As the LGBT world ponders levels of “outness” for various aspects of daily life, the OUT@Asolo theater series makes a statement while basking in the performances and unity of Sarasota’s creative community.
For the Asolo Repertory Theater, LGBT cast and crew increasingly partner on and off the stage (similar to the past decade of the at-large heterosexual world.)
“We’re seeing many same-sex couples working here,” says Steph Gray, marketing manager for Asolo.
For these partners in artâ┚¬â€Âincluding the musical director and his husband during the recent Asolo production of My Fair Ladyâ┚¬â€Âthe work arrangement brings relief from frequent theater-world long-distance relationships and some new baggage, too.
“It’s really great to go to work with your partner,” said NYC choreographer Josh Rhodes, who’s finishing up preparations for the currently running Yentl.
Although Asolo’s production is not explicitly a musical, Rhodes has readied the wedding dancers and more complex crowd choreography for its run through April 26.
Still, without a dance-heavy production, Rhodes had to leave his partner home, who is usually his assistant choreographer.
“We love spending time together even if it does get a little exhausting when you’re together all day long,” Rhodes said. “Work starts to seep into our personal life. You get home and you start talking about it again.”
Rhodes and his partner have been together longer than they’ve had cell phones, which back in the day meant meticulous preparation of call schedules.
Now, through the wonders of technology, Rhodes and his partner in NYC can watch both watch the same movie while they’re Skyping, he said.
Whether coupled or single, LGBT or otherwise, the Out@Asolo program is promoting visibility and convergence amongst its cast and crew and the diverse audience.
“OUT@Asolo was a fantastically successful event for us last year and the year before as well,” says Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards. “It led to a whole new audience, and it's become an emblem for us on how we want to reach all different kinds of constituencies. There's no one kind of audience here at Asolo Rep.”
This time, the “Out@Asolo” performance and after-party will take place on Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. with events also planned for upcoming productions of Hamlet, Prince of Cuba, Fallen Angels and Fanny Brice: America’s Funny Girl.
Now in its third season, Out@Asolo encourages connecting with the LGBT community in a comfortable, friendly environment, Edwards said.
“Asolo Rep fans represent a wide range of social, economic, ethnic and gender groups and everyone is welcome to attend,” he says.
