Remembering Everett Quinton

We at La MaMa are heartbroken to learn that award-winning actor, director, designer, playwright, and downtown legend Everett Quinton has sadly passed away at the age of 71. He was a member of The Ridiculous Theatrical Company and the romantic partner and collaborator of the group’s founder and artistic director Charles Ludlam. When Ludlam died of AIDS, Quinton took over as the company’s artistic director from 1987–1997. He continued to work in theatre and frequently appeared in La MaMa productions, such as Now the Cats With Jewelled Claws (2011) and The Etiquette of Death (2012). In the past decade, he directed many Ridiculous theater revivals, including Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide at La MaMa in 2017. Quinton pushed the limits of camp performance and has undoubtedly left his mark on generations of queer theatre artists. 

Photo by Theo Cote of Everett Quinton in the 2017 revival of Charles Ludlam’s Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide at La MaMa

Everett Quinton and Charles Ludlam attending the Obies in 1985

Photo by Ves Pitts of Chris Tanner and Everett Quinton in The Etiquette of Death (2012) at La MaMa

Dan Fishback and Everett Quinton at La MaMa’s 51st Gala in 2013

Photo by Anita and Steve Shev of Philip Campanaro, Charles Ludlam, Black-Eyed Susan, Everett Quinton and Ethyl Eichelberger in The Artificial Jungle (1986) by The Ridiculous Theatrical Company

Gay City News on Charles Ludlam and Conquest of the Universe

Ludlam Celebrated By Those He Loved   

David Noh of Gay City News chats with Brian Belovitch and Everett Quinton on the opening of Charles Ludlam's CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE at La MaMa.

In the article Quinton says:

"“I was asked which of Charles’ plays they should use for this commemoration and I chose this, which was the first one he did when he started the Ridiculous. He would read the newspaper every day and just be inspired by whatever news story caught his fancy and wrote a play from that. And, as Tamberlaine, we have Grant Neale, who was in the original production! I play two roles: Cosroe and Zabina. It’s a big production, we’re excited about the fabulous design of it, and I just want to get it up on its feet! I’m so proud of this cast, which I hand-picked. Of course, it’s very gay: you know, Charles used to say, 'I get down on my knees every day and thank God I’m gay!'”

Read the full article: HERE

And get your tickets for CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE!

_____

La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Lenys Samá

CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE opens this week.  Up next answering our 6 Questions is Lenys Samá.  Don't miss the 50th Anniversary production of Charles Ludlam's Ridiculous classic, directed by Everett Quinton!


1. Who do you play in CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE? 

BAJAZETH, King of Mars

2. Why do you think the play is still important/relevant today? 

Well, there’s a thin-skinned power hungry tyrant, and themes that run the gamut from rape as a weapon of war to the loneliness of unrequited love.

3. What does Ridiculous Theatre mean to you? 

It means taking risks, leaving pretensions at the door, being out and proud, rolling up your sleeves and working, and so much more. I was ignorant about the Ridiculous when I did my first play there but luckily it became an incubator for me.

4. Do you have a “dream role” or a favorite role you've played? 

My dream role…Lady Macbeth. I don’t have a favorite role but I have a soft spot for General Carragua Fanfarron in How to Write a Play and Vladimir in Waiting for Godot.

5. What is the last good book/play/film/art exhibit you’ve seen? 

Create Dangerously by Edwidge Danticat, The Workshop by Torrey Townsend with Austin Pendleton was a gem, Roger Guenver Smith’s Rodney King blew me away and it’s on Netflix!

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you? 

Going back to a uniquely New York wellspring of creativity that has given artists like Charles Ludlam the opportunity to create and produce their work. It feels so right to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Ridiculous Theatrical Company at La MaMa. My creative juices are flowing just thinking about it. I'm going to wallow in the experience.

_____

La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Jeanne Lauren Smith

6 Questions with the cast of Charles Ludlam's CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE continues with Jeanne Lauren Smith.  Everett Quinton directs the Charles Ludlam's classic for 13 performances only, November 2 - 19, 2017.  

