Plays Of Wilton!
A non-profit 501c3 Company
POW! is committed to the development and production of filmed and live LGBT entertainment!
Tickets Available Now
This performance is free, but we would appreciate you adding a donation to your order.
In 1949, legendary filmmaker Billy Wilder offered the starring role in Sunset Boulevard to iconic screen legend Mae West. She turned it down. The film became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated classics. From acclaimed playwright Ronnie Larsen comes a bold world premiere exploring the fascinating collision between the uncompromising Mae West at the twilight of her reign, and a hungry Hollywood eager to reinvent itself without her. Stylish, funny, and haunting beneath the glamour, this provocative new work tells the story behind one of Hollywood’s most legendary missed opportunities.
At The Foundry
Aug 6th
Three encore performances and the August 7th performance is free, but we would appreciate you adding a donation to your order.
In 1949, legendary filmmaker Billy Wilder offered the starring role in Sunset Boulevard to iconic screen legend Mae West. She turned it down. The film became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated classics. From acclaimed playwright Ronnie Larsen comes a bold world premiere exploring the fascinating collision between the uncompromising Mae West at the twilight of her reign, and a hungry Hollywood eager to reinvent itself without her. Stylish, funny, and haunting beneath the glamour, this provocative new work tells the story behind one of Hollywood’s most legendary missed opportunities.
At The Foundry
Aug 7th - 9th
Click here for the special Pay-What-You Can Performance August 7th.
Click here for the two regular priced performances August 8th & 9th.
At The Foundry
Aug 19th - Sep 27th
Forbidden! is the first play ever written to put an openly gay lead character center stage declaring that homosexuality is normal and should not be criminalized. Forbidden! is the first gay play in the history of the world where a lead character comes out as gay to his family. This landmark play should be well established in the history of gay theater as the first openly gay play, but it is completely unknown and hasn't been produced since 1922 and in fact it has never been seen in America. Plays Of Wilton is so proud to be presenting the American Premiere of Forbidden! with the incredibly generous support of the Warten Foundation.
Written by a German woman named Jo M Van Ijssel de Schepper-Becker, Forbidden premiered in Germany in 1922 under the title, Wat Niet Mag.
It played two performances and then was banned for being too progressive. Laurence Senelick has brilliantly translated it to English.
Forbidden is a remarkable and surprisingly modern drama from 1922 that explores love, identity, and the suffocating expectations of family and society. Set within the seemingly respectable home of an upper-middle-class family, long-buried truths begin to surface as one son's hidden life forces those around him to confront their own prejudices, fears, and capacity for acceptance. Banned and forgotten for decades because of its groundbreaking portrayal of homosexuality, Forbidden! is a moving, courageous, and historically significant work that speaks to audiences today with extraordinary relevance, reminding us that the struggle to live honestly is timeless.
The Warten Foundation agrees that this play should be seen by as many people as possible, so they are underwriting the entire production which allows us to charge only a nominal fee of 10 dollars.
Presenting the American premiere of the world's first openly gay play is a once in a lifetime experience and we cannot wait to bring this play to a wider audience.
My Heart Says Go is a new musical about two men whose perfect wedding leads to an imperfect marriage. As pure love gives way to resentment and frustration, they must decide whether to fight for what they built or find the courage to let it go. Filled with humor, soaring songs, and emotional honesty, My Heart Says Go explores the messy, beautiful reality that sometimes the hardest part of love is knowing when it's time to move on.
At The Swivel Theater
Sep 18th - Nov 1st
Meet the people you'd never invite to the same party... and thank goodness someone did! Paul Rudnick's The New Century is a wildly funny comedy bursting with unforgettable characters, outrageous laughs, and enough heart to surprise you. Smart, silly, and gloriously over-the-top—don't miss one of America's funniest playwrights at his best!
At The Foundry
Oct 2nd - Oct 25th
Warning: Contains Nudity
When a lonely gay man wishes his beloved dog could become the perfect human companion, a magical Fairy Dog Mother grants his wish. Suddenly transformed into a man, Buddy sets off on an unforgettable journey through New York City's gay community, where his unwavering loyalty, innocence, and unconditional love collide with the complexities—and cruelties—of the human world. By turns hilarious, heartbreaking, and deeply moving, Robert Chesley's Stray Dog Story is a modern fairy tale about love, loss, and what it truly means to be human.
At The Foundry
Nov 5th - Dec 6th
Casual Encounters is a funny, provocative, and unexpectedly moving play that follows a series of anonymous hookups between gay men whose lives intersect in surprising ways. What begins as fleeting encounters fueled by desire gradually reveals deeper stories of loneliness, connection, identity, and the universal search for intimacy. As strangers become mirrors for one another, Casual Encounters explores the fragile line between anonymous sex and genuine human connection with humor, honesty, and heart.
