The Purple Circuit promotes GLQBT
and feminist theater and performance.

Written by Lanford Wilson
Directed by James Strait
Produced by Desert Rose Productions, Inc.

During the 70s, a sprawling farmhouse in Lebanon, Missouri is owned by Ken Talley, a disabled, gay, Viet Nam veteran, which he shares with his botanist lover, Jed. They are visited by Ken’s sister, June, and her precocious teenage daughter Shirley, as well as by Gwen, a hard-living, pill-popping heiress, who aspires to be a rock star, and John, her wary-eyed husband and manager. All are old friends from their rebellious U.C. Berkeley College days in the 60s where they were protesters and political activists, who worked for what they hoped would be a better world.

Past affiliations are discussed, as well as discussions both sharp and funny. Through them we hear about their lost hopes and dreams, and the lingering bitterness that must be conquered to perceive the good that life can offer.

Playwright Wilson was one of the pioneers of LGBT theater in New York City, and went on to a Pulitzer-Prize winning career with many Broadway and film credits.

Cast includes: Brent Anderson, Jason Hull, Ann Van Haney, Michael Pacas, Monique Burke, Alden West, James Owens, Melanie Blue.

Previous Desert Rose Productions' Gay Heritage shows include “The Boys in the Band,” “Love! Valour! Compassion!” and “Angels in America - Part One - Millennium Approaches.”

January 12, 2018
The Desert Rose Playhouse, Rancho Mirage, California
Information/Reservation: 760-202-3000
Information: paultaylor@desertroseplayhouse.org

Marcie Hall, Michael Perry image: Demian

Written and directed by Michael Shayne
Produced by Ed Sparan, World AIDS Museum & Educational Center

Two one-act solo plays.

“The Cemetery Angel” is about Ruth Coker Burks who in the 80s and 90s took care of hundreds of men dying from AIDS when their families rejected them. After dying, she buried 50 in her family cemetery when their own families refused to do so.

“Standing On My Shoulders” is about the late Vito Russo the author of the seminal book, “The Celluloid Closet” on how gay men and lesbians were treated in commercial movies. He was also a gay and AIDS activist. Russo was a founding member of GLAAD and ACT UP.

Cast includes: Marcie Hall, Michael Perry.

January 19, 2018
The Auditorium at Broward County Central Library, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Brian McDonald image: Sandy Aichner

Written by Jonathan Tolins
Directed by Stephanie Coltrin
Produced by Rubicon Theatre Company

A struggling, gay actor, named Alex, winds up working for an unnamed show-business legend in her Malibu basement mall. An unlikely friendship develops between the two, from which Alex learns profound lessons about himself.

“Buyer and Cellar” is about the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs. It was a winner of the 2013 Drama Desk Award for Best Play, and was an Off-Broadway sensation.

The play was inspired by Barbra Streisand’s book “My Passion for Design.”

Cast: Brian McDonald

The production is directed by Ovation Award-winner Stephanie A. Coltrin, and stars award-winning actor and Rubicon’s associate artistic director, Brian McDonald.

“A seriously funny slice of absurdist whimsy.” - N.Y. Times

January 24, 2018
Rubicon Theatre Company, Ventura, California
Wheelie access with obstacles
Information/Reservation: 805-667-2900
Information: boxoffice@rubicontheatre.org

Dustyn Gulledge, Cameron J. Oro                   Ariana Anderson, Zoë Simpson Dean image: Peter Carter

Written by Graham Brown with Nathan Faudree and Lisa Roth
Directed by Graham Brown
Produced by The Actors Company

A not so simple story of boy meets girl, boy meets boy, girl meets girl, and all the little things that can ruin a perfectly good dinner party.

This delightful romantic comedy blurs the lines between art and life, gay and straight.

Cast includes New York City’s trip. theater ensemble : Ariana Anderson, Graham Brown, Bevin Bru, Eve Danzeisen, Zoe Simpson Dean, Mariana Frizelle, Dustyn Gulledge, Lara Helena, Kaitlin Large, Zoquera Milburn, Cameron J. Oro, Christi Pedigo, Kirstin Racicot, Kelsey Risher, Robert Walters, Dan Wilson.

A west coast premiere, direct from a sold out run in Chicago.

