The Purple Circuit promotes GLQBT
and feminist theater and performance.

Olivia Levine image: Josephine Bradlee

Written and performed by Olivia Levine
Directed by Molly Rose Heller

Ever been afraid to use the word “delectable” in a sentence after JonBenet Ramsey said it the night before she was murdered in the JonBenet Ramsey Lifetime Original Movie? Ever have to shout “Green car green car green car.” every time a green car zooms down the street?

Olivia Levine explores of the intersection of her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), her sexuality, and identity as a queer woman; focusing on how it engages with her familial, platonic, and romantic relationships.

Using storytelling, comedy, and movement, Olivia shares the evolution of her OCD, including the pains, surprises, and gifts it affords.

January 30, 2020
The Tank, New York, New York
Wheelchair accessible

Bennett Saltzman, Jacob Silburn image: Hunter Canning    Carla Lewis, Gene Santarelli, Sarah Kebede-Fiedler, Jacob Silburn, Ethelyn Friend, Bennett Saltzman image: Courtesy of Xoregos Performing Company

Written by Robert E. DiNardo
Music Composed by Barbara Rottman
Directed by Shela Xoregos
Music directed by Laura Zawarski (and violinist)
Produced by Theater for the New City and Xoregos Performing Company

Life in 1615, Venice, a cosmopolitan city populated by people from many nations and predilections. Many intriguing lives are entwined in strange ways, such as a once notorious woman, who now masquerades as a nun; a couturier who wears his own gowns, and his brainy African lover; a mysterious Don Juan; a violin-playing novice; and a 60-year-old virgin dressmaker.

A world premier, unusual comedy, with captivating twists, both amusing and surprising.

Cast includes: Ethelyn Friend*, Sarah Kebede-Fiedler, Carla Lewis*, Bennett Saltzman, Gene Santarelli*, Jacob Silburn. *Actors’ Equity Members.

January 30, 2020
Theater for the New City, New York, New York
Wheelchair accessible

Ty Autry image: Mike Glatzer Photography

Written and performed by Ty Autry
Directed by David L. Carson
Produced by Frigid NYC

The Story of a Gay Christian Growing Up in the Deep South.

We accompany the protagonist through multiple journeys, into, and out of, the closet, experiencing the impact of conversion therapy, excommunication, and a father who believes that a demon has possessed his son.

“A Southern Fairytale is my personal journey which happens to reflect that of so many gay youth, finding their truth in a society that is against them.” - Ty Autry

Based on true events, “A Southern Fairytale” was workshopped at the 2018 NYSummerfest, and another workshop version of the play was performed in 2019, at The International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, Out Front Theatre Company in Atlanta, and The Duplex for World Pride in New York City.

“This is a clever and well-written solo performer play, an intensely personal narrated journey.” - International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival

“There is a depth of wisdom here which needs to be shared with the world.” - World Pride New York

February 19, 2020
Kraine Theater, New York, New York
Wheelchair accessible
Information: 212-777-6088; office@frigidnewyork.info

Shenendoah Thompson, Roger Banks image: Scott Jacobs

Written by Austin Pendleton
Directed by Shenendoah Thompson
Produced by R&R Productions

In New York City, Uncle Bob, who has AIDS, is an uproariously articulate hermit, now separated from his wife. They were mutually devoted to each other.

He is visited by his nephew, Josh, who hitched from the Midwest, profoundly uninvited, to take care of him. Josh is without a job, without completing college, and without any sense of a future. Still, Josh faces all with a wit, and nervy desperation, that is only matched by his Uncle Bob.

A loving, funny, abrasive, and profane face-off ensues. This is a love story between an HIV-positive recluse, and his homophobic nephew, who is desperate for his uncle’s validation.

Cast includes: Roger Banks Shenendoah Thompson.