1. Who do you play in CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE?
Ebea (Zabina, the Queen of Mars', maid)

2. Why do you think the play is still important/relevant today?
It is a twist of a tale of seeking not only world domination, but control over the whole universe. Themes of greed, violence and grasping for power seem to be on an endless, cyclical loop in our culture, and at our current moment on what feels like an exaggerated, aggressive scale.

3. What does Ridiculous Theatre mean to you?
Using all the elements at your disposal. Putting on stage what societal norms would rather cover up or push away. Being extreme and expressive in storytelling.

4. Do you have a “dream role” or a favorite role you've played?
I would love to play Li'l Bit in How I Learned to Drive.

5. What is the last good book/play/film/art exhibit you’ve seen?
Spiritual Partnership by Gary Zukav

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you?
La MaMa does not only cover an inspiring physical space but also a movement and a history that embodies equanimity, creativity, quality and social awareness. I'm honored to be working on such a special play at such a special theatre during this extraordinary time on our planet.

_____

La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Beth Dodye Bass

Beth Dodye Bass is next up to answer our 6 Questions.  The 50th Anniversary production of Charles Ludlam's CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE plays The Ellen Stewart Theatre from November 2 - 19, 2017.  Tickets now on sale and seating is limited.

1. Who do you play in CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE?
Natolia, Queen of Saturn

2. Why do you think the play is still important/relevant today?
Chartles Ludlam wrote this play during a tumultuous time in our history. We were embroiled in a war with Vietnam and we were fighting for civil and gay rights here at home. Seems to me this is happening all over again, making this particular piece extremely relevant.

3. What does Ridiculous Theatre mean to you?
The ridiculous is brilliant, hilarious, audacious and courageous theatre. Their work crossed all human barriers. The ridiculous not only appealed to gay audiences alone but to theatre goers of every race, creed and sexual persuasion. It raises a mirror to the social mores of society and the consciousness of the people who experience their work.

4. Do you have a “dream role” or a favorite role you've played?
LILY POSTIA in Everett Quinton’s adaptation of CARMEN

5. What is the last good book/play/film/art exhibit you’ve seen?
Book: Recently reread 1984 by George Orwell, even more terrifying now.
Play: Little Foxes, Cynthia Nixon played Regina
Film: I just saw Gaslight again Bergman rocks!
Art exhibit: The Alexander Calder exhibit at the Whitney Museum

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you?
To Me La MaMa means the premier avant garde off Broadway theatre in the country. Artists from all over the world have performed in this theatre. La MaMa was a driving force in the creation of the off and off off Broadway movement. A safe haven for original ideas, performances and artists. I have been fortunate to have played at La MaMa before and I am thrilled to be performing at this great house once again.

_____

La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Brian Belovitch

We continue our 6 Questions with the cast of Charles Ludlam's CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE with Brian Belovitch.

CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE plays The Ellen Stewart Theatre from November 2 - 19, 2017.  Everett Quinton directs this 50th Anniversary production of this early Ludlam epic comedy.


1. Who do you play in CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE?
I play Alice, First Lady of the Earth.

2. Why do you think the play is still important/relevant today?
The Ridiculous theatre is important for many reasons not only for its obvious historical relevance but for it's incredible, creative and theatrical accomplishments. It has inspired generations of talented artists and was an often overlooked early pioneer in the pre-Stonewall gay rights movement. The vast collection of plays written by Charles Ludlam are infused with biting and often hysterical social commentary that is still relevant today. Conquest of the Universe or When Queens Collide is a perfect example of what is happening today politically in the world some 50 years later. Also, the bravery and brilliant artistic vision that began in the 60's when there were no gay rights when you could be arrested as a gay person speaks volumes about the intrepid spirit of the early founders. Charles acting in drag was a hugely political act that took incredible bravery to be who you were at a time when the world was in such cultural and political turmoil.