At The Swivel Theater
Nov 11th - Dec 13th
Welcome to The Ritz - Terrence McNally's wildly funny and groundbreaking comedy set inside New York City's most notorious gay bathhouse. This legendary farce plunges audiences into a whirlwind of mistaken identities, eccentric characters, and nonstop laughter. Bold, bawdy, and surprisingly touching, The Ritz is a joyous celebration of finding yourself in the last place you expected.
At The Foundry
Dec 16th - Jan 17th
Snow White and the Seven Bottoms is Ryan Landry's wildly funny, gloriously camp spoof of the classic story. Featuring outrageous comedy, fabulous characters, and enough sass to fill an enchanted forest, this laugh-out-loud romp delivers a happily-ever-after unlike anything you've ever seen. Whether you're a lifelong fairy tale fan or just love outrageous comedy, this is one poisoned apple you'll be glad you took a bite of.
At The Foundry
Jan 27th - Mar 7th
Upcoming Projects
Completed Projects
Produced Play - Daniel's Husband
Daniel and Mitchell are the perfect couple. Perfect house, perfect friends - even a mother who wants them married. They’d have the perfect wedding, too, except that Mitchell doesn’t believe in gay marriage. A turn of events puts their perfect life in jeopardy, and Mitchell is thrust into a future where even his love may not prove to be enough. Daniel’s Husband is a bold reflection of love, commitment, and family in our perilous new world.
Produced Play - The Actors (Off-Broadway)
A man, grief-stricken by the death of his Mother, hires actors to come to his house a few times a week and be his family. But things don’t go quite as he planned.
"The Actors is a comedy about the death of my parents. In the late 90's, when some of my plays experienced a little success Off-Broadway, I earned enough money to bring my parents to New York City and take them to a bunch of Broadway shows. We celebrated our love of theatre together but could not celebrate my plays because the work I was producing was at odds with their conservative Mormon beliefs. So it's ironic to be returning Off-Broadway with a play that features my parents as major characters and that is actually suitable for all audiences. Had they lived they would have been extremely proud to know that I have finally written a play they can bring their friends to. However, had they lived, I would never have written the play."
Ronnie Larsen
Produced Play - Family Tree
A gorgeous play about a gay son, Gavin, returning home to deal with a complicated family crisis that grows more complicated as long buried family secrets come to light in this taut 90 minute world premiere.
Produced Play - The Dyke and the Porn Star
San Francisco dyke-about-town Chance gets to meet her favorite porn star, Tara Gold. Will Chance's fantasies come true, or will they find themselves on a collision course with Tara's own most personal unfulfilled erotic yearnings? This dark, sexy comedy is as complex as it is hot.
Produced Play - 108 Waverly
The Setting: 108 Waverly Place,
a 5th floor walkup in Greenwich Village, New York City.
The Time: 1928 and 1998
Two gay couples occupy the same apartment. The two couples never meet as they occupy the same space but seven decades apart. Clancy’s narrative explores love and acceptance in consecutive lifetimes and explores how much has and hasn't changed in attitudes regarding homosexuality in 70 years. The two stories are told in tandem. The first couple is set in the 1920's when moral tolerances of love were much narrower. The Contemporary couple braves the waters of commitment and responsibility in the carefree cruisy world of the modern gay man.
Produced Play - Clark Gable Slept Here
Hollywood's hiding a lot more in the closet than Tom Ford tuxedos, and megastar agent Jarrod Hilliard's determined to keep it that way. When the corpse of a naked male prostitute is found in his client's hotel room during the Golden Globe Awards, Hilliard and hotel manager Gage Holland are left to sweep things under the rug. Time to call in some favors... But when you work in the make-believe world of movies, everyone's acting, and nothing's what it seems in this hilarious jet-black comedy about what it means to be a "man" in Hollywood.
Produced Play - Last Summer at Bluefish Cove
The award-winning, landmark play, Last Summer at Bluefish Cove by Jane Chambers, is the first mainstream play about lesbians. Last Summer at Bluefish Cove focuses on the friendships and journeys of the eight women at Bluefish Cove and was one of the first pieces of theatre to present lesbians as rounded, three-dimensional characters. Chambers' comedic dialogue, sensitivity to human nature, and tender treatment of her characters help the play transcend preconceptions and show the universality of these women's journeys.
Produced Play - Red Speedo
Will a swimmer's Olympic dreams be crushed by a locker room scandle?
