In a desperate attempt to prove they can think about someone other than themself, Morgan Bassichis turns to the work of queer comedian, musician, and performance artist Frank Maya. Maya was among the first out gay comedians on network television and on the precipice of mainstream success before he died from AIDS-related complications in 1995. This new “solo” performance humbly attempts to ensure Maya’s legacy is no longer overlooked while finally resolving the bottomless queer search for fame, father figures, and laughter in times of crisis.
7 / 10
It is vital for younger generations to realize that one significant reason our present culture is so nasty and decadent is due to the untimely loss to AIDS of multitudes of arts-makers they never knew existed, like Frank Maya, and this show is a good reminder.
5 / 10
There is a windup of rightous outrage that is meant to lead us from honoring a history of men lost too soon to AIDS to connect to a rage we should feel about our government today. These are generation defining moments, but the show does not build towards this. Instead, there is more of a sudden catapult of political ideas that just get launched towards us at the end. Rage about AIDS, our government, and the violence all around us. It wants to be a meaningful call to action, but how did we get here?
Can I Be Frank? will play two additional performances Off-Broadway at SoHo Playhouse. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets to the additional performances here!
On this week's episode of Survival Jobs, hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo, sit down with the extremely talented and charming, multi-discipline artist Morgan Bassichis to talk about their one-person show Can I Be Frank?, now running at the SoHo Playhouse through September 13. Watch in this video!
Can I Be Frank?, written by and starring comedian, artist, and writer Morgan Bassichis, directed by 2025 Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton (Oh, Mary!; Josh Sharp’s ta-da!), based on and with original material by the late comedian and performance artist Frank Maya is playing now at SoHo Playhouse. Read reviews for the show!
Producers Mike Lavoie and Carlee Briglia will present Can I Be Frank?, written by and starring comedian, artist, and writer Morgan Bassichis Off-Broadway. Learn more!