“An all-around feel-good, fun night out, which leaves you wanting more. … The romances are steamy, the characters are lovable, and the performance is expressive, lively and animated.” - Show Business Weekly

“A rare find with superior acting and writing. A must see.” - The Washington Square News

“The endearing characters, the honest and playful performances and the credible chemistry between everyone in the cast.” - Time Out Chicago

February 14, 2018
The Actors Company, Los Angeles, California
Wheelchair accessible
Information: tripla.theatre@gmail.com

Charles Peoples III image: David Wilson

Written and directed by John Fisher
Produced by Theatre Rhinoceros

Gender and sexuality in the world of geopolitics are prominent when a young Republican, and a no-nonsense drag queen, have a surprising relationship, which nearly sets the world on fire. But in this moment of international crisis, this romance might just save the planet, as presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are about to find out.

A satirical drama ripped from the world’s headlines, in the tradition of filmmakers Billy Wilder and Oliver Stone.

Cast Includes: John Fisher,* Morgan Lange, Charles Peoples III, Gabriel Ross, Katie Rubin,* Kathryn Wood. (*Member, Actors’ Equity)

This performance of “Transitions” is a world premier.

February 23, 2018 - 8 pm
Gateway Theatre, 215 Jackson St., San Francisco, California
Wheelchair accessible
$40 opening; $20 general run; $15 seniors, students, TBA members
Information/Reservation: 800-838-3006
Information: lhelman@sbcglobal.net

Troy Rockett, Gabby Momah, perform in “They/Them” image: W. Newton

Written by Shirley Barrie, Kim Yaged, Nick Hadikwa Mwaluko
Directed by Lily Tung Crystal, Norman Johnson, Elizabeth Vega
Produced by: Those Women Productions

A trio of bold new one-act plays about individuals who fight passionately for, and believe courageously in, their right to be themselves. The plays reflect a broad spectrum of feminist perspectives.

“Vessels” - by Kim Yaged
Oral histories reveal the little-known stories of lesbians in Nazi Germany.

“Revelation” - by Shirley Barrie
A darkly comic tour through changing gender roles in marriage and beyond.

“They/Them” by Nick Hadikwa Mwaluko
A transgender teen fights for their mother’s love.

Cast includes: GiGi Anber, Jeannie Barroga, Jean Cary, Lijesh Krishnan, Jennifer McNeal, Gabby Momah, Troy Rockett, Elliot Stanley, Jasmine Williams.

March 23, 2018
Live Oak Theater, Berkeley, California
Wheelchair accessible
Information: 510-761-5656; thosewomenproductions@gmail.com

What Happened When

Written by Daniel Talbott
Directed by Chris Fields
Produced by: Echo Theater Company

On a snowy night in a rural farmhouse, two brothers — one straight, one gay — huddle together with their sister in the dark, with only a flashlight, while the audience (unseen by them) gathers closely around.

A fully immersed, beautiful, provocative, disturbing ghost story memory play by Daniel Talbott (“Slipping”). Daniel is on the Literary Team at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater.

Cast includes: Kenzie Caplan, Randall Clute, Matthew Gallenstein, mara Klein, Ellen Neary, Chris Stack, Joey Stromberg, Libby Woodbridge.

“A work of spare and haunting power.” - Time Out Chicago

A west coast premiere.

April 11, 2018
Atwater Village Theatre, Los Angeles, California
Information: 310-307-3753; lucy@lucypr.com

Dale Guy Madison image: Jeremy Lucido

Written by Dale Guy Madison
Directed by Malik Shakir and Yvonne Farrow
Produced by DamnGoodMan Productions

Madison explores the quest of fame through the pop culture phenomenon of reality shows and the “famous faces” they instantly create. By sharing his first taste of fame as a QVC host-turned-drag queen, Madison offers humorous commentary on the quest of fame, and the addiction to reclaim it, via spoken word, music, storytelling and archival footage.

This one-man show, by Dale Guy Madison, was inspired by iconic movies like “Sunset Boulevard,” “Valley of the Dolls,” and “All About Eve.”

The title of the play borrows from QVC’s sales option of easy pay, products are purchased over three months. The show introduces audiences to Madison’s drag persona, “FREEda SLAVE,” which he created for his bit part in the hilarious 1995 comedy, “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.”

Cast: Dale Guy Madison.

