Jessica Toltzis brings the powerful story of LGBTQ+ icon Edith Windsor to life in Edie, a compelling one-person show premiering at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe. Known for her role in Your Honor, Toltzis now steps into the spotlight as both writer and performer in this moving tribute to love, justice, and resilience.
Edie explores Windsor’s groundbreaking legal battle that led to the recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States, highlighting the emotional and political journey of a woman who changed history. Directed by Eli Pauley and produced by 99 Productions LLC, the show promises a stirring theatrical experience.
Performances run from Friday 1 to Saturday 16 August at The Annexe at Paradise in The Vault. Tickets are available here.
You’re bringing Edie to The Annexe at Paradise in The Vault – what can you tell us about the show?
Edie, which I wrote and star in, is a lesbian love story, wrapped in a legal drama. The story is inspired by the fabulous life of Edith Windsor—an unlikely hero who sued the United States of America in the Supreme Court and won. Edie Windsor’s case led the way to legalizing gay marriage in the United States. Edie proves the power of a single individual and to never underestimate the power of a lesbian in love.
Edie Windsor’s story is both deeply personal and historically significant. What drew you to telling it on stage?
In 2019, I came across a photo of an older woman at the front of a New York City Pride Parade wearing a shirt that read “Nobody Knows I’m a Lesbian.” I immediately knew I had to learn more about her.
As I researched her, I learned about her bravery, tenacity, her incredible accomplishments, and her commitment to love. I also discovered a lot of similarities between the two of us. I was surprised that not many people knew about her, and decided to develop her story into a one-woman show that I can’t wait to perform at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
You play all the roles in this one-person show. What challenges and opportunities does that present as a performer?
Performing Edie is the greatest test and exercise in presence and awareness. Being the only one on stage and telling a story of a hero holds a lot of pressure, but it has made me stronger as a performer and a person, which is exactly what Edie Windsor set out to be as well. An additional challenge is transforming back and forth between Edie as a young woman and an 80-year old, multiple times, in the span of 60 minutes.
You’re known for your work on Your Honor and in award-winning comedy projects – how does Edie differ from your previous roles?
I have been lucky to work alongside incredibly talented actors, like Bryan Cranston and Hope Davis. Being in their orbit and in scenes with them taught me so much. Any opportunity you get to work with the best and play off such great actors is a gift. But my role in Edie presents another type of gift: challenging my imagination. Because I am alone onstage, I have to imagine and carve out my scene partners from what’s in the room and what’s in my mind. Both experiences are rewarding, challenging, and fun.
What has the creative process been like working with director Eli Pauley and bringing this production to the Edinburgh Fringe?
I met Eli at the British Academy of Dramatic Arts and we became fast friends. Because of our deep friendship, she has been able to help me find the character and have the character find me. And I feel very lucky that because we know each other well, we have a shorthand when we work together. I’m very excited for audiences to see how Eli has helped me bring out the humor and heart of this story.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Edie?
If you’re looking for a 60 minute, love story wrapped in a legal drama that is fast, funny, and full of heart, book your tickets now! Edie is full of life lessons for people from all walks of life, celebrating the power of the individual and the importance of discovering your true self.
