“Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party” may not be what you think.
TMCC Theatre is back from a long hiatus.
The pandemic put many things on hold, one of which was TMCC’s theater program. But now the program is back producing plays. The first of these new productions is “Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party.” TMCC is starting over from scratch with new teachers, new students, and no place to call their own, but soon that may change.
The program had been in the theater on Keystone, but that is no longer an option. There are a few possibilities they are working on, but for now, using a room at the main campus will make due. I love that they are moving forward with a take-no-prisoners attitude.
What is “Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party?”
“Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party” takes place in Lincoln’s rural Illinois hometown. A fourth-grade Christmas pageant crosses the line in questioning Lincoln’s sexuality, setting off a chain of events where the townspeople question everything. The play mirrors many community’s struggles in these changing times.
Despite what the title implies, there is not much of a dance party, but there are quite a few laughs. Yet, despite the heaviness of the subject, the story is fun and, at the same time, examines a polarizing issue of equality and acceptance.
I loved how the play takes three different points of view from three characters. This helps the audience to see the events in ways they may not have thought of.
The performances
The cast and crew are new to performing, and many are working toward their AA in Theatre. As I watched “Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party,” I could see the passion in the actors come through in their performances. I would not have guessed that this was their first time on stage.
Look for big things from TMCC Theater and watch these actors. I see great things on the horizon for them.
Written By … Aaron Loeb
Directed By … Shea King
The Players
Regina Lincoln/Esmeralda Diaz/Abe Lincoln … Sophia Roman
Tom Hauser/Walter/Abe Lincoln … Gregory Hillman
Anton Renault/Judge/Abe Lincoln … Ezra Rambeau
Harmony Green/Mom/Abe Lincoln … Kristina Charpentier
Jerry Hauser/Bailiff/Abe Lincoln … Uriel Mata Ramos
Lloyd Chambers/Abe Lincoln … Jordan Pettipiece
Tina/Violet/Abe Lincoln … Layla Conrad
Sparky McGee/Principal/Timmy/Abe Lincoln … Justin Correll
The Crew
Stage Manager/Assistant Director … Leyla Perales
Scenic/Lighting/Prop Design … Jared Sorenson
Costume Design … Kristina Charpentier/Shea King
Sound … Ty Hagar
Technical Director … Jared Sorenson
Set Construction … Justin Correll/Hanah Toyoda
Scenic Painter … Hanah Toyoda
Run Crew … Jacob Spaulding
When and Where
Performances will be on Nov. 10, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. on the TMCC Dandini Campus in our Performance Lab. Free Student tickets are available!
Tickets available at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/67739
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