THE BRONX QUEEN Set for United Solo Festival, Begin. 11/14
By: Tyler Peterson Nov. 13, 2013
The Fourth Annual United Solo Festival held at New York City's Theatre Row has been dominated by a Queen. "The Bronx Queen" written and performed by Joe Gulla, to be exact. The show has had the most "sell out" performances in the history of the festival.
Certainly incredible. But, what's "The Bronx Queen" all about?
The gay playwright states "The play is about a boy, a boat and a borough. The boy is me. The boat is a charter fishing vessel known as "The Bronx Queen". And the borough is, well, you guessed it!"
"I start my story by walking on stage, sitting at a table, opening a black binder and taking a sip out of my water bottle. The set-up is an homage to the legendary monologuist, Spalding Gray. But, my story is an homage to the Bronx."
How does he hold an audiences attention for one hour and change?
"Well, I'm a gay Italian who was raised in a working class section of the Bronx. Toss in the fact that my Dad would take me fishing every Sunday on a fishing charter boat called "The Bronx Queen" to 'make a man outta me!' Well, you just can't make this stuff up. I have lots of stories! Let me tell you!"
The show chronicles the playwright/actor's life in juxtaposition to the life span of a former submarine chaser called "The Bronx Queen". Gulla also manages to weave in stories about New York's club scene in the 80's, John Michel Basquiat, the Good Humor Man, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the very serious matter of gay teen suicide.
"You have to see it to understand! But, I promise, it will all make sense! Ha!"
Joe Gulla is also the author of "Garbo".
If you want to see "The Bronx Queen" on NYC's Theatre Row, there are three remaining performances: November 14, 22 and 24.
Joe Gulla will also the role of "Frankie" this Saturday (November 16th) in Off-Broadway's long-running, "My Big Gay Italian Wedding" as a Special Guest.
Theatre Row is located at 410 W. 42nd Street. Tickets to the November 14, 22 and 24 performances of "The Bronx Queen" can be purchased at TheBronxQueen.com.
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