From actor Roger Banks:
“Originally from West Virginia, we now call New York City home; me arriving for a career in stand-up comedy, and Shenendoah pursuing his successful music, acting and directing career. As performers, “Uncle Bob” speaks to us. I have been HIV-positive since 1994, and Shenendoah is in recovery from opioid addiction. We bring this life experiences to the play, and we are commitment to giving back, by raising awareness through art. AIDS is not over, and opioids are destroying more families every day.”

March 23, 2020 - Show Cancelled
Alchemical Studios, New York, New York
Wheelchair accessible

Max Meyers, Bonnie Black, Patrick Boyd, Spencer Aste image: xxx?

Written by Jon Spano
Directed by Aaron Salazar
Music by Manuel Pelayo, Giancarlo Bonfanti

Dennis lives in the sexual fast-lane of Web cams, and hook-up apps. Now, his recent diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer, and its subsequent treatments, are putting a kibosh on his libido.

Unlike many of his peers, Dennis survived the decimation of the AIDS epidemic physically, though not emotionally, intact. Now 50-something, Dennis confronts a health-scare that hurls him into an identity crisis, which wages war between his favorite pastime, and life itself. When the sudden prospect of intimacy with younger man disrupts Dennis’s sexual status quo, his non-committal nature competes with an uncertain future. Humorous and heart-wrenching, Dennis looks at aging, grief, and changing identity. He asks not who we are, but who we become, when facing mortality, and moving from a past we’re compelled to honor.

Cast includes: Patrick Boyd, Spencer Aste, Bonnie Black, Max Meyers.

Was scheduled for March 26-April 5, 2020 - Postponed until further notice.
Theatre 54, New York, New York
Wheelchair accessible
Information: info@dennistheplay.com

1979                                                                2020 Tom Wilson Weinberg image: Scott Booth (1979), Kevin Broad (2020)

Written, directed and performed by Tom Wilson Weinberg
Produced by Cabaret Vérité and Chris-Tyler Young

Celebrate a milestone birthday, with songs from 1959-to-2020, written by Tom Wilson Weinberg for his musicals, revues and cabarets.

Tom’s goal has always been to tell stories, in song, often using satire about the world around us, serious issues, and to poke fun at ourselves.

He is influenced by queer activists, friends of all stripes, the news, challenges, setbacks, and victories. There are about 250 songs in his catalog. Which ones will he retrieve for this retrospective?

The songs do the story-telling, along with a few ad libs, lies, surprises, and a few thank-yous along the way.

“Weinberg’s music is catchy and expressive. He is a lyricist of extraordinary talent.” - Douglas Keating, Philadelphia Inquirer

“The romantic songs are every bit as uplifting as the satirical songs are bitingly funny.” - Gary L. Day, Philadelphia Gay News

“Refreshingly clear-headed and wide ranging, composer/lyricist Weinberg knows how to laugh at human follies, how to think and how to reach the heart.” - Arthur Friedman, Boston Herald

“A spirit of cheerfully assertive militancy tempered with humor and musical savvy.” - Stephen Holden, New York Times

Proceeds benefit The Arcila-Adams Trans Resource Center at William Way.

Was scheduled for April 17, 18, 2020 - Postponed until further notice
William Way LGBT Community Center, Philadelphia,Pennsylvania
Wheelchair accessible
Information: 215-732-2220; cyoung.cabaretverite@gmail.com

We decided, this May, to place notices about gay, lesbian, and feminist
shows, that are broadcast, at least until in-person theater events resume.
Please use our detailed form: Event Submission Form

Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde 16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900 image: Alfred Ellis & Walerie, 1892

Written and directed by Bill Kaiser
Produced by Rick Castro and the Purple Circuit

A virtual lecture on the last days in the life of Oscar Wilde. Dedicated to the 120th year of his death. The topic of this salon shall emphasize the last days of his remarkable yet short life, and amazing legacy.

After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, the early 1890s saw him become one of the most popular playwrights in London. He is best remembered for his epigrams and plays, his novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” (1890), and the circumstances of his criminal conviction for gross indecency for consensual homosexual acts, imprisonment, and death at 46.

Please have your favorite drink on hand to toast our beloved Oscar.

