Best Of Camden Fringe 2010: QUEER IN THE U.S.A.

Any show that has Bruce Springsteen as one of its themes is one that will always make me stand up and pay attention. But Queer in the U.S.A isn’t a simple tribute to one of the 20th Century’s musical icons it’s a lot deeper, warmer, and important. The play focus’s on Johnny, a teenager, who is trying to follow in the footsteps of his hero, Bruce Springsteen, but homophobia, his high voice, and his own sense of identity proves stumbling blocks in Johnny’s quest.

I really can’t understate how powerful and story like Johnny’s can be and Manuel Simmon’s, the playwright & performer, has created something that will not only open eyes but create discussion on such a salient issue in our society. This play has toured the US and has been very warmly received and Camden Fringe has truly got themselves on breathtaking show with Queer in the U.S.A.

This is one of the nicest interviews we have ever done on TNC and Manuel’s passion, drive, and love of theatre is clear in every word he says, for him bringing his show to London is something of a homecoming and we really hope London welcomes him with big open arms!

How have things been going, you all done and dusted for the summer shows or are there still some creases to iron out?

Touring QUEER in the U.S.A., across the United States (from coast to coast including New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco) and preparing to come to London, is an exciting, nail-biting, triumphant and wondrous journey (sort of like the play itself)! It’s always a challenge to bring a play to new places and new theatres. The larger the festival, the more quickly your team needs to work together to get the sound, lighting, and other technical elements plotted into each new space. As a performer, it’s so important to make the space your own, to get comfortable in the space, and to fully “take the stage,” as they say. But, you have to acclimate quickly!

At the same time, it is so exciting to experience how the show lives in each new theatre and each new community. We spend many hours of many days, literally, walking through the neighborhoods of every city and community we visit–getting to know the people who live and work there, meeting business owners, taking in the works and performances of fellow artists and supporting their projects, getting our posters and postcards out there, and learning the overall lay of the land. It takes effort and energy, but it is so gratifying to connect with and support each new community we are fortunate enough to be welcomed into.

What has made you want to do the Camden Fringe?

The Camden Fringe (founded/produced by Zena Barrie and Michelle Flower) was such a great opportunity for QUEER in the U.S.A. because it’s a supportive and professional environment that allows us to bring the show into a bustling, diverse community in one of the world’s greatest cities. Yet, it does not require enourmous amounts of time and money to participate–perfect for independent artists!

My whole life, I’ve dreamed of bringing a show to London–one of the birth places of the modern theatre. The Etcetera Theatre, where QUEER in the U.S.A. will run, is a pub theatre; this follows the tradition that was in place when Shakespeare arrived on the London scene in the Elizabethan era. So, what could be better? In a sense, it’s a true people’s theatre, bringing performances into the places where communities naturally congregate–in and around the pubs!

Do you ever get nervous?

Always. And I’m thankful for it. When channeled into performance energy, the nerves are very useful; they help you communicate and reach out to the audience. In QUEER in the U.S.A., the nerves are particularly helpful because the gay teenager (Johnny) who is the hero of the story is very nervous at the start of the play. He’s facing bullying and taunting at school and he’s not sure where or how to find his own voice, to find the courage to stand up and say, “This is who I am.” His dream is to sing like Bruce Springsteen, but he’s got inner and outer demons to battle if he wants to rock it out like The Boss!

Have there been any obstacles in producing this show?

In the arts (and probably most arenas) there is always a need for more time and more money. But, I’ve also noticed that when you step out on a limb and dare to reach for your dreams and goals, the help and the resources show up–in various forms. But, you have to recognize it! Taking thoughtful and heartful action towards your goals becomes like a magnetic force.

What was the best feedback you got from your audience or the press?

There have been so many wonderful comments and insights that audience members have shared. People have said they felt their experience at the play was transformative. That floored me, because my ultimate goal is for an artwork to widen and transform our perspectives and, perhaps, even our possibilites for ourselves and for our communities.

Another beautiful remark was made by the Washington, DC theatre website, DCTheatrescene.com, which said the show is, “overflowing with joy, humor, and hope, all wrapped up in the gifted performance of The Boss — Manuel Simons” Wow, to be compared to Bruce (who is sort of my muse for this play), that’s just mad-cool!

What was the Best and Worst shows you’ve played?

Hard to pick favorites, but New York was amazing because there were lots of young adults (as well as older adults) in the audience. I think the young people relate in a special way, and they are very vocal–if they like you, they let you know! There was a standing ovation, which was lovely. Then, there was a post-show discussion, which is such a great thing–to be able to engage immediately with the audience and discuss the themes and issues in the play.

Our challenging show was in Ohio–it’s middle-America and folks are a bit more reserved there, especially when it comes to themes some might consider controversial or loaded (you know…sex, drugs, and rock and roll!). In the end, though, this was also a gratifying experience because the show was especially eye-opening for the audience. As I talked with people afterwards, I learned that they loved the play and it meant a great deal to them.

What can people expect?

A great play! A real play–a journey that is dramatic and humorous and has something meaningful to say!

Any new tricks up your sleeves?

A magician never reveals his secrets…at least until after the show! I will say that several aspects of this show are uniquely fun from a British point of view. Even though it’s called QUEER in the U.S.A., the U.K. is very much a part of this show–there’s so much about the U.S. that has been shaped by its early ties to Great Britain! That’s all I’ll give away. You’ve got come see it to experience the juicy details!

Who has been an inspiration to you?

My partner of 15 years, the man of my dreams, Andrew Brown. His love, his support, his wisdom and creativity inspire me every day–artistically and personally. …That’s the mushy, gooey truth! I must also mention the incredible support of my director, the very talented, Chrissy Moore. Her artistry and vision have helped to guide and shepherd this show into existence. She has been an amazing supporter, friend, and colleague throughout this entire process. I could not have done this play without the support of these two wonderful people!

The Faux-Real Theatre Company (fauxreal.org) and the support of its Artistic Director, Mark Greenfield have been vitally inspiring for the production of this play. All of my fellow company and Board Members at Faux-Real have been huge champions of this project; I am very grateful to them.

There are also many artists and heroes that have inspired me, too. People like Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Harvey Milk, Eleanor Roosevelt, Frida Kahloo, Keith Haring, Elie Wiesel, Tony Kushner, Michael Moore, Eve Ensler, James Lecense and The Trevor Project, and many others. There are amazing people to look up to in this world. But, you have to actively look for your heroes and keep them in mind, because the mainstream media seems to constantly shove the villains in our faces. Finding your own role models and heroes is one of the themes in QUEER in the U.S.A., and I think it’s very important.

What advice have you been given, and what advice would you give someone bringing a show to Camden Fringe?

First, believe in your project and in yourself. Don’t let the bastards get you down (in anything you do)! Then, be sure to make lots of friends in London and in Camden–network, get out there, and talk to people–they are your audience. And, always, remember to have fun!

• Thu 12 Aug 2010, 10:30pm Etcetera Theatre
• Fri 13 Aug 2010, 10:30pm Etcetera Theatre
• Sat 14 Aug 2010, 10:30pm Etcetera Theatre
• Sun 15 Aug 2010, 10:30pm Etcetera Theatre