Interview with Joshua Pangborn on His Play 'Don Gio'

Classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart isn't commonly associated with the dark magic of witches, nor the dread fright of zombies, but playwright Joshua Pangborn plans to change that with his new play 'Don Gio'. Premiering at the 12th Annual Midtown International Theater Festival in July, the play is a comedy full of zany, gender bending shocks. I caught up with ginger proud Mr. Pangborn for a little chat about his newest stage creation.

In a nutshell, what is 'Don Gio' about? Why will people want to go see your play?

'Don Gio' is best described as a hedonistic, gender-bending romp. People who like laughing and having a good time will really enjoy themselves. On a deeper note, of course, there is the whole purpose of my theatre company, Sidekick Productions, which is to promote size-blind casting. I firmly believe that people of all shapes and sizes can be beautiful and even attractive. While Don Gio is an odious human being (but this is what makes him so much fun), there is no denying that he'll be seen as attractive, despite not having looking like a traditional male lead.

But, really, I think I need to come back to how much fun an audience member will have at this show. The actors (led by the brilliant Chris Morris (Kids in America) as Don Gio and Jennifer Kent as Ana) are among the best I have worked with and will have the audience rolling in the aisles (and pretty much every where else, as Don Gio would say). I do suggest people buy their tickets as soon as possible, however, because our first show sold out after only two days.

What led to writing 'Don Gio'? What was your inspiration?

I am really passionate about finding inspiration from classical and historical stories. However, I have also been eager to start finding my own voice as a playwright. With 'Don Gio,' I started with Mozart's opera, but what I have ended up with is about as far from a direct adaptation as you can get. I suspect Mozart would be shocked to see the inclusion of a transsexual witch and a zombie in his opera.

Are you working on any more plays now?

I always have a few plays on the back-burner. There is one in particular I'm working on at the moment. There's no title yet, but it continues my own little brand of magical realism, and zaniness. Hopefully we'll be seeing it put up somewhere within a year!

Your new video project on YouTube - 'Ginger Kid Tales' - what's it about? Why are you involved?

Ginger Kid Tales is part satire-part homage to superheroes and comics. I play the titular role, a superhero with ginger hair and ginger powers. I've been meaning to branch out to Youtube for some time now. I was drawn to this project because it allows me to explore acting, something I've been missing, while still continue writing. And Ginger Kid, well, he is a character that allows me to use my natural skills (you know, red hair, pale, almost translucent skin, freckles, and exceedingly round features) for all they're worth.

'Don Gio' is a 90 minute play premiering at the 12th Annual Midtown International Theater Festival in July and produced by Sidekick Productions (www.sidekickproductionsny.com).

Tickets for 'Don Gio' can be purchased at https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/834895. Tickets can be purchased for a lower price with discount code ADVA (until May 27).

http://www.youtube.com/user/GingerKidTales?feature=mhum