Zoom Meeting ID: 818 1079 8247
November 30, 2020 4 pm (Pacific Time - US and Canada)
To find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kegy82TA5N
Donation required to attend (amount is up to you)
via paypal.com/paypalme/rickcastrotea
or via venmo.com/rick-castro-13007
Information: purplecir@aol.com - 818-953-5096

RAIIN Now Showing

Written and directed by Laura Benanti
Produced by RAINN

Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti, and friends, assemble for a special virtual “Voices for RAINN” concert.

Cast includes: Kristin Chenoweth, Cheyenne Jackson, Jewel, Leslie Odom Jr., Kelli O’Hara, Ashley Park, Billy Porter, Vanessa Williams, Tori Amos, Annaleigh Ashford, Connie Britton.

An inspiring evening, and the chance to make a difference for survivors of sexual violence, who are currently asking RAINN for help in record numbers.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the
National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-4673 - online.rainn.org - en Español rainn.org/es

RAIIN partners with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers nationwide, and operates the Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense.
RAINN also manages programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

December 7 at 8 pm ET
On RAINN’s YouTube Channel
RSVP for Free concert: rainn.org/actions/voices-for-rainn
Information: Team RAINN talk@rainn.org

Armando Rey, Jakob Mendoza-Reitz

Written by J. Julian Christopher
Directed by Richard Mosqueda
Produced by Theatre Rhinoceros

A twisted, queer memory play about a troubled man in 1985 looking for answers at Miss Chelley’s Fortune Shop in Greenwich Village. He connects with a seductive young man working there, who has his own painful memories. They cruise, and dance their way through the past, leading them to a dangerous night of improper role play.

A world premier commission of a developing play by incisive Latinx playwright, J. Julian Christopher.

Cast includes: Armando Rey, Jakob Mendoza-Reitz. The will be broadcast from San Francisco and Kansas City, Missouri.

December 11-20, 2020
Limited Engagement, only 5 Performances over a 2 week period
Preview: December 11 at 8 pm
Opening Night: December 12 at 8 pm (On-Line Reception to follow)
Online Zoom Meeting
$25
Tickets: The Rhino
Information: 510-506-4924 - info@therhino.org
Reservation: 415-552-4100

Joel B. New image: x?

Written and directed by Joel B. New
Music direction, arrangements, pianist: Gillian Berkowitz
Produced by Benjwelo Theatricals

Undertaking Christmas: An Unauthorized Hallmark Channel Original Movie Musical Comedy.

A gay man returns to his Midwestern roots, and unearths love in the most unlikely of places. After his perfectly planned life falls apart in New York City, party planner Nick Holliday returns to his quaint hometown of Sadness, Indiana, to save a family funeral home from going six feet under, right before Christmas.

The score includes songs destined to become tomorrow’s holiday hits, like “All I Want For Christmas Is a Boyfriend for My Dad,” “Backroll Cole,” and “Death and Taxes and Christmas and You.” Joel sings live, and narrates to fill in plot and character points. Original illustrations by Krissy Fox.

Undertaking Christmas is a loving send-up of the Hallmark genre, except it’s focused on a same-sex love story, and deliberately daffy in its choice of cliché. Broadway and Hallmark movie fans alike will enjoy this brand-new holiday story for the whole family, told through a multimedia event that will feel nostalgic, groundbreaking, and super gay, all at once.

Cast includes: Richard Riaz Yoder, Joel McVeagh, Carolyn Mignini, Joel B. New.

December 19, 2020 - 8 pm
Online Event
$10-$15
Tickets: Stellar Tickets
Ticket purchasers will be sent an email with log-in information.
Information: joelbnew@gmail.com

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.”

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

The Village Playwrights
2nd and 4th Mondays of every month; 7-9 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 81 Christopher St., New York, New York.
Everyone is welcome. $10 suggested donation.
Information: 614-285-2515 - villageplaywrights@gmail.com

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

QComedy Showcase
1st Monday of every 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