THE BRONX QUEEN Set for Joe's Pub, 3/8

Presented in association with The Downtown Urban Arts Festival, Joe Gulla's "The Bronx Queen" directed by Brian Rardin, will play Joe's Pub at The Public Theater this March 8 at 7:30 pm.

The playwright/actor jokes "I'm going to bring a whole new meaning to "Joe's Pub" that night! Ha! The audience will hear this 'Joe's' story. It's personal for sure but, the themes: universal!"

"I call the show 'The Bronx Queen' in an attempt to be provocative," Gulla says. "You can derive anything you want from the title. The show provides lots of options. For instance, my Dad was a rough-and-tumble Bronx guy. I was his first-born son, and he was waiting for a star quarterback, someone to talk and play sports with. Then, well, I showed up! Ha! One of the ways he tried to 'straighten me out' was to take me fishing (weekly!) on a charter boat called 'The Bronx Queen'. I was a gay boy, in Jordache jeans and velour sweaters fishing for fluke and flounder. I wish I was making this up!"

The show is performed as a monologue in the spirit of the legendary Spalding Gray.

"I was a big fan of Spalding. I saw all his performances back in the day. Everywhere. Off-Broadway. Lincoln Center. I found him fascinating. Watching a man walk out on stage, pour himself a glass of water and just 'talk.' Wow. Just wow! I promised myself I would attempt that one day. "The Bronx Queen" is my story, my struggle with self-acceptance, and my homage to the Bronx neighborhood I grew up in."

"I deliver it by sitting, sipping, and talking. It's challenging, but wildly rewarding. The show honors people that influenced me and inspired me. It seems only appropriate to perform it in the style of man who inspired me so much!"

Joe Gulla wrote "REEL WOOD" currently running in Seattle, WA. He is also the author of "Gayfever" soon to have it's World Premiere in Colorado Springs, CO.

"The Bronx Queen" will be performed on Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30. Tickets are $20.00 and available at The Public's Box Office (425 Lafayette, NYC). For more information, visit http://www.joegulla.com or http://www.publictheater.org/en/tickets/calendar/playdetailscollection/joes-pub/2016/j/joe-gulla-the-bronx-queen-presented-in-association-with-the-downtown-urban-theater-festival/?SiteTheme=JoesPub

Photo by: Nicolaas Smit