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Be Out Loud Theatre Presents Michael Swinford's ROUGH SEX AND OTHER BAD WORDS, 12/4-12/12

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Be Out Loud Theatre (BOLT) brings Michael Swinford's critically acclaimed one-man show, Rough Sex and Other Bad Words, to Chicago from Wednesday, December 4 through Saturday, December 6 and Wednesday, December 11 through Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 7:30 pm. All performances take place at Gorilla Tango Bucktown, 1919 N Milwaukee, Chicago IL, 60647. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at gorillatango.com/bucktown or by calling 773-598-4549. Please note that this production contains full frontal nudity.

Rough Sex and Other Bad Words is Swinford's brutally honest, graphic, funny, and touching autobiographical account of growing up gay, finding acceptance, and spending almost 40 years working in the theatre. From his 1970s upbringing in small-town Indiana to failed attempts at Little League to his defining sexual experiences, Swinford puts it all out there, inspecting the mundane and monumental without discrimination and with generous, exact humor.

A young face and lean physique defined the arc of Swinford's acting career. "I had the market on playing angry, young men. Eventually I became the gay boyfriend, the funny, cute, gay guy," says Swinford. "Then, because of age, changing trends, or who knows what, I didn't get cast as much anymore." As parts dried up, Swinford began performing existing one-man shows (The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, The Only Things Worse You Could've Told Me) to overwhelmingly positive reviews. Once available material was exhausted, Swinford took the reigns on the writing and, inspired by no-holds-barred performers like John Leguizamo, dove in head first.

While Rough Sex and Other Bad Words is gay-centric, at its core is honest, authentic experiences that apply to anyone who has ever felt different or downtrodden and turned lemons into Lemon Drops. Swinford says that while the evolution of dating for modern gay teens has changed dramatically since his youth, the awkwardness, insecurities, and the simple act of falling in love is the same. "My experience so far has been amazing," Swinford says. "People straight and gay come up and say, 'Thank you for putting words to this. I have felt that. That happened to me.' I suppose that's all I could hope for. My life thus far -- the good, the bad, the tragic, the crazy, and the hysterical - has brought me to a place that I can share it and move an audience."

Rough Sex and Other Bad Words was created and is performed by Michael Swinford. Michael Swinford has been performing across the United States for almost 40 years. Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Swinford now tours his shows across the United States.

Gorilla Tango Bucktown is a year-round performance venue featuring an 80-seat black-box theater, rehearsal rooms, and co-producing opportunities providing artists with marketing, box office, and front of house support as well as strategic business advice for creating sustainable art.

Gorilla Tango Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GT Bucktown is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #56 Milwaukee, and #73 Armitage bus routes. Metered street parking is available on Milwaukee Avenue. Offering shows for a wide variety of audiences, Gorilla Tango Bucktown performances are listed in full on the website with descriptions and ratings similar to movie theater screenings. GT Bucktown now offers a selection of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for rating information, tickets, and details about how to produce at this venue.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Sound Design - Top 3
1. Adam Fisher - The Lost Boys
28.9% of votes
2. John Shivers - Chess
16.2% of votes
3. Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
8.8% of votes

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