3. What does Ridiculous Theatre mean to you?
I was an 18-year-old gender non-conforming teen when I saw my first Ridiculous play, Camille. I also had an excruciating toothache and almost stayed home but my friend begged me to go. From the moment Charles made his entrance the laughter became the best painkiller I could have taken. I completely forgot about my toothache. Coming from a small city I hadn't been exposed to much theater but I knew early on I wanted to act. Little did I know when I walked into that little theatre that it would have such a profound effect on me. Not only were men playing women's roles as was Charles as Camille, but there was such an unapologetic free spirit from the actors that made me feel like I wasn't alone in my queerness. It gave me tremendous hope that there was a place for me in the theatre and I've always been grateful for that early inspiration.

4. Do you have a “dream role” or a favorite role you've played?
A dream role for me would be a musical version of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane starring me as Baby Jane Hudson! A girl can dream.

5. What is the last good book/play/film/art exhibit you’ve seen?
The last play I saw was Charm over at the Lucille Lortel theatre, it was based on a true to life story about a transgender woman who ran a charm school for LGBTQ kids on the fringes of Chicago. It was timely, extremely well written with a beautifully talented and diverse ensemble of LGBT actors. I also was at the reading at La MaMa legend and superstar Jackie Curtis's Guts, Glamor, and Gold which was a religious experience

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you?
I've appeared in several La MaMa productions over the years, my first was John Epperson's, (Lypsinka) Ballet of The Dolls. I also did Anthony Ingrassia's last play Sweet Dreams so for me it holds a very magical space in my heart. I'mover the moon to be returning to the stage at La MaMa after a long absence with the legendary Ridiculous Theatre and acting with and directed again by the divine Everett Quinton.

_____

La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Grant Neale

This month we are playing 6 Questions with the cast of Charles Ludlam's CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE.  Conquest of the Universe is directed by Everett Quinton and runs from November 2 - 19, 2017 in the Ellen Stewart Theatre.  First up is Grant Neale:


1. Who do you play in CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE?

I play Tamberlaine (President of Earth), something I have always wanted to be :)

2) Why do you think the play is still important/relevant today?

This play is spot on to our current political circumstances. It is also refreshingly incorrect, impolite, subversive in a way that modern audiences don't get much of. It is above modern notions "good" and "correct" instead it is honest, and biting about certain aspects of human behavior, and oh yes, Funny. The people who get to see this are in for a treat!

3) What does Ridiculous Theatre mean to you?

Ridiculous has had and still has a huge impact on my personal and professional life! Since I first joined the Ridiculous in 1992 playing Lech Fabrinski in the late great Georg Osterman's BROTHER TRUCKERS my creative views have been expanding. Joining Ridiculous Theatrical Company gave me the opportunity to bend into the largeness of my acting while most styles were asking me to dial it down and become small as an actor. Embarrassing the size of the style while remaining emotionally truthful and present in the moment is a wonderful challenge and feels so good to share with an audience! My experience with RTC has also permanently changed views on casting. At the Ridiculous casting "type" has more to do with the inside of the actor than with their outward appearance. The Ridiculous has also been quite expansive for me socially. Being a member of the company helped me be more open in my heart and mind about sexual and gender identity.

4) Do you have a “dream role” or a favorite role you've played? 

I have been lucky to play many "dream roles" including the Nicodemus/Lady Enid track in Charles Ludlam's THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, Romamn Polanski in Saviana Stanescu's POLANSKI POLANSKI, and Fool in my brother Randy Neale's wonderful two hander THE FOOL'S LEAR. I am very much looking forward to playing Mr. Smee (of "Peter Pan" fame in the short film 'TSMEE!

5) What is the last good book/play/film/art exhibit you’ve seen?

I really love John Robert Tillotson's solo show Resdiual Effects (of course I am completely bios as I directed the piece. The Irving Penn exhibit at the Met Museum was so inspiring! And I loved reading "All The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr!

6) What does working at La MaMa mean to you?

I've had the pleasure of working at La MaMa several times over the years as an actor, director, and producer. What I have found is that unlike some theatrical institutions that seem to ask "What is your show going to do for us?" "How is your show going to be the sexiest thing to hit the theatrical world in recent memory?" La MaMa seems to ask "What can we do to help you bring your show to life?"