June 17, 2018
At the Hollywood Fringe Festival
L.A. LGBT Center, Davidson/Valentini Theatre, Los Angeles, California
Wheelchair accessible
Information: 310-266-9704, wyllisa@aol.com

What Happened When

Written by Daniel Talbott
Directed by Chris Fields
Produced by: Echo Theater Company

On a snowy night in a rural farmhouse, two brothers — one straight, one gay — huddle together with their sister in the dark, with only a flashlight, while the audience (unseen by them) gathers closely around. Revelations include: sexual abuse, child abuse, horror, as well as gay and LGBTQ issues.

A fully immersed, beautiful, provocative, disturbing ghost story memory play by Daniel Talbott (“Slipping”). Daniel is on the Literary Team at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater.

Cast includes: Ian Bamberg, Kenzie Caplan, Randall Clute, Matthew Gallenstein, Mara Klein, Ellen Neary, Chris Stack, Joey Stromberg, Libby Woodbridge.

“A work of spare and haunting power.” - Time Out Chicago

A west coast premiere.

July 25, 2018
Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles, California
Wheelchair accessible
Information: lucy@lucypr.com

Jim Watson, Alyssa Mauk photo: Jim Lemen

Written by Mark A. Ridge
Directed by Tracie Mauk
Produced by: Florence Community Theatre

At the Westmount Estate, on the 20th anniversary of the death of publishing magnate Simon West, his six remaining relatives gather for the reading of his will. The androgynous, mysterious housekeeper declares, “The relatives are swooping in like a wake of vultures ready to pick the carcass clean.”

Who will ultimately inherit the fortune? Will it be the charming realtor, the handsome male model, the dimwitted nail technician, the bitter old woman, the hairdresser, or the mild mannered accountant? Throw in a priceless pocket watch, an escaped mental patient, a pair of reunited gay lovers, and the result is murder! With a hefty dose of laughs.

“The Vultures” puts a modern, comedic, gay spin on the haunted house / mystery genre.

Cast includes: Jim Watson, Alyssa Mauk, Derek Kowal, David Frolio, Guillermo J. Rosas, Julie Livingston , Mike Pagett, Ric Gustafson , Molly Anderson , Cecelia Sass.

October 25, 2018
Florence City Hall, Omaha, Nebraska
Wheelchair accessible with obstacles
Information: 531-600-8634

Wink poster: ?

Written by Neil Koenigsberg
Directed by Michael Allen Angel
Produced by: Racquel Lehrman - Theatre Planners

Wink, a currently homeless, gender questioning teenager, and Dario Villanova, a former A-list actor now doing B movies, are both down on their luck in Los Angeles. When a synchronistic meeting connects these two souls, they quickly bond over music, art, and life’s unexpected misfortunes. Sometimes, the best way forward is to stop fighting the past.

Cast includes: Amy Argyle, Adam Cardon, Euriamis Losada, David Mingrino, Andrik Ochoa

December 8, 2018
Zephyr Theatre, Los Angeles, California
Wheelchair accessible
Information/Reservation: 323-960-1055

The Village Playwrights was founded out of the need of lesbian and gay writers to have a venue in which they could present their works without fear of being harshly criticized, or dismissed because of their sexual orientation or gender identification.

“We take pride in critiquing works solely on their merit, and not on their sometimes sensitive subject matter.
This allows each writer to find his or her voice as a creative individual. To speak freely is to be empowered.”

“This is a place to speak from the heart. This is a place to find one’s voice. This is a place to take risks.”

The Village Playwrights meet at 8pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
LGBT Center, 208 W. 13th St., New York, New York

Participation is open to all playwrights, screenwriters, directors and actors.
Beginners are encouraged and helped.

Information: 614-285-2515; villageplaywrights@gmail.com

See Web site for GLBT comedy listings in San Francisco, as well as worldwide.

QComedy Showcase occurs on the first Monday of each month.
Mama Calizo’s, 1519 Mission St., San Francisco, California
Wheelchair accessible
Information and comedy bookings: Nick Leonard, 415-533-9133; nickdammit@gmail.com

Just about every month, Ian presents a show, by himself, or with others, and they all are about gay male culture.
He often includes several centuries of such culture all at the same time.

Ian MacKinnon is a GLAAD Award-nominated performance artist who has been working in Los Angeles since 2005.
His solo show series “The Gay Hist-Orgy” toured throughout California at theaters and universities.
He curates many “queer” performance events including the annual Adonis Project, as well as the monthly LGBT experimental performance event “Planet Queer.”
Ian has been leading his “Get More Gay Performance Workshops” in Los Angeles since 2012.

Ian MacKinnon, imackinn1@hotmail.com