the story
In 1810 London, the death of a mysterious French exile ignites scandal: the Chevalier d’Éon — a decorated soldier, diplomat, and spy — is discovered to have the anatomy of a man but the public identity of a woman. As physicians and politicians debate the “truth” of the body before them, a single voice interrupts the noise: the voice of D’Éon themself.
From this revelation, the story spirals backward through a lifetime lived between worlds — from childhood in Burgundy to the glittering courts of Versailles, from espionage in Russia to political disgrace in London. As D’Éon ascends through society’s ranks, they must learn to weaponize the mask they wear, trading one identity for another to survive in a world ruled by men, monarchs, and mercenaries.
But when the crown demands that D’Éon live publicly as a woman in exchange for their safety, the façade begins to fracture. What begins as disguise becomes declaration, and the line between performance and truth dissolves into something radiant, dangerous, and defiantly alive.
Blending historical intrigue with modern urgency, D’ÉON reimagines the true story of the Chevalier d’Éon — soldier, spy, writer, and one of history’s first openly gender-nonconforming figures. With a sweeping original score and a script that moves from courtroom drama to intimate confession, the musical asks: What do we owe to the truth of ourselves when the world demands its opposite?
about the creator
David Gargaro
Scottish conductor, composer, and musical storyteller, David Gargaro was the winner of the 2016 Ansbacher Prize for Conducting awarded by the Vienna Philharmonic. He has held key artistic roles including Principal Guest Conductor of the New Fine Arts Ensemble (South Korea), Assistant Conductor of Opera Philadelphia, and Orchestra Manager of the New York Youth Symphony. He has received invitations to conduct leading ensembles such as the BBC Symphony, and London Mozart Players, has conducted orchestras such as the Virginia Symphony, and New World Symphony, and was a finalist for the American Conducting Prize.
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David has collaborated with esteemed conductors including Sir Neville Marriner, Sir Roger Norrington, and Michael Tilson Thomas. As a trumpeter, he has performed with over 100 ensembles and orchestras, has performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and was invited by the American Ambassador, Cecile Shea to perform the American National Anthem at 229th U.S. Independence Day celebrations in Edinburgh.
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He studied trumpet and conducting at the Eastman School of Music and earned a Master’s in Orchestral Conducting from Bard Conservatory. He is the recipient of numerous scholarships and grants supporting his artistic development.
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In addition to his musical career, David holds a Master’s in Global Political Campaign Management from The George Washington University and a Juris Doctor from UC Law San Francisco. He is widely published on topics including nuclear energy policy and global climate solutions, and has presented his work to European Parliamentary officials and at major international universities.
listen
coming soon​
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WHAT IS THERE LEFT TO SAY?
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WHO ARE THEY?
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SILK & STEEL
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LITTLE CHILD OF MINE
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A DIFFERENT KIND OF STRENGTH
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LESSONS FOR YOUNG MEN
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IN HIDING
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MASKS & MIRRORS
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REMEMBER MY NAME
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BECOMING
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THE TEST
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THE LONG WINTER
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THE KING’S SHADOW
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A TOAST TO PEACE (&. OTHER LIES)
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MEN IN FINANCE
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MARKET CORRECTION
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WHO ARE THEY… REALLY?
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THE WORLD WILL KNOW WHO WE ARE
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TRUTH WILL RISE
thank you to our corporate sponsors