Produced Original Play - Tommy on Top
Tommy Miller is in LA for the Academy Awards. He’s been nominated for Best Actor for his role in Splash Mountain, a minor drama starring Adam Driver. He would be a dead cert for winning if it weren’t for the rumors flying around about his sexuality. If the truth comes out, Tommy may not get the chance to lift that Oscar.
Produced Original Play - The Code
It's Hollywood, 1950, and you are cordially invited to join Billy Haines, Henry Willson and Tallulah Bankhead for an evening of cocktails, caviar and all-out-war.
Summer, 1950. Hollywood's first openly gay movie star and celebrity interior designer, Billy Haines, is going to a dinner party at George Cukor’s. He invites a handful of friends to stop off for cocktails beforehand. Tallulah Bankhead, in LA for the weekend, is there with all of the baggage that makes her Tallulah Bankhead. When agent Henry Willson arrives with his newest protégé, Chad Manford, what starts off as a simple request turns into a heated debate on the hypocrisy of what it takes to be a man in the land of make-believe.
With great humor and stinging insight, The Code examines the bigotries, self-deceptions and unspoken codes - still relevant 70 years later - that defined and restrained the golden age of Hollywood.
Live Audience Reading - Tommy On Top
Tommy Miller is in LA for the Academy Awards. He’s been nominated for Best Actor for his role in Splash Mountain, a minor drama starring Adam Driver. He would be a dead cert for winning if it weren’t for the rumors flying around about his sexuality. If the truth comes out, Tommy may not get the chance to lift that Oscar.
Revival Original Musical - Come Out! Come Out! (2022)
A new musical by Ronnie Larsen, set in 1920s New York. A time when engaging in homosexual activity could get you arrested, beaten, even killed. Despite the dangers, gay men found areas where they could meet for clandestine trysts. Most settled for fleeting physical gratification. But some wanted more. Some longed for affection. Jacob just wanted to be kissed... by another man. See this high energy, light hearted, yet poignant new musical filled with music from the Roaring 20s and joyous tap dancing. Think Eddie Cantor meets Fred Astaire in Central Park.
"I wrote this piece as a reminder that our newly found rights and freedoms cannot be taken for granted” says author Larsen, “ The things our main character wants is what we all want. He was just way ahead of his time.”
The first production was shut down due to Covid. The revival turned out even better!
Live Audience Reading - A Shonda
Two very different worlds collide in this unlikely romantic drama about two men who fall in love and risk everything.
Produced Original Play - Minnie Behind Bars
America's sweetheart, Miss Bouvèé is caught in scandal when her playboy husband Godfrey Fakenham, maid Ruby Belcher, and daughter Esme Bouvèé all become suspects in the killing of Minnie's lover, Darrell Lee Longstaff. When the star is arrested and questioned, her terrible past rises to the surface. Did she do it? Who else has something to gain from killing Mr. Longstaff, the accomplished penis.. pianist? Detective Goodwood gets to the bottom of it all!
Love. Loss. Hilarity. A screwball musical homage to the film noir films of the 40's, with a touch of Carol Burnett inspired sketch comedy; this murder mystery will have you laughing, singing, and wondering... WHO DONE IT?
The cast consists of many local cabaret artists and active community members. Eric Swanson will star as Miss Bouvèé , longtime Wilton Manors favorite Jennifer McClain as Ruby Belcher , Terry Dyer of Sunserve as Godfrey Fakenham, Steven Edgar Ross-Dybash (The BoyS) as Esme Bouvèé, and his husband Christopher Ross-Dybash as Darrell Lee Longstaff/ Detective Bruce Goodwood. Script by Robert LeLeux.
Editing Original Play - The Devil in Melania
Donald is in a coma with the coronavirus, they say he's brain dead but Melania isn't convinced. It's up to her to pull the plug but even though her life with the Devil has not been easy, she's not sure she can do it alone so she asks the audience to vote and if they vote yes an audience member is invited on stage to help Melania end her husband's life by pulling the plug.
Editing Original Play - If I'm Good
A dark comedy for dark times tells the story of a straight Republican and a gay Democrat who go to war with each other resulting with one in jail and the other in a coffin.
Filmed Original Musical - Come Out! Come Out! (2020)
A new musical by Ronnie Larsen, set in 1920s New York. A time when engaging in homosexual activity could get you arrested, beaten, even killed. Despite the dangers, gay men found areas where they could meet for clandestine trysts. Most settled for fleeting physical gratification. But some wanted more. Some longed for affection. Jacob just wanted to be kissed... by another man. See this high energy, light hearted, yet poignant new musical filled with music from the Roaring 20s and joyous tap dancing. Think Eddie Cantor meets Fred Astaire in Central Park.
