GARBO

Writer: Joe Gulla
Director: Brian Rardin

This short comedy/drama tells the story of Joe, a gay New Yorker enjoying an extended holiday in Rome, Italy. Like any foreigner who visits the Eternal City, Joe’s daily life is filled with ever-changing sensorial delights – culture shock at its best! But, it is not until he happens upon the tiny, candle-lit GARBO BAR – hidden on a small cobblestoned street in the ancient quarter of Trastevere – that his emotional adventure TRULY begins! Funny and heartfelt, GARBO explores why life and love may be better lived outside the closet… even (or especially) in the shadow of the Vatican!

Show Times:

• Fri 1/20 @ 6pm
• Sat 1/21 @ 8pm

Answers by Joe Gulla (Playwright, Producer, Performer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
This is an international festival. What part of the world are you coming from … and will your show tantalize the NYC audience with a taste of your nation’s culture?

Joe Gulla: Roma! My play is set in a small, sexy bar hidden on a cobblestoned street in the ancient quarter of Trastevere… Rome! The name of the bar is GARBO. Experiencing GARBO is like being handed a First Class ticket to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport where a handsome Italian man greets you at baggage claim, tosses you on his vespa and drives you to the Eternal City’s coolest cocktail party!

Dianna Martin’s Question
Who is the greatest inspiration to you artistically?
Joe Gulla: Love this question! Put it this way — John Guare x Joe Orton ÷ Harvey Fierstien = Joe Gulla

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
What emerged as the greatest challenge during the development of this production?
Joe Gulla: GARBO was originally offered a FULL PRODUCTION at the TIMES SQUARE INTERNATIONAL THEATER FESTIVAL. The greatest challenge was when I learned that the dates of the festival conflicted with one of my director, Brian Rardin’s other projects. Our solution? We re-imagined GARBO as a one-of-a-kind STAGED READING experience … a boutique event! A shirtless hunk (Jonah Young) will host and read stage directions … Opera diva (Gina Sutherland) will sing an aria from the audience … It’s a Staged Reading done GARBO-style!

Antonio Minino’s Question
You’re in Times Square surrounded by the best Broadway houses and highest selling entertainment in the world. What resources are you utilizing to spread the word about your show and get butts in seats?
Joe Gulla: Well, besides producing, writing, and starring in GARBO … I write a popular theater blog — “TheTheaterBuff.com”. It’s been a great way to get the word out! Also, I’m very active on Twitter. My 6,000 plus followers are VERY aware of GARBO’s role in the TIMES SQUARE INTERNATIONAL THEATER FESTIVAL! So, I certainly maximize my cyber opportunities!.That being said, you’ll also catch me at various Euro-style boites in New York City… sipping prosecco and talking GARBO!
~~~

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