After a twice-extended developmental production, and an Off-Broadway debut at Nancy Manocherian’s the cell theatre that became a hot ticket last fall, Matthew LaBanca’s confessional play COMMUNION will play for one night only here at The Foundry!
Ripped from the headlines, COMMUNION is a one-man show about a gay Catholic school teacher who is fired when the church discovers that he married a man. His termination causes a crisis of faith, not only for himself but for his entire community.
Based on the real-life story of Broadway actor and playwright Matthew LaBanca, COMMUNION spotlights themes of religious hypocrisy, spiritual trauma, faith and hope, reminding those who would use religion to discriminate against LGBTQ people that the most basic tenet of spiritual life is that we are called to love one another.
COMMUNION is directed by Kira Simring, with a production team that includes Julianne Merrill (sound design / programming), Ryan Belock (projections), and Christine O’Grady Roberts (choreography).
Matthew LaBanca performed on Broadway in the original companies of Young Frankenstein, White Christmas, and A Christmas Carol. His solo show Good Enough played Off-Broadway at the United Solo Festival, winning the festival’s Best Musical Award in 2014. Matthew’s controversial termination from the Diocese of Brooklyn in 2021 led to a media firestorm and is the inspiration for his new solo show, Communion. His story is also portrayed in the documentary May All Be Wed, which makes its debut on the film festival circuit this autumn. Matthew’s TV credits include Broad City, Live from Lincoln Center, and the upcoming season of Severance on Apple+. In addition to performing, Matthew is a proud NYC elementary music teacher at PS151 in Woodside, Queens.
SPIN CYCLE was created in 1998 based on nearly thirty years of combined experience by its founders, Chip Duckett and Ron Lasko. This innovative cultural communications company specializes in PR, marketing and special events, and is extremely diverse in its projects.
SPIN CYCLE was Joan Rivers’ exclusive New York producer for live dates for 17 years. Spin Cycle co-produced shows by artists including, Anthony Rapp, Gavin Creel, Holly Woodlawn, Lady Bunny, Alison Arngrim, Alec Mapa, Laura Bell Bundy, The Skivvies, Karen Finley, Ain Gordon, Alaska, Ginger Minj, Courtney Act, Shangela, BenDeLaCreme, Trixie Mattel, David Drake, Penny Arcade, Coco Peru, Kim Coles, Jackie Beat, Janet Hubert, Judy Tenuta, Peppermint, Kristine W, Annie Sprinkle, Raja, Mink Stole, Lady Bunny, Monet X Chnage and Sarah Dash, among many others.
SPIN CYCLE also co-produced the New York Premiere of The Vaudevillians with Jinkx Monsoon & Major Scales, the World Premiere of The Donkey Show, the Rochester premiere of Woman Before A Glass (directed by Austin Pendleton), 9 different full-length premieres by Kiki & Herb (including the Obie winning Jesus Wept), Jacob Storm’s Tennessee Rising (directed by Alan Cumming), the long running immersive hit Bleach, and the World Premiere of Fruma-Sarah starring Jackie Hoffman.
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Tickets: $25
Seating/Bar: 7:00PM Show: 7:30PM
This event is indoors.
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Parking is limited at the venue so please utilize the three public parking lots in Town. One is across from the Post Office, one is behind Berkshire Bank and the other is just off Main Street. They are clearly marked. Do not park at Trúc Orient Express Restaurant or the Post Office or you might receive a ticket.
Visit Amici Berkshires for dinner before the show and with your ticket receive 10% off your meal.
All sales are final – The Foundry is unable to make any returns or exchanges.
