Gay Theatre NYC Review

Andrea Alton Talks to David Baxter about "Possum Creek"

2015-09-23T22:10:00.001-04:00

Interview by David Baxter
Photo by Jeremy Patlan

Andrea Alton is a New York based actor, comic, and an award winning playwright who performs sketch comedy, stand-up and improv all over New York. Andrea has performed at the Chicago, Toronto, Washington DC, Boston, San Francisco Comedy Festivals and as well as numerous shows in Provincetown, MA. She is the creator of Molly “Equality” Dykeman and has performed the character to sold-out houses internationally. Her holiday shows A Molly Jolly Christmas & Happy Mollydays ran at The Laurie Beechman Theatre where they received rave reviews. As a comic, Andrea performs regularly throughout New York, Venues include, Gotham, Comedy Cellar, Dixon Place, Carolines, The Broadway Comedy Club, The Knitting Factory, UCB, The PIT, Stonewall and The Duplex. Andrea has also been featured in GO Magazine as 100 Women We Love as well as Curve Magazine, The Advocate, Provincetown Magazine, The Village Voice and The NY Post. As a writer, Andrea’s plays have been produced throughout the country with notable productions in New York, Washington DC, Florida, and Provincetown, MA. Her one-act comedy, Cat & Dick, won the Grand Jury Award from The Speaking Ring Theater in Chicago.

Andrea's latest play, Possum Creek, recently played to several sold out houses at the FringeNYC Festival, and was picked up as a featured show in The 2nd Annual Best of the Fest at The Celebration of Whimsy. David Baxter recently had a chance to catch up with her and talk about Possum Creek.

Can you tell me a little about your background, who you are, where you’re from, what brought you to NYC?

I moved to New York seventeen years ago after growing up in Oregon and a brief stint in Los Angeles. Rent had just opened on Broadway and I wanted to be a part of the vibrant and gritty New York theatre scene. My first six months in New York almost killed me but thankfully I stuck it out. New York has been the perfect fit for me.

What is this show about?

Possum Creek is a quirky 8 character play set in the 1860’s. It follows the main character, Beth Ann, as she waits for her husband to return from the Civil War. It’s a funny play that has a lot of social commentary in it.

There are several characters in the play that are gay. It’s important to me that I represent that community, and I have no interest in creating a play that has a bunch of straight people in it. Also, the theme of love and relationships is a big part of the play so it would have felt wrong to not have LGBT characters in it.

What made you want to write this show?

I’m fascinated with different time periods and perhaps I watched too much Little House on the Prairie when I was growing up.

Can you tell me about the process of creating the show? How did you come up with the characters? Did you do any big or unusual research?

The main character, Beth Ann, came out of a 5 minute sketch I wrote with Robin Gelfenbien back in 2005 when we were part of the sketch comedy group Freedumb. I had always wanted to do something with the character of Beth Ann and I wanted to write something that wasn’t set in the current time. About three years ago, I turned it into a ten minute monologue. After getting positive feedback, I kept working on the show and the other characters and story slowly started to emerge.

As for research, I read a lot about the Civil War and what life was like during the 1860s. I’m so thankful Google exists. I was always on the look for things that were odd and potentially funny. For instance, one of the characters loses a family member and I wanted it to be an accurate illness from that time. I goggled different types of plagues and illness’s and I found an illness called Putrid Fever. In comedy, you can’t go wrong with the putrid.

What made you choose to play multiple characters?

I love playing different characters. It brings me so much joy. For the last ten years I’ve wanted to create a show with multiple characters. Whoopi Goldberg and Lily Tomlin solo shows also influenced me.

What sort of acting/staging challenges has playing multiple characters presented?

At first it was really hard for me to go from one character to the next. In the beginning I hesitated and second guess myself. I had to force myself to get out of my head and not judge everything. The other challenge was keeping the play moving since it’s virtually a series of letters. Thankfully, I had an amazing director (Eric Chase) who really helped bring the play to life. The play could have very easily got stuck in a rut but it doesn’t. lt’s a fast, funny 50 minutes.

Is there anything you’re working on next?

I’m waiting for HBO and CBS to call me and make me a sitcom offer. Hopefully they’ll call in the next few weeks because I’d like to buy my parents a new house and get them moved in before Thanksgiving. In the meantime, I have a full length play I’d like to finish, my creative partner (the amazing Allen Warnock) and I are working on a few comedy shorts, and I have some upcoming Molly “Equality” Dykeman shows. I’m very excited about the future.

Possum Creek runs at Celebration of Whimsy, 21-A Clinton Street.
Friday, September 25th at 7:00 pm
Thursday, October 1st at 7:00 pm
Friday, October 2nd at 7:00 pm

"The Boys in the Band" - A period piece with laughter and venom

2015-07-23T19:16:00.000-04:00

Mart Crowley's "The Boys in the Band" has not aged particularly well. Aspects of the show seem contrived, and the self-loathing at the heart of the play is, hopefully, becoming a thing of the past. Still, it's nice to see a production of the show from time to time, both to appreciate some of the humor that Crowley spins throughout the play, and to see how things have changed.

Lindenhurst, Long Island's Studio Theatre is currently producing a solid version of the show, which will run through this weekend.

Under the direction of David Dubin, Executive Artistic Director of the company, the show sparkles with Crowley's humor, and his underlying venom and pain. The play centers on a birthday party that Michael (Joe Marshall) is throwing for Harold (Michael Harrison Carlin). The two are wary friends, each knowing way too much about the other and where all the bodies are hidden. Also at the party are a host of other gay men in their early 40s - Donald (Jeff Greene), one of Michael's old friends, the flamboyant Emory (nimbly played by Ryan Nolin), couple Hank (Eugene Gamblin) and Larry (George Ghossn), Bernard (Josh Bellinger). There is also a young hustler, Cowboy (Robbie Dema), Emory's birthday gift to Harold.

