Michael John Ciszewski's MOTHER, SUPERIOR to Play NYC Before Edinburgh Fringe Run

Award-winning comedian Michael John Ciszewski attempts to canonize his mother in a sacrilegious new show, Mother, Superior this June at Caveat, in advance of a full run at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe!

Does God take calls from gay guys? NYC comedian Michael John Ciszewski is on the line to find out! Mother, Superior brings together stand-up, storytelling, and interactive game show as Michael John petitions the Vatican to make his living mother an immortal saint in exactly one hour. Desperate to make his mother proud of the holy mess he's made of his life, he pleads his case before God, the Pope, and a congregation of audience members.

Beneath Ciszewski's signature profound gay stupidity is a heartfelt coming-of-age story. As he reclaims Catholic ritual for the queer community, Ciszewski unpacks a lifetime of millennial baggage, from childhood punishments to adult interventions. Navigating his chaotic life to honor the legacy of his mother who was a frontline NYC nurse during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, Mother, Superior asks the ultimate question: would our parents rather we book a Netflix special, or simply return their calls?

Mother, Superior will play Caveat in NYC on Sunday, June 21, for its final US preview before a performance at London's Hope Theatre on July 31 in advance of a run at Bedlam Fringe from August 7-30.

Michael John Ciszewski is a New York City-based comedian and storyteller who was recently awarded Solo Performer of the Year 2025 at the Young-Howze Theatre Awards and has also received nominations for a Queer Performer's Award (BingeFringe) and Best Comedy Act (BroadwayWorld Awards).

He has showcased his work in acclaimed, hit solo shows including Lovefool (awarded Staff Choice at the 2024 New York City Fringe) and If Memory Serves, which earned multiple four-star reviews and was named the #50 top show out of 3,600 at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe by Fringebiscuit. A frequent presence on stages across NYC, Ciszewski performs at iconic venues including the Stonewall Inn and the Bowery Ballroom, and currently hosts the long-running variety show TGIF (Testing Gay Ideas Funny). He has toured his solo shows to London, Philadelphia, Boston, Provincetown, and Providence, trained at Boston University and LAMDA, and serves as a storytelling instructor with The Moth.

Performance Information