Jade Esteban Estrada (born September 17, 1975) is an American singer, actor, stand-up comedian, journalist and human rights activist.
Biography Born to David Gonzales Estrada and Aurora (née Sanchez) Estrada, Jade Esteban Estrada has four siblings. As a young boy, Estrada participated in extracurricular school activities and sang in the school choir. Growing up in the Catholic Church, Estrada once believed that he would join the clergy.*"The Book of Ellen" by Chris Perezsacurrent.com 1/13/05 Through his local parish, he became a member of the Boy Scouts of America.*"Dish: Jade Esteban Estrada" by Casey Parksjacksonfreepress.com 3/15/05 Through the encouragement of his choir instructor, he began to take voice lessons and eventually moved to New York to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
Estrada appeared in the German production of Starlight Express and worked as a dancer for Seventeen. After two popular appearances as a transgender singer/dancer on The Jerry Springer Show, he worked as Charo's choreographer and lead dancer. He gained international recognition in 1998 when he released the single "Reggae Twist" on the Brooklyn-based Total Envision Records label.
In 2008, he hosted the 19th Annual South Florida GLAAD Media Awards on Bravo. During the Obama Administration, he was invited to The White House to attend the State Arrival Ceremony welcoming President of Mexico Felipe Calderón and his wife Margarita Zavala.
Latin pop music According to Latina, Estrada is "probably best known as a Latin pop singer."Everything's Bigger in Texas: Latino Celebs with Texas Roots, by Jill Pankow. latina.com 10/7/13
In 2001, Estrada made an announcement that would benefit his career. "I am proud to be a gay Latino," he said, while performing at Central New York Pride in Utica, New York.Show Offers Gay Perspective on History by Sam Blackwell. semissourian.com 11/24/03
In April 2002, Estrada lent his name to Being Out Rocks, a two-part National Coming Out Day project organized by the Human Rights Campaign. A poster celebrating "openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered musicians" was nationally distributed and encouraged young people to be themselves and to not let gender identity be an obstacle to their success. Other artists who signed their name included Melissa Etheridge, Pet Shop Boys, RuPaul, Michael Stipe and Indigo Girls.Etheridge, lang, Stipe Lend Support to HRC Project, advocate.com 4/13/02
On National Coming Out Day, October 11, 2002, a benefit CD featuring the songs of openly LGBT musicians and straight allies was released by Centaur Entertainment. Estrada, Cyndi Lauper, Queen, k.d. lang and Sarah McLachlan were among the artists who donated songs to the album.Artists Celebrate Being Out, Billboard 10/3/02
Stand-up comedy Though Estrada has worked as a stand-up comedian in North America, Australia,Jason the Joke That Keeps Giving by Ben Anderson. thewest.com.au 2/15/16 South AfricaJade Esteban Estrada's ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 1 goodhopemcc.org 9/20/17 and the United Kingdom,Black History Month LGBT lgbthistorymonth.org.uk 9/26/17 he's mostly known as for his headlining shows throughout the American Southwest. "Estrada's delivery is endearingly folksy," writes Linda Ray of the Tucson Weekly. "It's as if he's metaphorically winking at an audience of friends as he deflates the stereotypes he invites with his flamboyant look, insider-Mexican bon mots and gay-culture references."Laughing Stock: Jade Esteban Estrada and Jeff Mackinnon Double Up, Puns and All About You by Linda Ray tucsonweekly.com 12/1/16 USA Today's 10 Best wrote, "Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club should be on the top of your bucket list, especially when headlined by Jade Esteban Estrada from Bravo TV and Comedy Central."Best Nightlife in San Antonio by Kimberly Suta] 10best.com 6/12/15
Estrada frequently headlines the Sapphire Comedy Hour at Sapphire Las Vegas.Jade Esteban Estrada to Headline Sapphire Comedy Hour by Brian T. Yates vegasnews.com 8/5/15
Theatre In 1993, Estrada played the title role in the national touring production of Tom Thumb in Toyland.Tom Thumb in Toyland Sparkles at Kirby Center by Al Choman Newspapers.com 11/19/93 In 1997, he returned to San Antonio's Jump-Start Theatre to perform in MilagritosCisneros' 'Milagritos' Explores Bond Between Spirituality and Everyday Life by Elda Silva nl.newsbank.com 2/9/97 by Sandra Cisneros and in Alicia Mena's There Comes a Time. Of the latter production, Dan R. Goddard of the San Antonio Express-News wrote, "But Estrada gives the best comic performance as poor, put-upon Peter, who allows himself to be overwhelmed by Ceci's fantasies - though it starts to wear thin after his 50th attempt to sing like Pedro Infante even though he's tone deaf."Mexican Movies Set Stage for New Comedy by Dan R. Goddard nl.newsbank.com 7/22/97
In 2000, Estrada choreographed and starred in the New York production of Tropical! at Teatro LaTea. Robert Kent of TheatreMania wrote, "The show's greatest strength is the enthusiasm of these entertainers, who beautifully perform Estrada's demanding routines with dazzling smiles not seen in a musical variety show since Donny & Marie."Review: Tropical! by Robert Kent theatremania.com 4/25/00
In 2016, Estrada was an artist-in-residence at Prohibition Theatre in Houston, Texas.Masque of the Red Death, Tales of a Hard Nut, Havana Nights, Supperclub Live Band backstage.com 9/30/16 During this time, he wrote, directed and starred in burlesque adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death, Eat Me, an adult-themed reboot of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Tales of a Hard Nut, a comedic adaptation of The Nutcracker.The Overtime Presents Burlesque Adaptation of Cinderella, Sinderella and the Glass Zipper broadwayworld.com 8/19/17 In 2017, he returned to San Antonio to begin a two-year artist residency at the Overtime Theatre where he wrote, directed and choreographed Sinderella and the Glass Zipper,Sinderella and the Glass Zipper by Brian Rindfuss sacurrent.com 8/16/17 a burlesque adaptation of Cinderella.
