Charm will make its NYC debut off Broadway on August 31 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre under the auspices of MCC Theater.

Written by Phillip Dawkins, the play is directed by Will Davis.

The store was inspired by the life of Gloria Allen.

Appearing as Mama Darleena in the NYC version is Sandra Caldwell, who is appearing in her first role as an openly transgender actor.

Like her, Mama Darleena — based on a real person named Gloria Allen — is a black transgender woman in her 60s. Unlike her, Mama Darleena had been openly trans-identifying since her transition. At 65, Ms. Caldwell was ready to open up.

“Charm” follows a crew of teenagers and 20-somethings from wildly different backgrounds who attend etiquette classes at an L.G.B.T.Q. youth center in Chicago, taught by Mama Darleena. Many of the characters are transgender, and Mr. Davis, who is trans-identifying, felt strongly that the parts went to people whose gender identities matched the roles.

The fact that a trans woman of color in her 60s is alive is a miracle in and of itself because of the oppressive ways that that group of people has been treated in the last 60 years. The idea that then on top of that, that person was an actor was a really tall order.

--Will Davis

Also appearing in the cast are Michael David Baldwin, Jojo Brown, Marky Iren Diven, Michael Loz, Hailie Sahar, Kelli Simpkins, Marquise Vilson, and Lauren F. Walker.