There is also an uninvited and unwelcome guest, Allan (Angelo DiBiase), Michael's old college friend. A very straight (presumably) and conservative college friend; one who would not like being at a party with a bunch of gay men.

As expected, attempts to tone down the flamboyance of the party fail, and Allan's disgust leads to a fight. Michael, who is an angry, bitter drunk (and who has been drinking since Allan's arrival), makes some revelations about Allan and forces the guests to play a mean-spirited party game, meant to lay bare all their secrets.

Nothing goes as planned, and needless to say, that's where the drama lies.

The cast is strong, though a bit older than the early 40s that Crowley envisioned. Marshall is good with the witty line, though his timing is at points a little choppy. Where he truly shines is in playing Michael's anger, bitterness and self-loathing.

Ryan Nolin seems to have a great time as the over-the-top Emory, and he plays him with finesse and heart. He also has the most ease with Crowley's humor, dropping a bon mot or nasty line with a practiced nonchalance. He also has the best exit of the show. He is most often paired with Bellinger's Bernard and the two work well together.

Michael Harrison Carlin, who gets one of the best entrances, does well as Harold. The way he plays with Harold's affectations and veneer of civility are fun to watch, as is his take-down of Michael. Carlin also does well with Harold's few moments of shockingly vibrant anger.

Production elements are particularly well done, with Erick Creegan's excellent set and Lorrie DePellegrini's sound design. And while there is no costume credit given in the program, the costumes are terrific, particularly Allan's conservative wear, Emory's bright floral summer outfit, and Harold's drapey purple ensemble.

Spoiler alert: One of the most fascinating parts of this production involves a bit of a nod to the fact that this is a period piece, and one that has earned its place in the gay rights movement. The play begins with Michael, presumably in his late 80s, hearing a news report about the recent gay marriage decision. Time rewinds somewhat, and he's hearing a report on ACT UP and the AIDS crisis. Back and back time goes, until finally he's in the late '60s and the play begins. This is an interesting idea, and I think it works nicely.

"The Boys in the Band" runs through July 26th. If you are near Lindenhurst, it's worth a look.

"The Boys in the Band"
By Mart Crowley
Directed by David Dubin
Scenic and Lighting Design by Erick Creegan
Stage Management and Sound Design by Lorrie DePellegrini
Featuring: Joe Marshall, Josh Bellinger, Michael Harrison Carlin, Robbie Dema, Angelo DiBiase, Eugene Gamblin, George Ghossn, Jeff Greene, and Ryan Nolin

Studio Theatre
141 South Wellwood Avenue
Lindenhurst, NY

www.studiotheatreli.com

"Michael Jackson was innocent… and I didn't kill Jonbenet Ramsey, but I was there the night she died" - HOT! Festival

2015-07-16T23:31:00.000-04:00

At first glance, Michael Cross Burke's "Michael Jackson was innocent… and I didn't kill Jonbenet Ramsey, but I was there the night she died" seems like an opportunity for Burke to exorcise some of the demons of having been a victim of the child sex trade. And indeed, his decision to integrate pieces of two of the biggest child sex scandals - molestation accusations against Michael Jackson and the Jonbenet Ramsey murder - would almost bear that out.

However, Burke offers this play, not as a confession, an indictment of the media and our obsession with scandal, or even a morality lesson, but as a way to honor the person who saved his life, yet who was so broken by his experiences that he eventually lost his own.

That person is Danny, another trafficked child, used by the same pimp who approached Michael when he was a young teen, fresh off the bus from Idaho.

In telling the story of Danny, Bishop the pimp, Norma (more often simply called "the cunt in 2B," but who was instrumental in saving Michael and Danny), and the other characters that are introduced in "Michael Jackson…", Burke is able to tell a harrowing, yet often funny tale of what it takes to survive, and why some people survive when others can't.

"Michael Jackson…" is a powerful play, and sections of it are extremely well done. However, overall the quality is somewhat hit or miss. Several sections of the play, generally transitional portions between major scenes, appear to be ad-libbed, and those moments seem very sloppy.

Also, timing tends to be a bit of a problem in the show. The individual actors - Burke, as himself and as Michael Jackson accuser Jordie Chandler, and Daniel Diaz, playing nearly all the other roles - are strong on their own. When working together, they seem tentative at times, seemingly wondering if it's their turn to speak yet. This is a pity, because Burke is an extremely nimble writer, and some of his dialogue, and the way he plays with it (especially through the use of repetition), is a marvel to hear.

The timing issues could be a result of a short rehearsal period (festivals are notorious for having very little rehearsal time), but some of it has to be due to Gian Marco Lo Forte, who directs the play. It feels like he needs a stronger hand in making this a tight and clean production.

Lo Forte is also serving as the production designer, and in that role, he is outstanding. "Michael Jackson…" features some wonderful work mixing media through the use of video throughout the performance. By filming what is happening on stage, he allows the audience to distance itself from the intimate and immediate work of the actors, and watch them passively on screen, in a way, mimicking the emotional distance that both the victims of sex trade and the johns use to dehumanize each other, or in the same way that people do when watching porn (which shows up a couple of times in the play).

Despite its rough edges, Burke has created a powerful story, and one that needs to be heard. Trafficking is a major and ongoing problem, and the more that we can hear the stories of its survivors, and the people who helped them survive, the better.

