Cutlass (A New Musical -- Workshopped) at Tuesday Night Cafe Theatre

Cutlass the musical is a fresh retelling of the lives of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, the two most infamous female pirates in western history. While other interpretations of this story tend to redact their possible romantic relationship, Cutlass proudly represents queer transgression as a ubiquitous theme in the world of 18th century piracy. From the two cross-dressing women mistaking each other as men (a legend that contributed to their persisting fame), to falling in love despite their same sex, and finally to fighting side-by-side during their capture by Jonathan Barnet, the love story between Bonny and Read is one that transcends all constraints of time and societal expectations. In this new musical, creator Elise Holbrook strives to celebrate all of the rebellious people (especially women+) throughout history who have fought for their right to thrive as their authentic selves, leaving no regrets.

At 8pm on January 15th and 16th, ten pieces and four scenes from Cutlass will be debuted at Tuesday Night Cafe Theatre. While the show will ultimately be scored for small orchestra and a full chorus, this production will feature instead three advanced performers from the Schulich School of Music on violin, cello, and piano, and a cast of nine actors. The workshop stage is the first step on the road to Broadway. Don't miss this thrilling debut of what will soon become a musical theatre behemoth!