Archive
THE NANCE
Oct 26 – Nov 19 2017
Richard Gray as Chauncey Miles in The Nance. Photo by John McLellan.
October 26 – November 19, 2017
★ LIMITED ENGAGEMENT ★
★ FINAL WEEKEND OF PERFORMANCES ★
By Douglas Carter Beane
Directed by Mathew Wright
Set in the beating heart of the naughty, raucous world of 1930s burlesque, THE NANCE brings to life an American era when it was easy to play gay and dangerous to be gay. Chauncey Miles performs as a “nance”, a popular comedy act packed with double entendre and camp parodies of gay men. While most “nance” actors are straight, Chauncey is not, and – at a time when gay communities were subject to police raids and moral outrage – Chauncey is left with no choice but to hide his identity while he mocks it onstage.
Reviews of ArtsWest’s production of The Nance
“Director Mathew Wright has done it again! He’s establishing a record of hit after hit at ArtsWest. This one is an especially powerful show that captures all our emotions. Funny? Oh indeed, it’s full of laughs and gaiety, but you may also find yourself wiping away a tear or two.” – Arts Stage – Seattle Rage
“THE NANCE is a definite must-see production…a magical mix of theatre, hilarious comedy show, and burlesque all rolled into one unforgettable experience.” – Seattle Gay News
Run time is approx. 2.5 hours with an intermission.
* Content advisory: this play features full nudity.
Cabaret Seats
10 Cabaret Tables for Two are available for each performance of The Nance, staged as shown in the diagram below. Cabaret Tables, available for only $125, seat two and include a complimentary bottle of wine.
October 26 – November 19, 2017
★ LIMITED ENGAGEMENT ★
By Douglas Carter Beane
Set in the beating heart of the naughty, raucous world of 1930s burlesque, THE NANCE brings to life an American era when it was easy to play gay and dangerous to be gay. Chauncey Miles performs as a “nance”, a popular comedy act packed with double entendre and camp parodies of gay men. While most “nance” actors are straight, Chauncey is not, and – at a time when gay communities were subject to police raids and moral outrage – Chauncey is left with no choice but to hide his identity while he mocks it onstage.
“A heartfelt period piece about coded and censored gay life in 1930s New York…this is Beane’s finest straight (well, straight-acting) play since THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED.” —Time Out (New York)
Cast
Richard Gray – Chauncey Miles
Jeff Steitzer – Efram
Drew Highlands – Ned
Ann Cornelius – Sylvie
Jasmine Jean Sim – Carmen
Diana McQueen – Joan
Creative Team
Directed by Mathew Wright
Stage Manager – Teresa Mitcheletti
Music Director – John Lehrack
Choreographer – Shadou Mintrone
Lighting Designer – Tristan Roberson
Costume Designer – Kelsey Rogers
Scenic Designer – Lex Marcos
Properties Master – Andrea Spraycar
Sound Designer – Haley Parcher