Michael Cross Burke, photo by Krys Fox

"Michael Jackson was innocent… and I didn't kill Jonbenet Ramsey, but I was there the night she died"
Written and performed by Michael Cross Burke
Directed and Designed by Gian Marco Lo Forte
Assistant Director: Marisa Tornello
Designed with Pioneers Go East Collective artists Hao Bai and Chand Chenail
Publicist: Jackie Rudin
Michael Cross Burke's hair by Jeanise Aviles
Michael Cross Burke's tattoos by Kevin Soomai

Featuring: Michael Cross Burke, Daniel Diaz, Ryan Leach, and Gian Marco Lo Forte

Performed as part of the 24th Annual HOT! Festival at Dixon Place. Remaining performances will be July 17th, 23rd and 24th. Tickets can be purchased online.

Grab Your Cheetos. Molly Dykeman is Back in "Molly's F*cked Up Family Reunion"

2015-07-14T22:45:00.003-04:00

Downtown cult favorite Andrea Alton returns as Molly "Equality" Dykeman in her all new show, "Molly Dykeman's F*cked Up Family Reunion," premiering at the HOT! Festival, Monday, July 20th at 7:30 PM at Dixon Place.

Check out the woman Michael Musto calls, "A fucking riot!!!" and Theatre Is Easy compares to Chris Farley. Gay City News calls Alton's Molly Dykeman "thick, wild-eyed, lush-mulleted."

When the Dykeman family gets together it always turns into a hot nacho mess. Come spend some time with the mulleted Dykemans. They may break out into a fist fight, they’ll probably hit on you, and your wallet may be lifted, but at least they’ll make you feel better about your own family.

Guests include D’yan Forest (I Married A Nun/Frigid & Orlando Fringe Festival), Robin Gelfenbien (Yum’s the Word at Le Poisson Rouge), Cara Kilduff (Here TV Hot Gay Comics & co-host of Queens public television’s Talking About), and Allen Warnock (I Just Want My Pants Back & The Knick).

The creative team includes costume and properties design by Anthony Catanzaro, and producers Andrea Alton and Irwin Kroot.

Tickets are $10.00 students/seniors, $12.00 in advance, and $15.00 at the door. Tickets are available at https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/948474

All performances take place at Dixon Place, 161A Chrystie Street, between Rivington and Delancey. (Subway: F to 2nd Ave., J or Z to Bowery, 6 to Spring, B or D to Grand.)

More info is available at http://dixonplace.org/performances/molly-dykemans-fcked-up-family-reunion/

Andrea Alton (Molly “Equality” Dykeman) has performed throughout the country to sold-out houses. New York venues include Gotham, XL, The Comedy Cellar, The Duplex, Stonewall, Dixon Place, The Broadway Comedy Club, The PIT, UCB, The Knitting Factory and The Laurie Beechman Theater where she performed her holiday shows, A Molly Jolly Christmas and Happy Mollydays. Other notable performances include the Chicago, DC, Toronto, and San Francisco Sketch Comedy Festivals, and The Art House in Provincetown during Woman’s Week. Her solo show, The F*cking World According To Molly premiered at FringeNYC in 2011 and had additional runs at terraNOVA’s soloNOVA Festival, and The Dublin International Gay Theatre Festival. Andrea’s new solo show, Possum Creek, will premiere at The New York International Fringe Festival on August 16th.

About the HOT! Festival:

Crowned “The BEST LGBTQ Theater Festival in New York!” by The Village Voice, HOT! returns to Dixon Place for its 24th annual celebration of Queer Culture! HOT!, the oldest annual festival of its kind in the world, never stales as its fresh line-up continues to deliver innovative works in theater, music, dance, puppetry, performance art and homoeroticism for the whole family! Festival runs from July 7 – August 8, 2015.

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Gilbert de moccos

2015-05-08T18:21:00.002-04:00

Name: Gilbert de moccos

Hometown: Tokyo, JAPAN

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

I've performed for seven years (burlesque: as a member of MURASAKIBABYDOLL); five years (boylesque: soloist); two years (LIVE MC: soloist).

How would describe your burlesque style?

My burlesque style has a story. It's overflowing with happiness and impulse.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

I've performed at the New York Boylesque Festival since 2013 as the first performer for a Japanese person.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

All boylesque stars from all over the world.

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

I wanna see, hug, kiss and talk with YOU. Thank you! Glittering LOVE!

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Rify Royalty

2015-05-08T18:11:00.002-04:00

Name: Rify Royalty

Hometown: Jersey City, NJ

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

About a year and a half

How would describe your burlesque style?

Weird, sexy, conceptual

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

No, this is my first time. Very excited!

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

World Famous *Bob* for sure!

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

Don’t expect anything from me, I like to keep you on your toes, so sit back and enjoy the show.

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Johnny Panic

2015-05-08T18:00:00.002-04:00

Name: Johnny Panic

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Three years. I started out with Chris Harder's Boyleque 101 and haven't stopped since!

How would describe your burlesque style?

Gypsy Rose Lee with a beard.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

Yes! I've had the honor of participating every year!

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

Luminous Pariah, the festival wasn't the same without him last year!

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

I do it all for the sex.

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Ben Franklin

2015-05-08T17:36:00.000-04:00

Name: Ben Franklin

Hometown: New York, NY

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Officially, 2-3 years.

How would describe your burlesque style?

Circus and variety act comedy

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

Yes. 3 years.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

I’ve never seen Ray Gunn live.

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

Thank you for coming out and supporting our special brand of entertainment. We can’t do it without you.

