On with the show
The National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival
returns to Columbus in September
August 13, 2004
by Kaizaad Kotwal
Columbus--Over the years, Frank Barnhart has worn many hats, often
simultaneously. He was responsible for one of Columbus’s great GLBT
theatres, the now-defunct Reality Theatre. He has taken shows to off-
Broadway and had success with new plays as well as works from the
GLBT canon, like Martin Sherman’s Bent and Terrence McNally’s
Corpus Christi.
In the past few years, one of Barnhart’s most visible accomplishments is
resuscitating the National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival and
making Columbus its permanent home.
The event, which traces its roots to the 1970s, was held in Phoenix in
1992 and Los Angeles four year later. In 2002, Barnhart brought it to
Columbus.
The festival returns to the capital city in September with over 80
performances of 29 different shows. Barnhart told the Gay People’s
Chronicle what’s in store.
Kaizaad Kotwal: What will this festival offer that is different from
the last one?
Frank Barnhart: Well, first of all, these are all new shows. There are no
repeats from 2002. I also feel we have a greater diversity in subject
matter and performers this time around.
KK: What are the various cities and groups being represented?
FB: We have 29 different groups this time. That’s five more than in
2002. Besides the hometown of Columbus, we also have groups from
New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando and Baltimore, just to name a
few.
KK: What shows are coming in with the best early buzz?
FB: Of course, I wish for huge interest in all of the shows. But if I must
single anyone out as a possible hit I would have to say the Oops Guys
from Orlando with their production of Lounge-Zilla is sure to be a treat. I
also think Elizabeth Whitney’s Pop Culture Princess and Columbus’
homegrown Puppet-Queers will be audience favorites.
KK: Are gay men going to gravitate to certain things and lesbians to
others?
FB: Based on attendance at the last festival, I would guess that men
and women will cross over to sample works from both genres. The
biggest box office hit in 2002 was a one-woman show about Lorena
Hickock. It played to huge male and female audiences. The performer
told me that Columbus was the first city she ever played in where she
had men in her audience. I thought that said something very positive
about the makeup of our community.
KK: What do straight audiences have to gain from seeing shows in
this festival?
FB: First of all, these shows deal with universal issues. Anyone can
relate if they allow themselves the ability. Supportive straight audiences
will enjoy seeing shows that focus on issues very important to their gay
friends and family members. If homophobic people were to attend, they
might gain some compassion.
KK: What are some of the issues that the plays will be taking on?
FB: Sex, religion and politics. More specifically, gay marriage, gays
having children, transsexualism, gay teenagers, coming out, etc. Of
course, there are many light comedies as well.
KK: Are there plans already afoot for the next festival?
FB: We’re discussing turning the festival into a yearly event alternating
our current series with a national playwrights festival offering original
gay and lesbian plays produced by Central Ohio performers. It’s still in
the talking phase, but I think it has definite promise.
The National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival runs September 9–18.
Most shows are at the Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin
Ave., and 2Cos Cabaret, 790 N. High St., with a few at MadLab, 105 N.
Grant Ave. Tickets are $10 per show or $40 for any five shows. A Gold
Pass to see all shows is $150.
For tickets, more information and a complete schedule of performances,
dates and venues call 614-263‑9448 or visit www.
columbustheatrefestival.com.
The National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival
returns to Columbus in September
August 13, 2004
by Kaizaad Kotwal
Columbus--Over the years, Frank Barnhart has worn many hats, often
simultaneously. He was responsible for one of Columbus’s great GLBT
theatres, the now-defunct Reality Theatre. He has taken shows to off-
Broadway and had success with new plays as well as works from the
GLBT canon, like Martin Sherman’s Bent and Terrence McNally’s
Corpus Christi.
In the past few years, one of Barnhart’s most visible accomplishments is
resuscitating the National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival and
making Columbus its permanent home.
The event, which traces its roots to the 1970s, was held in Phoenix in
1992 and Los Angeles four year later. In 2002, Barnhart brought it to
Columbus.
The festival returns to the capital city in September with over 80
performances of 29 different shows. Barnhart told the Gay People’s
Chronicle what’s in store.
Kaizaad Kotwal: What will this festival offer that is different from
the last one?
Frank Barnhart: Well, first of all, these are all new shows. There are no
repeats from 2002. I also feel we have a greater diversity in subject
matter and performers this time around.
KK: What are the various cities and groups being represented?
FB: We have 29 different groups this time. That’s five more than in
2002. Besides the hometown of Columbus, we also have groups from
New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando and Baltimore, just to name a
few.
KK: What shows are coming in with the best early buzz?
FB: Of course, I wish for huge interest in all of the shows. But if I must
single anyone out as a possible hit I would have to say the Oops Guys
from Orlando with their production of Lounge-Zilla is sure to be a treat. I
also think Elizabeth Whitney’s Pop Culture Princess and Columbus’
homegrown Puppet-Queers will be audience favorites.
KK: Are gay men going to gravitate to certain things and lesbians to
others?
FB: Based on attendance at the last festival, I would guess that men
and women will cross over to sample works from both genres. The
biggest box office hit in 2002 was a one-woman show about Lorena
Hickock. It played to huge male and female audiences. The performer
told me that Columbus was the first city she ever played in where she
had men in her audience. I thought that said something very positive
about the makeup of our community.
KK: What do straight audiences have to gain from seeing shows in
this festival?
FB: First of all, these shows deal with universal issues. Anyone can
relate if they allow themselves the ability. Supportive straight audiences
will enjoy seeing shows that focus on issues very important to their gay
friends and family members. If homophobic people were to attend, they
might gain some compassion.
KK: What are some of the issues that the plays will be taking on?
FB: Sex, religion and politics. More specifically, gay marriage, gays
having children, transsexualism, gay teenagers, coming out, etc. Of
course, there are many light comedies as well.
KK: Are there plans already afoot for the next festival?
FB: We’re discussing turning the festival into a yearly event alternating
our current series with a national playwrights festival offering original
gay and lesbian plays produced by Central Ohio performers. It’s still in
the talking phase, but I think it has definite promise.
The National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival runs September 9–18.
Most shows are at the Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin
Ave., and 2Cos Cabaret, 790 N. High St., with a few at MadLab, 105 N.
Grant Ave. Tickets are $10 per show or $40 for any five shows. A Gold
Pass to see all shows is $150.
For tickets, more information and a complete schedule of performances,
dates and venues call 614-263‑9448 or visit www.
columbustheatrefestival.com.
