From four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots, Newsies, La Cage aux Folles) comes Casa Valentina, his first play in almost 30 years and his first-ever collaboration with Manhattan Theatre Club.
Back in 1962, most men went to the Catskill Mountains to escape the summer heat, but others took the two-hour drive to escape something else entirely: being men. Nestled in the land of dirty dancing and borscht belt comedy sat an inconspicuous bungalow colony that catered to a very special clientele: heterosexual men whose favorite pastime was dressing and acting as women. It was paradise for these men—white-collar professionals with families—to spend their weekends discreetly and safely inhabiting their chosen female alter egos. But when they got the opportunity to share their secret lives with the world, these “self-made women” had to decide whether the freedom they would gain by emerging from hiding was worth the risk of personal ruin.
Infused with Fierstein’s trademark wit, this moving, insightful and delightfully entertaining new work offers a glimpse into the lives of a group of unforgettable characters as they search for acceptance and happiness in their very own Garden of Eden.
Nick Sugar is back directing his second show of the 2018-2019 season. His most recent projects include Green Day’s American Idiot, Sisters of Swing, Peter and the Starcatcher, In the Heights, Bonnie and Clyde and Hairspray! Nick was honored with a 2015 and 2016 Best of Westword Award for his Direction of a Musical for Next to Normal and Young Frankenstein here at Town Hall.
Casa Valentina features a stellar cast including Phil Luna as George/Valentina, last seen at Vintage Theatre in Red. Archie Archuleta in the role of Jonathan/Miranda, Archie was last seen in a production of The Lion in Winter. Melissa McCarl returns to the THAC stage after a long hiatus in the role of Rita, she was last seen as Anita in West Side Story and Carlotta in Phantom. For a complete listing of cast and crew go to: townhallartscenter.org/casavalentina.
Casa Valentina opens Friday, January 11 and runs through Sunday, February 3, 2018. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. (and 2 p.m. on 1/26) and Sundays at 2 p.m. (and 6:30 p.m. on 1/20).
Please note this show does have a suggested rating of “R” for strong language and adult situations.
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