Wesley Woods, Traci Lords Join 'Women Behind Bars' Stage Show

Wesley Woods, Traci Lords Join 'Women Behind Bars' Stage Show

LOS ANGELES — Wesley Woods and Traci Lords have joined the revival of campy prison comedy "Women Behind Bars," set to premiere later this month at the Montalban Theatre in Hollywood.

“In the Big House,” reads the promotional tease, “there’s no such thing as a nice girl!”

Woods enthused about his new role. "It’s campy, filthy and raunchy," he told XBIZ. "It fits me so well!"

The play was penned by Tony Award-winner Tom Eyen (“Dreamgirls”) as a spoof of women’s prison exploitation pictures; the revival is directed and co-produced by award-winning director-choreographer Scott Thompson.

It is the debut of Just Pow! Productions, a nascent Equity theatrical entertainment company founded by Thompson and Christopher Graham.

Besides Woods and Lords, the cast includes cult icon Mink Stole and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” breakout Eureka O’Hara as a devious prison matron, a role made famous by legendary drag icon Divine.

“Women Behind Bars” is described by a rep as “a B-movie for the stage.”

“It was originally produced at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, and revived a year later with Divine. A previous Los Angeles production ran for a year at the Roxy in 1983, featuring Lu Leonard and Adrienne Barbeau, Sally Kellerman and Linda Blair,” notes the rep.

The Montalban production will feature “an elaborate two-tiered jailhouse set complete with multimedia video screens and innovative costume designs, making it the most extravagant version in the show’s history.”

Woods was referred to Thompson and Graham when they asked directrix Chi Chi LaRue to recommend a male porn performer with acting chops.

His role has “historically been played by a porn star,” Thompson told XBIZ. “It makes sense, given the character [is nude] in the play. It’s a tour de force for Wesley. He doesn’t just play one character; he plays four.”

Thompson and Graham landed on a revival of “Women Behind Bars” as they were looking to start a new theater company in the city. 

“We figured, what better way to hop into the market than with something that had a built-in demographic? Gay men are going to be into the show. But there’s also the cult aspect [with] people who like John Waters’ films, because we’ve got Mink Stole and Traci Lords. Basically, it just came together out of a desire to create this theater company and to bring something new and fresh and fun to Los Angeles.”

He enthused about working with Lords.

“Traci Lords! After she left the porn industry, after everything went down, she went to New York and became an actress. She studied. She worked hard! She’s not only good — she’s very, very good. I caught some of her latest work and I thought, ‘I have to find a way to get in touch with her!’ She still lives in L.A. and it just came together. Mink was involved, whom she knows from the John Waters [films] and it all came together.”

In addition to the buzzworthy cast, Thompson has lined up a number of special guests to host select performances, including nightlife impresarios the Boulet Brothers and a top star with “a very big gay following,” he teased.

Woods savors the opportunity to stretch his wings.

“I’ve done stand-up comedy but this is my first stage show ever. Being onstage, live, will be a stretch for me,” he told XBIZ. “It’s new. It’ll be a challenge, learning all of my lines and projecting my voice so the back of the audience can hear me. I can’t ask for another take. I’m excitedly nervous! I want to represent the adult industry well and show that some of us are thespians, too.”

The role surfaced at an opportune moment; Woods recently announced his retirement from blue movies.

"I shot my last film at the end of October," he said. "These next few months are going to be really exciting for me. It’s going to be a whole new Wesley and I’m thrilled!”

“Women Behind Bars” opens Friday, January 24. Click here for ticketing and additional details.

For the latest updates, follow Woods on Twitter.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Octavia Red Stars in Final Episode of Bree Mills' 'Escape From Camp Conversion' From Adult Time

Octavia Red stars in the final episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from Adult Time studio brand Girlcore.

Octokuro Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octokuro has made her Vampired debut alongside Sata Jones in “Vampirella Unleashed.”

Natalia Starr Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Natalia Starr stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Sabien DeMonia Drops Latest Evil Angel Directorial 'Depravation of Innocence'

Sabien DeMonia has dropped her latest directorial effort for Evil Angel, “Depravation of Innocence.”

Yhivi Makes Her Tushy Raw Debut

Yhivi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Tushy Raw, alongside Dan Damage.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Cubbi Thompson stars with Small Hands in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "She’s Good with Her Mouth."

Elegant Angel Premieres Lilly Bell Showcase 'Lilly Loves Girls'

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Chloe Amour: Recharged, Refocused, and Ready for Real Love

These days, getting ahold of Chloe Amour on the weekend can be tough. She might ditch her phone, as was the case on a recent weekend while celebrating her birthday with family at Disneyland, riding the rides and taking in some sun.

Isabella De Laa, Cherry Candle Star in Latest From MixedX

Isabella De Laa and Cherry Candle star in the latest release from MixedX, titled “Between Us.”

Tony Sting, Adira Allure & Dominic Pacifico Headline Latest From BiPhoria

Tony Sting, Adira Allure, and Dominic Pacifico star in the latest release from BiPhoria.

Show More