, don’t call it a drag show. Lypsinka‘s latest production, The Passion of the Crawford, is more performance art than play, bringing the star to life in looks, gestures and posture. Using archived recordings of the tempestuous star, Lypsinka goes beyond the fun flashy parody of the typical drag show (though they do break out the strobe lights and techno near the end) to present a slightly more nuanced Joan than seen in Mommie Dearest.

It’s a pity, but nowadays many people only know Joan Crawford as a reference. She’s become shorthand for the classic Hollywood diva. So before seeing Lypsinka’s silver anniversary production, you may benefit from a little research. For an introduction, pick up Mildred Pierce, one of the actress’s best performances and the (in)famous biopic that inextricably linked Crawford to wire hangers and ruined Faye Dunaway’s career. A little knowledge will take you a long way.