_____

La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

First Look: Charles Ludlam's CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE

All photos by Theo Cote

Everett Quinton directs the 50th Anniversary production of Charles Ludlam's CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE OR WHEN QUEENS COLLIDE at La MaMa.  CONQUEST OF THE UNIVERSE plays November 2 - 19, 2017 at The Ellen Stewart Theatre.

La MaMa presents

CONQUEST 

OF THE 

UNIVERSE 

OR 

WHEN 

QUEENS 

COLLIDE

by Charles Ludlam

directed by Everett Quinton

November 2-19, 2017

Thursday - Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 4pm; special performance Monday November 6th at 8pm

Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors: 10@$10 Tickets available

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE

Theatre Askew's HORSEPLAY: or, The Fickle Mistress is Getting RAVES!

Alexis Soloski reviews HORSEPLAY for The New York Times:

"Ms. Pope, an assured performer with a brazen alto, shines in the role, changing her accent and identity even more often than her bloomers. “I’m whoever I need to be,” Adah tells a lover. With brio and brass, Ms. Pope is, too."

Read the full review HERE.

- - - -

Michael Niederman reviews HORSEPLAY for New York Theatre Review:

"[Molly] Pope owns the stage in her presentation of Menken...All of the Askew company play multiple parts, sometimes more than one in the same scene.  Some standouts include  Tiffany Abercrombie, who plays the corpulent Alexandre Dumas and an Ugg-A-Wug Native American Bride, Tim Cusak as both dandy and Jew, Evertt Quinton as the scariest drag queen I’ve ever seen, and Chuck Montgomery as Meknen’s long beleaguered manager and only friend."

"Horseplay remains a vital window into not just one woman’s multiple lives, but also the history of the 19^th century, a time period in which the entire western world was trying on multiple personas, trying which one would fit best."

Read the full review: HERE

- - - -

Raven Snook gives HORSEPLAY 3-stars in Time Out New York:

" [Molly] Pope is marvelous, fluidly changing accents and outfits in front of our eyes (costumes, wigs, props and set pieces are all in full view), belting out a few numbers in her smoky voice and maintaining charm when delivering some very dark punch lines. "

"Produced by Theatre Askew, Horseplay is scrappy, campy and all over the place, much like its heroine." 

Read the full review HERE.

- - - - 

Talkin' Broadway's Howard Miller on HORSEPLAY:

"Under Elyse Singer’s zippy direction, the versatile troupe of actors play multiple roles, often making head-spinning rapid character and gender switches as they relate the varied takes on Menken’s biography in a wildly exaggerated style that reflects her wildly exaggerated story telling. These include Tiffany Abercrombie, Tim Cusack (Theatre Askew’s artistic director), Jan Leslie Harding, Chuck Montgomery, Everett Quinton, and Mark St. Cyr — all of them excellent."

"Molly Pope, in whose acting you’ll find traces of Barbra Streisand, Gilda Radner, Mae West, Carol Burnett, and Bette Midler — [is] a perfect embodiment of the charisma and wit of a woman determined to make her way in what was most certainly a man’s world."

Read the full review HERE.

- - - -

Zachary Stewart covered HORSEPLAY for TheaterMania.

"There is no more delightful way to learn about Menken than Trav S.D.'s Horseplay: or, The Fickle Mistress, a Protean Picaresque, now being presented by Theatre Askew at La MaMa's Ellen Stewart Theatre."

"The six-person ensemble plays a dramatis personae of seeming thousands, with each performance as over-the-top and committed as the last."

"[Molly] Pope bites into this role, luxuriating in all of Menken's ridiculous contradictions and unapologetic thespianism."

Read the full review HERE.

La MaMa in association with Theatre Askew present

HORSEPLAY:

or, The Fickle

Mistress

by Trav S. D.

directed by Elyse Singer

February 13 - March 1, 2015

The Ellen Stewart Theatre

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and 4th Street)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $18 Adults; $13 Students/Seniors

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE