Fired gay Catholic school teacher and former Broadway actor Matthew LaBanca is bringing a new solo show about his experience with the Diocese of Brooklyn to Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre Off-Broadway, with performances beginning November 7 ahead of a November 13 opening night. Performances will continue through December 8. Kira Simring is directing.
The show tells LaBanca's real-life story, how he began teaching at a Brooklyn Catholic school after appearing in the original Broadway companies of Young Frankenstein, White Christmas, and A Christmas Carol, only to be fired after the church discovered he had a husband. The 2021 event led to a media firestorm and a documentary titled May All Be Wed that is set to premiere this fall.
The production will feature scenic and lighting design by Will Morris, sound design by Julianne Merrill, projection design by Ryan Belock, and choreography by Christine O'Grady Roberts. Richard Urquiza will serve as stage manager.
Knocking at Your Door is producing the Off-Broadway run in association with Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre and Alissa Orlando.
The Off-Broadway bow follows a twice-extended developmental production mounted in 2023.
Tickets are available at TheCellTheatre.org.