New York Boylesque Festival interview - El Toro

2015-05-08T17:23:00.000-04:00

Photo by Drasko Bogdanovic

The New York Boylesque Festival weekend kicks off tonight with a teaser party at the Knitting Factory and is followed by tomorrow's main event at B.B. King's.

Here's your chance to meet some of the performers before they hit the stage.

Name: El Toro

Hometown: Toronto

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Four.

How would describe your burlesque style?

High energy, theatrical, acrobatical nonsense with a whole lotta spunk.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

Every year.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

Ray Gunn, I keep just missing him.

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

Te quiero, mi amores ;)

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Christopher J. Anderson of Rhythm Knights Dance Troupe

2015-05-08T17:12:00.000-04:00

Names: Rhythm Knights Dance Troupe - Christopher J. Anderson, Sam Benedict, Nick Deyo, Syville Padayo, Bill Siegfried

Hometowns: Detroit, MI, Wilsonville, OR, Houston, TX, Atlanta, GA and Sugar Land, TX

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Dancing in particular, for over 25 years and burlesque has been intertwined all throughout since starting in Reno in 1992. I enjoy being able to introduce and give the opportunity to newer members of my troupe.

How would describe your burlesque style?

Sexy Street Jazz Dance with a little bit of underground funk!

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

We are virgins!

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

I am very looking forward to seeing all of the out of town (and out of country) performers and learn what types of things are happening around the world.

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

A big hello and thanks to our brothers-in-song of the New York City Gay Men's Chorus.

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Dew Lily

2015-05-08T16:52:00.000-04:00

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Seven years

How would describe your burlesque style?

Slow and sexy, with the heart of a clown

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

It's my 4th year!

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

Gilbert de Moccos! and always Waxie Moon.

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

Love yourself first, then spread it around.

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Waxie Moon

2015-05-08T16:34:00.004-04:00

The New York Boylesque Festival weekend kicks off tonight with a teaser party at the Knitting Factory and is followed by tomorrow's main event at B.B. King's.

Here's your chance to meet some of the performers before they hit the stage.

Name: Waxie Moon
Home town: Seattle, Washington

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Since the fall of 2006.

How would describe your burlesque style?

Waxie Moon is a gender-blending queer lady boylesque performance-art stripping sensation. That pretty much covers it.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

Yes, 2 years ago. Can't wait for another full weekend of man meat magic!

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

Manchego always cracks me the fuck up. Brewster makes me weak in the knees. And I live for the gender complexity of Lou Henry Hoover.

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

Thanks for supporting this exciting and evolving art-form!

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Mike Monaco

2015-05-08T16:34:00.001-04:00

Photo by Bill Wright

The New York Boylesque Festival weekend kicks off tonight with a teaser party at the Knitting Factory and is followed by tomorrow's main event at B.B. King's.

Here's your chance to meet some of the performers before they hit the stage.

Name: Mike Monaco

Home town: Pittsfield, MA

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Five years. I’m a member of Gypsy Layne Cabaret & Co. (www.gypsylayne.com)

How would describe your burlesque style?

Cheeky, mischievous, and fun-loving; I’m a bearded boy with a glamour girl twist.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

I performed last year with my troupe, Gypsy Layne. This year I’m performing solo!

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

There are so many incredible performers that it’s hard to it narrow down, but I’m really excited to see Waxie Moon again—I was blown away by him at the 2013 festival, when I was in the audience, that he inspired be to apply for 2014…and here I am again!

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

Mike Monaco is going to woo you and wow you so hard, you’ll be seeing stars when I’m done.

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Lou Henry Hoover

2015-05-08T13:55:00.001-04:00

Name: Lou Henry Hoover
Home town: NYC/Seattle

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

It must be seven years now!

How would describe your burlesque style?

I'm a boylesqueing drag king. I came into burlesque out of a professional dance career, so I approach burlesque with a choreographer's perspective combined with a deep love of camp theater and a tendency to play the clown.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

This is my second year.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

There's so many great performers at the festival! I am particularly excited to see Waxie Moon this year - he had a big hand in getting me started both as a drag king and in boylesque, and he and I have worked together in a lot of different capacities over the years. He's a brilliant weirdo and seeing him onstage is always a treat. This June we will both be competing for King of Burlesque at The Burlesque Hall of Fame so I'm hoping to get a sneak peak at his act! I'm honored to be the first drag king to compete in this category. Of course I'm also excited to see the reigning King of Burlesque and fellow Atomic Bombshell, Mr. Gorgeous!

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

Get ready for a full weekend of tit…er…cockillation!

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Serge Violland

2015-05-08T13:51:00.002-04:00

Name: Serge Violland

Home town: Anneçy, France

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Twelve years in cabaret, one year in burlesque.

How would describe your burlesque style?

Cabaret New Burlesque.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

Never.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

They seems all very interesting, and I am curious by nature!

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

Forget everything you've seen so far.

New York Boylesque Festival interview - The Luminous Pariah

2015-05-08T13:50:00.002-04:00

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Six and a half years.

How would describe your burlesque style?

I'd describe my style as an interdisciplinary blend of performance art, theatre, and dance - leaning heavily on the gender-bending side.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

I participated in the very first NY Boylesque Festival and had a blast. I performed in the second, but am just now returning to the most distracting dressing room in the world.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

I'm looking forward to seeing my friends perform, obviously. However, I'm super excited to see some boys who I've not seen before! I love this festival because it's the one place in the US that male identified performers and personas can come together to inspire one another.

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

If I had a chance to speak to my New York viewers and fans en mass; I'd want them to know that I'd like to meet them! Also, that I appreciate the support. They're welcome to interact with me on any of the many social media outlets: @LuminousPariah

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Bobby Barnaby

2015-05-08T13:49:00.000-04:00

The New York Boylesque Festival weekend kicks off tonight with a teaser party at the Knitting Factory and is followed by tomorrow's main event at B.B. King's.