Of Estrada's second holiday play, How Burlesque Saved Christmas, Bryan Rindfuss of the San Antonio Current wrote, "From the wild mind behind such unusual offerings as ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 1, Sinderella and the Glass Zipper, and Tales of a Hard Nut comes How Burlesque Saved Christmas — an original production written, directed and choreographed by multitalented performer Jade Esteban Estrada. Bursting with all the makings of a naughty adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, the seasonal affair builds on Estrada's ever-creative comedic chops as well as his background in the scantily clad world of burlesque."*"How Burlesque Saved Christmas" by Bryan Rindfusssacurrent.com 12/13/17
In 2018, Estrada wrote, directed and starred in Madame X: A Burlesque Fantasy, a story based on the life of portraitist John Singer Sargent and his famous painting, Portrait of Madame X.*"Madame X: A Burlesque Fantasy at the Overtime Theater"events.mysanantonio.com 2/2/18
Solo work from 2000 to 2009 During the height of his Latin pop music success,*"Latin-pop singer communicates to the world with pride" by Tim Blanggermcall.com 6/21/03 Estrada wrote a solo musical comedy entitled ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 1, which he performed at the 2002 Columbus Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival*"Gay and Lesbian Artists to 'Act Out' in Columbus Festival, September 9-18" by Adam Klasfeldtheatremania.com 7/16/04 in Columbus, Ohio. In the show, he portrayed Sappho, Michelangelo, Oscar Wilde, Gertrude Stein,*"The Significance of Gertrude Stein For the World of Art, Examined" by Balasz Takacwidewalls.ch 6/9/19 Sylvia Rivera and Ellen DeGeneres. The presentation found a core audience among college students and played such institutions as Princeton University,*"Jade Esteban Estrada: ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 1" by Princeton Bisexual, Transgender, Lesbian, Gay Alumnibtgala.tigernet.princeton.edu 12/1/05 Cornell University*"Jade Esteban Estrada: One of America's Most Beloved Queer Performers"events.cornell.edu 4/25/11 and other academic stages.*"Unity Awareness Week"wiu.edu 4/3/06
Two years later, he premiered its sequel, ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 2, at the 2004 Columbus Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival. In this installment, he took on the roles of Alexander the Great, Christina, Queen of Sweden, Susan B. Anthony, Billie Jean King, Harvey Milk and Mark Bingham. The show garnered the award for Audience Favorite in Solo Performance.*"2004 Columbus Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival Awards"columbustheatrefestival.com 9/24/04 Niki D'Andrea of the Phoenix New Times observed, "While Estrada's long been an admired figure in gay culture, his ICONS show has earned kudos from all sorts of groups."*"Yes ICON" by Niki D'Andreaphoenixnewtimes.com 9/29/05
Estrada debuted ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 3 at the 2006 Columbus Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival. In this show, he portrayed Naomi (biblical figure), King James VI and I, Bessie Smith, Greg Louganis and Mary Cheney and won festival awards for Best Solo Performance and Best Original Music.*"2006 Columbus Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival"columbustheatrefestival.com 9/15/06
In 2007, Estrada received a commission to create a solo show about Russian playwright Anton Chekhov for the Twin Cities Chekhov Festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Chek it, Baby: A Fabulous Explanation of Anton Chekhov's Fiercest Plays earned favorable reviews when it premiered at Bryant-Lake Bowl the following year. In Lavender Magazine's 2008 Theatre Year in Review, John Townsend gave the show an Outstanding Touring Performance nod and wrote, "Jade Esteban Estrada actually put a queer spin on Anton Chekhov, the one playwright you may have thought was totally queer-resistant. If you ever had any doubt of Chekhov's greatness, Estrada erases that."*"2008 Theatre Year in Review" by John Townsendlavendermagazine.com 12/19/08 Tad Simons of Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine called it "genuinely funny."*"Chek it, Baby at Bryant-Lake Bowl" by Tad Simonsmspmag.com 2/15/08
Solo work from 2010–present In 2010, Estrada premiered his one-person show, ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 4, in Tallahassee, Florida.*"Jade Esteban Estrada Returns to Tallahassee with the World Premiere of His Latest Show" by Patrick Pattersonissuu.com.com 2/1/10
When Estrada embarked on a five-city tour of Mike Daisey's The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs in 2013, critics praised the unexpected collaboration. "Estrada is a comedian, singer, and gay entertainment icon. Daisey's monologue — written for himself — tells the story of a technology early adopter whose faith in Apple and its charismatic founder is challenged when he discovers the wretched conditions Chinese workers endure to make our cherished i-devices. What does playing for laughs have to do with social justice issues? A lot, it seems. Estrada's comedic timing puts the spotlight on the fan boy's increasing double vision as he attempts to hold on to his devotion to the world of Mac," observed Scott Andrews of the San Antonio Current.*"Jade Esteban Estrada in The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs" by Scott Andrews sacurrent.com 6/7/13 "Jade Esteban Estrada knows how to draw an audience in and hold them in the palm of his hand," wrote Deborah Martin of the San Antonio Express-News. "He puts that skill to fine use in The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs, a solo show written by Mike Daisey exploring the cult of tech giant Apple.*"Theatre Review: 'Jobs' Transcends Controversy" by Deborah Martinmysanantonio.com 6/5/13