"I wrote this piece as a reminder that our newly found rights and freedoms cannot be taken for granted” says author Larsen, “ The things our main character wants is what we all want. He was just way ahead of his time.”
Filmed Original Play - 3 Card Stud
Openly gay Shelly and his openly gay son Michael share an apartment in Wilton Manors and everything is very peaceful until they both fall for the same guy and things get complicated. 3 Card Stud is a joyful reminder that you're never too old or too young to fall in love.
This extremey silly and sexy comedy set in Wilton Manors evolves around 3 aging gay friends who wind up in a complicated love triangle with a very attractive young man.
Filmed Original Play - An Evening with John Wayne Gacy Jr.
This play explores the deeply disturbing life and mind of serial killer, John Wayne Gacy Jr. In addition to Gacy we meet John’s wife, his Mother, his victims, his prosecutors and his fans. This play is incredibly detailed and gruesome which many audience members may find hard to stomach.
Meet the original killer clown, John Wayne Gacy Jr.
Step into the mind of John Wayne Gacy Jr.- one of the nation's most notorious serial killers. Throughout the 1970s, the charismatic clown-by-day / killer-by-night lured teenage boys to his home, brutally torturing and murdering them.
In this dark and disturbing world premiere, the audience will become acquainted with Gacy, his family and victims as he awaits his execution on Death Row and recounts (and reenacts) some of the most disturbing events of his past as a murderer living a seemingly ordinary life.
Produced Original Play - Grindr Mom
In an attempt to better understand her openly gay son, a conservative Mormon woman opens her own Grindr account and she winds up learning things she never wanted to know.
Produced Original Musical - Now & Then
Six actors tell the story of one couple over a lifetime. Daniel and Greg meet in college, they both have dreams of stardom but by middle age Greg has abandoned his dreams to work in a bank while Daniel is still trying to find success which strains their marriage but then in the end they find peace with themselves and with each other. Three actors play Daniel and three actors play Greg. The musical crosscuts the time as we watch them evolve in their relationships to themselves and each other.
Presented One Woman Autobiographical Show - This Is Me
Local cabaret singer Jennifer McClain will debut an autobiographical show with the working title, “This is Me.” For years, McClain, a fervent LGBT ally, has been a fixture on the stages of Wilton Drive bars and other South Florida venues, performing standards from the Great American Songbook, show tunes, pop hits and gay anthems. The show, which will include monologues and musical numbers, will explore the experiences and emotions that shaped the flamboyant performer.
Written & Performed by Jennifer McClain
Directed by Kalen Edean
Musical Direction by Eric Alsford
Presented Tribute - Sondheim Sing-A-Long
Readings
Live Audience Reading of a New Play - Sunshine Quest
Sunshine Quest
by William Ivor Fowkes
Retired gay men flock to the Sunshine QUEST Club in Fort Lauderdale, FL for dancing, companionship, flirtation, and nonstop fun.
Live Audience Reading of a New Play - Daddy's Awakening
Daddy's Awakening
by David Dillon
A new play by the man who wrote the hilarious play "Party".
Live Audience Reading of a New Play - Like Father, Like Son
Like Father Like Son
by
Patrick Cuccaro
A gay son. An intolerant father. A romantic comedy that could only happen in Wilton Manors.
In this funny, poignant comedy we watch a gay son's relationship with his intolerant father crumble as they take a dizzying roller coaster ride across bigotry, ageism, homophobia and unlikely romance. Playwright Patrick Cuccaro has created a new play that takes place in Wilton Manors and affectionately explores the universal hunger that sons must confront for the love and respect of their fathers.
Live Audience Reading of a New Play - Old Tricks
Two 60 something ex-lovers who broke up years ago during the AIDS crisis, impulsively rendezvous 30 years later at Fire Island’s famed Belvedere Hotel. Madness ensues when they discover that one of their husbands is watching them from a house nearby while the other has checked into the room next door with a mysterious young man. Inspired by Noel Coward’s Private Lives, old tricks prove as potent as new as sexual escapades are exposed, cocktails are thrown, hard truths revealed, and a talent to amuse still reigns supreme.
We will consider audience reactions and review their written feedback in deciding whether or not to produce the play.
Presented Author's Reading - Letters to a Gay Black Boy
Letters to a Gay Black Boy takes an in-depth look into the development of Terry DeWayne Dyer and brings it to life. From the first to the last letter, he shares his journey with the world. The struggle with finding ourselves can be daunting and challenging. He gives us an authentic, raw, and emotional look into his life. Motivated by homosexuality, race, family, and love, his first book provides an inspiring conversation with our community.