Here's your chance to meet some of the performers before they hit the stage.

Name: Bobby Barnaby
Home town: San Francisco

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Seven years.

How would describe your burlesque style?

Classic Americana Striptease meets Vaudeville.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

In 2013, I performed my award winning fan dance.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

Who am I not looking forward to seeing! But seriously, Brewster McCall.

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

See more live theater, on every scale and medium!

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Jack n' Thacox

2015-05-08T13:46:00.002-04:00

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

Two and a half years now and I'm just getting the hang of it.

How would describe your burlesque style?

A high-school theater production gone horribly awry.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

This is my first time ever performing in the big city! I am exhilarated.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

I can't wait to see all the boys backstage!

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

If you're my boyfriend once, you're my boyfriend forever ;]

New York Boylesque Festival interview - Geegee Louise

2015-05-08T13:38:00.004-04:00

How many years have you been doing burlesque?

This past month is a mark of 5 years in the industry! I started the moment I turned 18 and I always get that same nervous feeling every time I am about to walk on stage.

How would describe your burlesque style?

I used to study with Alvin Ailey dance company, so I incorporate a lot of ballet and African inspired movement. I like to pull from Caribbean and African movements and combine that with American jazz. It's an interesting combination! But it keeps me on my toes.

Have you participated in the New York Boylesque Festival in the past?

This is going to be my first boylesque festival. I am excited! I don't usually describe my pieces as boylesque. Being a female impersonator, I don't like to lie to my audience, so my character is almost gender neutral. I let the audience develop my gender as the piece goes on.

Who are you most looking forward to seeing perform this weekend?

Ray Gunn and Bazuka Joe!! My family, by that I mean my sisters, mother, sister in law, grandmother, were drooling over Ray when we danced together in the New York Burlesque Festival in 2011. Since then it's been a tradition to catch them when we can.

What would you like to say to your New York fans (and future fans)?

Honestly. Thank you. This journey hasn't been easy and the support that I have been given is incredible. Thank you for helping me do what I love!!!

Review - "Eddie" at Midtown International Theatre Festival

2014-08-02T18:50:00.003-04:00

Despite having a very intriguing concept--a bullied teen who finds himself falling in love with his bully--playwright Matthew Ethan Davis's "Eddie," as presented at the Midtown International Theatre Festival, is more of a work-in-progress, than a fully realized piece.

What we see are glimpses of an exciting story. A disabled teen in a tough, inner-city school, mercilessly bullied by one of the jocks. A bully hiding more than one secret of his own. A school psychologist who is trying to break through to the withdrawn teens. A prostitute mother wracked with guilt, when she is not addled by drugs and alcohol, with an abusive boyfriend/pimp. A lonely girl, dying for attention.

But these elements never convincingly come together to create a compelling production. What we are left with is a handful of interesting scenes, a couple of decent performances, and a show that could grow into something interesting, with a little bit of work.

Given that this is a festival, technical aspects of the show are necessarily sparse. That suits Davis's quick cut scenes, though even with the simple technical aspects, some scene changes are a bit longer than they should be. I think some of that may be due to the short rehearsal time that most festival shows have, and the lack of time using the actual performance space. Given a longer run and more permanent home, I think this would work itself out.

The individual performances are a little uneven. Jacob Banser, as the bully Greg, is the surprising highlight of the show. Banser shows equal adeptness at playing Greg's joy in tormenting Eddie, and his growing realization that his bullying is hiding something deeper. In addition, one of the plot points hinges on the fact that Greg is losing his hearing. Banser does a subtle job from his first appearance at playing with this. It's never overt, but when the fact is finally revealed, one can look back and see all the hints.

Yair Ben-Dor is fine as the titular bullied teen, though would like to see a little more range from him. The character is a bit over-written--for a poor, inner-city boy raised by a drug-addicted prostitute, he is exceptionally well-spoken and witty--so I would like to see more visceral reactions from him, the kind you expect from a teen boy, especially one dealing with his first same-sex feelings.

And while Banser does a good job playing his character's loss of hearing, Ben-Dor is less successful. Some of this has to be placed with director Brian Catton's blocking. There are times when people are talking to Eddie's deaf ear (assumed to be his right ear, since he holds the cell phone to his left). There is a particular scene with Linda, his school friend, where she quietly says something while they're hugging, her face buried in his right shoulder, which Eddie could not have possibly heard.

Steve Carrieri's Kyle, the school psychologist, is not well-fleshed out, and if the play is ever expanded into a longer version, I expect this character will play a much bigger role. Carrieri does what he can with the part, though his interactions with Eddie's mother never quite click.

Nina Salza and Jay Rivera as Eddie's mother April and her boyfriend James generally perform well. Salza's attempts at playing drunk fall a little flat, but her scenes where April vows to turn her life around are spot on. Rivera is at his best when showing James's feral cunning, though I would like to see more danger from James.

Madison McGhee does a good job with a character that really has no place in the play yet. Linda, one of Eddie's friends, seems like a lonely girl, desperate for someone to listen to her, but who walks an uneven line between fantasy and reality. She is not yet integral to the play, and needs to be more incorporated into it if the show is expanded.

While "Eddie" is not quite there yet, I look forward to seeing how the show evolves in the future.

