With everything that's happened in Orlando, it's important to bring gay characters' stories to life, and I have been fortunate to do that over the years.
I was honored to play Jeanine, The Singing Nun in the NYMF production of "The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun," composed by Obie winner Andy Monroe based on the play by Blair Fell.
She wrote the 60's hit "Dominique," and then left the convent to be with her lover, Annie Pecher (the real couple below).
They might have lived a happy life together had the Belgium government not hounded her for $63,000 of back taxes, owing to the success of "Dominique." She had taken a vow of poverty as a nun, and when she left, she had nothing. The church didn't help her, and after years of decline, she and Annie sadly took their lives in a suicide pact.
Tracey Gilbert was my Annie (on left above and below), and we "ended" with a kiss.
I wonder if their story would've changed today with support from the LGBT community.
I also recently played Darlene, a rock n roll ex-lover of the title character in Petunia's Coffee House, an improv-based lesbian love triangle with karaoke. Dar was one of my favorite creations, a no-holds-barred, live-out-loud motorocycle mama with a penchant for Melissa Ethridge, Stevie Nicks, and tequila.
She's partially based on the amazing brigade of Dykes on Bikes, whom I first saw at my first Pride Parade in NYC. They usually open the parade, many of them bare-chested, and they are AWESOME!
Hoping to visit Dar and Petunia again at a comedy club near you. ;)
Wherever you are during Pride Week, be loud and proud and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
No comments:
Post a Comment