Plays and Media

RADIO and PODCAST

I began a radio presence in 2001 by taking over a show on 103.3 FM in Duluth, Minnesota, called This Way Out. It was an interview show about LGBTQ+ issues. Some of my guests included Duluth’s rabbi Amy Bernstein, Kerry Lobel, former executive director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, and a debate over LGBT rights with conservative Duluth city councilor, Jim Stauber. I hosted, wrote, produced, and edited the show. I exited the role in 2006. In 2019, I took advantage of the liberation and accessibility of podcasting and started my own interview show, That Moment, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Those available episodes were produced before my transition.

PLAYS

AGNES OF GOD
March 2011 // The Play Ground // Duluth, MN

Directing playwright John Pielmeier’s provocative drama, Agnes of God, had been on my radar since I was 17 years old when I saw the film adaptation starring Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft, and Meg Tilly. Thanks to The Duluth Playhouse, I was able to put on the show at their black box, The Play Ground, with Molly O’Neill as Dr. Livingstone; Ellie Martin as Mother Miriam; and Erin McConnell as Agnes. The drama tells the story of a novice nun who gives birth and insists that the child was the result of a virgin conception. A psychiatrist and the mother superior of the convent clash during the resulting investigation. The title is a pun on the Latin phrase Agnus Dei (Lamb of God).

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
November 2014 // Teatro Zuccone // Duluth, MN

Edward Albee’s black comedy-drama, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a director’s dream and the biggest challenge. It was on my bucket list, naturally, since my preference is for directing intense dramas. We mounted this show in the black box of Teatro Zuccone, downtown at the Zeitgeist Arts building. I produced and directed the show and did the scenic design. I cast Chris Nollet as George, Molly O’Neill as Martha; Nathan Olson as Nick; and Taylor Bustos as Honey. The drama examines the complexities of the marriage of a middle-aged couple, Martha and George. Late one evening, after a university faculty party, they receive an unwitting younger couple, Nick and Honey, as guests, and draw them into their bitter and frustrated relationship. We rehearsed this show for 6 weeks. It had three acts and two intermissions and a running time of a little under three hours.

JUDY! ONE NIGHT LIVE.
June 2013 // Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theater // Duluth, MN

Judy Garland gave a concert at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, in 1961 that was reviewed as the greatest night in show business. After listening to the audio recording of the concert, I decided to put on a theatrical adaptation of the entire concert—from overture to encores—starring Quincey Roisum, a female impersonator. Not sure how well it would be received, I booked the theater for only one night, which I continue to regret. I produced, directed, costumed, and choreographed the show, consisting of 24 musical numbers and two costume changes. I cheated a little with one of the costumes. The one pictured above was a recreation of a costume Judy wore for a concert at The Palace Theater, in 1952.