Much Ado... through a "gay lens" in Philly

[willep]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 12:18am

Hello everyone,

For once, I am going to be "that guy" and do a shameless self-promotion for a show that I am currently a part of.

Mauckingbird Theatre Company in Philadelphia is doing a gay production of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.

“In Shakespeare’s play, Hero is a young woman shamed in a powerful scene by her father, Leonato. In our version it was the mother-gay son encounter that really moved the whole cast. Things were illuminated in a different way, it became more emotional.”

I think it's going to be a great show. It's certainly really interesting to see Shakespeare's play in a new way.

We open next weekend (the 10th) and run through the 26th. Come check it out if you are in the Philly area!

Mauckingbird Theatre Company Presents Much Ado About Nothing

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 1:18am

I wish you luck. I have no problem with you promoting your show.

But forgive me if I'm skeptical and amused by your professing that your production has improved on Shakespeare by giving the Leonato-Hero scene an emotional tweak.

(also why is that part of your post in quotes?)

[willep]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 1:28am

Oh, sorry, that was a quote I pulled from the article.

I wouldn't necessarily say the scene is improved in our production, merely that the context of it being a mother and her gay son really struck a chord with many people in the cast, and it was very powerful to them because they could really identify with it. It was the selling point for the cast and crew to do this production. When we did a reading back in March, it was that moment that really stood out to everyone and made them really want to do the show. That's all that is meant.

Updated On: 8/3/12 at 01:28 AM

[aaronb]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 5:01am

Sounds cool. Good luck.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 7:22am

Willep -- for what it's worth -- I didn't think you made it sound as if you thought you improved upon Shakespeare. I just heard someone very proud of their work.

Kudos and Best of luck.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 7:27am

willep you stage door?

[willep]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 1:43pm

Thanks, all!

And themysteriousgrowl - well, it's not in my contract. And clearly, being a supporting actor in a Philly show means I'm too good for that kind of thing.

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 2:04pm

You must be a young female, then.

[willep]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 10:26pm

Ha, exactly, themysteriousgrowl.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 11:04pm

Apologies, Willep.

[willep]

Posted: 8/3/12 at 11:55pm

No worries, henrik.

[NotAnotherSN]

Posted: 8/4/12 at 2:38am

willep - I saw Mauckingbird's [title of show], which was EXCELLENT. I love the work you guys put on, thanks for helping to keep the theater scene in Philly alive! I'm gonna try to come by and see this one too!

[willep]

Posted: 8/9/12 at 4:00pm

Glad you enjoy Mauckingbird's work. I always really enjoy their productions, whether I am working on them or just in the audience. I think that they are an important piece of the Philadelphia theatre scene. Hope you can make it to Much Ado!

Just wanted to let people know that TONIGHT (Thursday, August 9th) we have a half price preview. All tickets are 50% off for our first audience. So if you are in the Philly area and looking for something to do this evening, hope to see you there! Show is at 7PM.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 8/9/12 at 4:02pm

I love my Philly actors! Break tits!

[willep]

Posted: 8/9/12 at 4:11pm

Thanks, SonofRobbieJ!

[willep]

Posted: 8/15/12 at 12:41pm

Much Ado Photos