Queer Shorts 2.1: Queer Love

StageQ’s annual celebration of the diversity in Madison’s LGBTQ community brings a brand-new slate of locally written and produced plays to the stage. Several shorts deal with themes of aging and sexuality. Through Feb. 18.

press release:

Fri, Feb. 10 @ 8pm

Sat, Feb. 11 @ 8pm

Sun, Feb. 12 @ 2pm

Thurs, Feb. 16 @ 8pm

Fri, Feb. 17 @ 8pm

Sat, Feb. 18 @ 2pm

Plays:

A Life Enriching Community: A Play by Philip Middleton Williams; Directed by Malissa Petterson

Adam and Paul, a gay couple in their sixties, settle into their new home, a retirement community in Florida, and come to terms with their new situation, the changes that life has brought them, and the baggage that they have brought with them as well.

NON-REFUNDABLE: A ten-minute play by C.J. EHRLICH; Directed by Isa Leigh

In NON-REFUNDABLE two women in love, tired of pretending to be "just friends who work together" at their school back in Bible Belt Kentucky, take off for a vacation, hoping to “exhale”. But it feels like the Stasi is watching them as fiercely as the folks back home. But an unlikely invasion of their hotel room teaches them both that sometimes the only way to get what you need is to say no.

A LOVELY LITTLE LIFE: By Dan Berkowitz; Directed by Heather Renken

Kitty and Sylvia reminisce about their long life together.  How it began, how it ended and lessons learned along the way.

Never Too Old: by Eli Effinger-Weintraub; Directed by Simone LaPierre

Troy is having a mid-life sexual identity crisis.  Along comes Evan, who opens Troy’s mind to possibilities, while Troy’s daughter Gina and her fiancée Sarita offer their support to Troy on his new found “freedom”.

LUNCH WITH “FRIENDS”: A Once Act Play by Rhea MacCallum; Directed by Jan Levine Thal

When old “friends” meet for lunch a guest with unexpected news joins them.

PERFECT 10: a short play by Kent Forsberg; Directed by Dan Jendrzejewski

College students Jessica, Alex and Cody are looking for their “Perfect 10” on their college campus.  When a stranger passes by, Jessica quickly takes interest, while Alex and Cody compare notes on who their “Perfect 10” would be… or was?

Rex​ Turns​ 50: By Steven E. Smith; Directed by Jim Chiolino

It’s Rex’s birthday and his partner Spencer wants to make it the perfect day to turn 50.  Against Rex’s wishes, Spencer has lined up a few surprises.  What will the final surprise be?

SLOW DATING: A one act drama written by Adam Szudrich; Directed by Michael Bruno

After happily married Esther leaves a “Speed dating for seniors” event, she finds herself sharing a taxi with a stranger who has a few ideas of her own on what should happen next.

FAIRY: TALE OF TWO BROTHERS SEPARATE(D):  a construct to explore men & masculinity, gender & sexuality, power & privilege, by Steven P. Perkins; Directed by Edric Johnson

Between two sides is always where any good story lives. This is a tale, a fairy tale of two brothers separate and separated. Once upon a time — well, isn’t that how all fairy tales begin?

Here or Back at My Place: by John Siewert; Directed by John Siewert

A biblical experiment with love, lust and the male libido.