"Eddie"
Written by Matthew Ethan Davis
Directed and Produced by Brian Catton
Co-Produced by Adyana de la Torre
Ticket 2 Eternity Productions/7 Guild Productions
Featuring: Jacob Banser, Steve Carrieri, Yair Ben-Dor, Madison McGhee, Jay Rivera and Nina Salza

Final performance Sunday, August 3rd at 2:30 PM
The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre
312 W. 36th Street
https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/27845

Powerstrip Boylesque

2014-05-06T16:48:00.000-04:00

Fancy Feast and Lucky Charming

It's hard to believe that in a city the size of New York, there was only one monthly burlesque show featuring primarily male performers. Now Matt Knife's monthly boylesque revue, Homo Erectus, has been joined by Powerstrip, a monthly revue at The C.O.W. on the Lower East Side, produced by Homo Erectus regular Lucky Charming, and featuring many of the same performers (Matt Knife himself performed at April's Powerstrip).

The April Fool's Day Powerstrip started with Matt Knife in a honey badger inspired strip (the costume was fantastic), Lewd Alfred Douglas in a strip that reminded me of some German expressionistic films, the amazing Fem Appeal from Kitty Nights Burlesque, Lucky Charming as a sad Cupid in a medley of love songs, Hard Corey's ode to beer set to the tune of "Ain't No Sunshine," magician Nelson Lugo's string tricks (I could watch Lugo's magic act for hours… excellent magic and a great sense of humor), and Alfie Bunz's sideshow-inspired strip, which involved him inserting spoons into his nostrils. Norse Horsely was the show's gogo dancer and stage kitten (the man who collects the flotsam and jetsam after each act).

Powerstrip is still in its awkward formative stages - the stage patter could use a little tightening and the transitions between acts could be smoother, but that will come in time. What it has in spades is talented performers and enthusiasm.

What Powerstrip really needs at this point is an audience. Burlesque can be good with a small audience, but burlesque performers will put in more when they are getting good feedback from a large, vocal and appreciative house. The audience at April's show was vocal and appreciative, but small. Pack the house, and this will be an amazing show.

The next Powerstrip will be Wednesday, May 7th at 8 PM (doors open at 7:30) at The Celebration of Whimsy (The C.O.W.) located at 21-A Clinton Street on the Lower East Side. The theme is "I Love the '90s" and performers include hosts Lucky Charming and Fancy Feast, Teddy Turnaround, Iris Explosion, Brooklyn Irons and Johnny Panic. Tickets are $15.

3rd Annual New York Boylesque Festival

2014-04-26T17:38:00.000-04:00

April is turning out to be an amazing month for boylesque. In addition to the two monthly boylesque shows - Homo Erectus at the Stonewall and Power Strip at The C.O.W. - this is the weekend for the 3rd Annual New York Boylesque Festival.

The first night featured a veritable smorgasbord of local and international boylesque dancers. Hosted by The World Famous *BOB* - a talented performer in her own right, and someone who really knows how to fire up a crowd - the evening featured some of New York's most talented boylesque stars, including Matt Knife (of Homo Erectus), Lucky Charming (of Power Strip), Hard Corey, Johnny Panic, Gogo Gadget, Jack Nasty, Brooklyn Irons, Jason Mejias, and the oh so aptly named Mr. Gorgeous.

Also shaking their stuff were Ron Dez Vous (Hollywood), Pussy Noir (DC), Damien Wunderluv (CO), Mr. Valdez (CO), Mustang Monroe (CO), Paco Fish (Baltimore), Sir Willy Waterlily (Finland), drag king Lou Henry Hoover (formerly of Seattle, now a New Yorker), Jacques Patriaque (Austria), and the Mansfield Brothers (Canada).

A good audience really helps make a good burlesque show, and last night's raucous audience was there to party. Naturally, the performers gave them more than their money's worth.

Among the highlights were Jack Nasty's Elvis inspired strip, Jason Mejias and Mr. Gorgeous's magic act (watch the clothing magically disappear), Damien Wunderluv's sultry strip (with live singing… the boy is talented), Lucky Charming's quest for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, Matt Knife's steampunk strip, and Mustang Monroe's hip hop strip.

As amazed as I was by the first day's performers, I can only imagine what tonight's "main event" at B.B. King's will be like.

Tickets are still available. The doors open at 6 PM; the show starts at 8 PM.

Gotta love a catchy title

2013-11-19T17:47:00.000-05:00

I love it when a show's title catches my eye and makes me want to find out more. In the case of "Pussy" by Maura Halloran, the title drew me in and the description makes me want to see it.

If you are free tomorrow night, check out "Pussy" as part of the United Solo Theatre Festival.

PUSSY

written and performed by Maura Halloran

NOVEMBER 20 at 7:30 PM

at THEATRE ROW, 410 42 STREET, NEW YORK, NY

part of THE UNITED SOLO THEATRE FESTIVAL | Tickets: $18 via TELECHARGE.COM

Announcing the New York return of PUSSY, a one-woman show about a lesbian couple, their overly curious landlady and one highly opinionated cat. After a sold-out show on October 9, PUSSY was invited back to UNITED SOLO to encore November 20 at 7:30 PM.

"laugh-out-loud romantic farce” - SF Bay Guardian

“audience cackles merrily” - Time Out New York

About the show...
PUSSY follows the tangled heartaches and misadventures of Leslie and Jo, a lesbian couple teetering on the brink of a breakup. Jo is lolling about in Spain, Leslie is crying about it in Vancouver, their vaguely homophobic but strongly “curious” landlady, Ana is listening with crossed arms from the apartment below - but no one has stronger opinions on the matter than Leslie’s pet cat, “Pussy.”

Very loosely based on true events, this piece is a tribute to the tribulations of trying to find your own groove when you don't like the music. It’s a tale of love, sex, love-sex, hate-sex, online dating, postal mail, vampires, unicorns, how to forgive The Church, how softball can save your life, and three outsiders whose fates triangulate around one spectacular cat.

“gracefully takes command of the stage" - SF Examiner

About the writer / performer...
Maura Halloran is a Canadian actor and writer currently residing in San Francisco, California. She holds a BFA in Acting from the University of British Columbia and currently works and resides in San Francisco. This is her third visit to New York. maurahalloran.com

“astonishingly talented actress… profoundly truthful, deeply affecting”- seattleactor.com

“polished and professional … a refreshing hour of theatrical fun” - nytheatre.com

“slipping seamlessly from one character to the next…great skill as a performer" - theatreiseasy.com

“dry, caustic but empathetic wit. The comedy is crisp. The acting is delightfully precise.” - SF Chronicle

Interview - Jinkx Monsoon

2013-11-13T18:51:00.001-05:00

By Andrea Alton

I’ll admit it. I have a crush on Jinkx Monsoon (created by the brilliant Jerick Hoffer). She’s from my hometown (Portland Oregon), looks great in a wig and she can rock blue eye shadow in a way I always dreamed of in the 1980’s. She’s also an extremely talented performer who won season five of RuPaul’s Drag Race and is currently performing in THE VAUDEVILLIANS which also stars Major Scales (aka Richard Andriessen, who is also brilliant), the co-creator of the show. THE VAUDEVILLIANS had its first show at The Laurie Beechman Theater in July and has had numerous extensions. If you can get a ticket (they sell out fast!), I would highly recommend you make your way to The Laurie Beechman to see this show which runs through November 19^th.

Jinkx is a busy gal but she found time to talk about theatre, how to maintain great hair and her time on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Andrea: I’ve heard you’re a theater nerd. Do you remember your first introduction to theater?

Jinkx: As early as kindergarten! We did a class play for friends and family at my school in kindergarten and I got to play the most dramatic role, the villain: Anasi the spider. A role I took very seriously. Ever since then I've LEPT at any chance to play roles in school plays, and nowadays, big boy plays.

AA: How did you come up with the idea of THE VAUDEVILLIANS?

JM: My music partner and I came home after a loooong tech rehearsal for the play "Our Town" we were performing at our college. We would joke about being the oldest people in the world, talking about "the way things used to be," and that was the grassroots for became our characters in the show; two Vaudeville stars frozen alive at their prime in a freak avalanche, now thawed out and returning to the stage to reclaim their original music.

AA: What kind of theatre/cabaret excites you?

JM: I think I get most turned on by shows with completely outlandish concepts. If it’s something that looks stupid on paper, it generally has potential to be amazing. My rule is the stupider the premise the better, cuz when you start at outlandish set up, you can do so much. You can go anywhere. I love stuff that plays with gender, sexuality and pushing the envelope on what our society considers "normal." Some of my favorite cabaret shows have been Varla Jean Merman in "The Book of Merman," any of Dina Martina's shows. I saw Joey Arias sing the Billie Holiday sing book, and Lady Rizo's solo show. I have loved all of these shows and they have fueled my own desire to break in to the cabaret world.

AA: How did your collaboration with Major Scales begin?

JM: We have lived together for about 5 years. We met at Cornish college where we were both studying theater. He and I relate through our eclectic taste in music and movies and plays and at this point I consider him family. We started working together for various variety shows and we developed a real chemistry. Even though we both have solo careers we really work well as a unit.

AA: I grew up in a little town outside of Portland and the rain always ruined my hair. How do you keep your hair and makeup looking so good while living in the Pacific Northwest?

JM: Planning ahead. Match umbrellas to your outfits and themes and when in doubt, count on the Uber car service.

AA: I know you do a lot of theater, what’s your dream role?

JM: My all time dream role is Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. Close seconds are The Witch in Into the Woods and a new one is elder Cunningham in Book of Mormon.

AA: What’s your fondest, funniest or most disgusting memory of RuPaul’s Drag Race?

JM: Fondest was (and it got cut from the show) when Ru quoted Death Becomes Her in conversation with me. I explained that I didn't know lots of drag slang but I'm starting to get hip to it. She replied: "NOW a warning!?" And I freaked.

AA: If they were going to turn your life story into a Broadway show or ABC miniseries, who would you want to play you? They can be dead or alive.

JM: Patrick Wolf

For more info on Jinkx check out www.jinkxmonsoon.com

And to buy tickets to THE VAUDEVILLIANS go to www.spincyclenyc .com

Interview with Colin Earyes and David Cronin of "Bare"

2013-07-27T20:08:00.000-04:00

This weekend the White Plains Performing Arts Center is producing the Westchester regional premiere of the rock opera "Bare." This musical about a relationship between two boys at a Catholic high school generated a lot of buzz in its previous productions.

I met with Colin Earyes and David Cronin, the two actors playing Jason and Peter, the couple at the heart of Bare to talk about the show and their lives.

What is your theatrical background?

Colin: I went to West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and graduated with a BA in Musical Theater Performance. Since graduating I have performed with various regional theaters, tours, and a world premier musical.

David: I am currently a B.M. student at the Conservatory of Music of Brooklyn College double majoring in Music Education and Voice Performance. I have been fortunate enough to have performed with Nevada Opera, City-Wide Youth Opera, LaGuardia Arts Opera Workshop, Brooklyn College Opera Workshop, the Fresh Fruit Festival, the Fringe Festival, TADA! Youth Theater Co., as well as the Britney Spears Camp for the Performing Arts. I am currently studying voice with Richard Barrett.

What made you both want to be part of this production of "Bare?"

David: I absolutely love this show, and this show is never done. Fourteen year old me is dying inside that I get to sing this role.

Colin: Before auditioning I didn't know anything about the musical. I had just finished a show in Rhode Island and was looking for auditions. I heard about the show through a friend and since the theater had a great reputation I auditioned.

What have been some of the challenges for you in preparing for your roles?

Colin: The hardest challenge has been finding and expressing the emotional weight of this show. In two hours these characters go through more emotional struggles and turmoil than most people see in a lifetime. The story and message of this show is so incredibly important and beautiful that I wanted to make sure that I became the emotions and not just acted them.

David: Peter is a vocally demanding role and he goes on an emotional roller coaster. Balancing these two factors has been interesting during the rehearsal process.

David, tell me a little about Peter.

David: Peter is a seventeen year old senior at a Catholic boarding school who is in a secret relationship with the school's "golden boy." Peter is a bit of a loner and extremely introverted. Peter is friendly with everyone and no one dislikes him, but Jason is probably the most genuine relationship Peter has ever shared. When we meet Peter he is at a turning point in his life, he is about to graduate and leave this world he's created behind which provokes many questions.

Do you identify with him?

David: I feel extremely connected with Peter. Growing up a homosexual in a Catholic upbringing made me ask a lot of the same questions Peter asks. (I was even an altar boy.) I have to admit though, Peter is far braver than I ever was. He doesn't know how to be anything but himself. It's an honor to play such a brave and young hero who happens to be a homosexual.

Colin, as David mentioned your character Jason is described as a "golden boy" and a “popular jock.” In what ways are you like him?

Colin: Surprisingly I had a very similar high school life as Jason. I was the captain of our hockey team and also was the lead in the school plays. Unfortunately my senior year was also surrounded by a relationship debacle that left me emotionally distraught because of various lies, so I also have that to draw back on for character development.

So Jason is the golden boy, but Peter in many ways is the stronger of the two. David, where do you think his strength comes from?

David: Peter is more of a fully realized person than Jason is. I think this probably comes from their upbringing. Although Peter's mother struggles with her son being a homosexual, she is an extremely nurturing and loving mother. However Jason and his sister Nadia grew up in an environment that was extremely superficial and probably not very affectionate. It explains how Peter could be so brave while Jason who has everything going for him could be so scared.

Jason's story has a rather tragic, and sadly avoidable outcome. Colin, what would you say someone like him who is struggling with his identity?

Colin: Just to accept themselves and that although they feel alone they truly are not. There are always friends to reach out too and understand. There is no need to ever feel alone.

Bare has a fairly large cast, which can sometimes be a challenge for creating a unified ensemble. What has it been like for you? Any cast mates that you've bonded with in particular?

David: Honestly, this cast has been wonderful to work with. I have met some incredible new people of whom I can now call friends. It has been such an honor to work with and get to know Colin Earyes, Triona O'Callaghan, Kerri George, Richie Barella, Adam Welsh, Sarah Teresa Brown and Paulette Oliva.

Colin: Thankfully this cast all arrived with our baggage at the door. We all knew from day one the weight of this show and all came together to deliver that. Most importantly the five leads REALLY clicked. We all take the train back to Manhattan and the chemistry has been there from the start. Besides the fact that they are all extraordinarily talented they are also very genuine friends which helped the chemistry of this show shine through and reach a new level.

What has been your best experience so far in this production?

David: Some of the cast met up to celebrate Pride in New York City and then later that day attended a choreography rehearsal. Needless to say it was unforgettable.

Colin: Sunday. This past Sunday we had our first day of tech and full show run through. Suddenly everything fell into place, the messages and content became real, and by the end of the show the entire cast was so emotionally involved and focused that we were all crying. We saw our show truly come to life for the first time.

What is your favorite song from the show and why?

Colin: The title song, "Bare", is incredible and very powerful, but, my favorite is "Cross." It is the song between Jason and the Priest after Jason's world crashes down around him. The raw ping-ponging of emotions is unlike anything I have ever had to experience before. I go from desperation to hope to sadness, anger, and finally an all around emotional break down all in the span of about 3 1/2 minutes. It takes a lot of honesty and listening to the other performer but the challenge and new emotional experience makes it extremely powerful to perform.

David: "Quiet Night at Home" is a piece that everyone can relate to. You don't have to be the heavy girl to understand or to have had experienced that moment. Triona O'Callaghan slays this song.

What kind of reaction do you hope to get from the audience?

Colin: I would love to bring them to tears, however, if they are just moved because of what they watched and not what they learned and lived through in those two hours then I will not be satisfied. I want the audience to see that these struggles are actually happening throughout the world today and hopefully leave with a new perspective on the severity of these struggles.

David: I hope to inspire. The content of this show is very real. I hope to take them on this emotional trip with me.

Colin, for you what is the takeaway message of the play?

Colin: That being yourself is never not ok. Believe in your own true identity and stay true to yourself.

What else is coming up for you two this year?

Colin: After the show closes it will be back to auditioning. Two of my great friends are getting married in October and I will be singing their wedding so I haven't been auditioning much as so not to conflict with their special day.

David: On August 24th I will be giving a concert at Pier 57 in New York City as a featured up and coming artist with the NYCFiveHundred. I will be performing a small BARE vignette featuring some of the cast in my set.

If you had the chance to play any role, in this play or some other, what would you choose?

David: In "Bare," Ivy, with out a doubt. She is such a multi-layered character and sings some of the best music in the show.

Colin: "Jersey Boys" has always been a favorite show of mine but as of right now Gabe in "Next To Normal" is the role I am hoping to play the most.

For tickets visit the WPPAC website.