Outdoor performance of ‘Gay History for Straight People’ at Luna Stage – Montclair Local

Luna Stage has announced an in-person, outdoor performance of BroadwayWorld Award-winner Will Nolan’s “Gay History for Straight People!” on Friday June 18 at 8 p.m. at the Van Vleck House and Gardens, located on 21 Van Vleck Street. The production is presented in association with Out Montclair, to celebrate Pride month. 

Seating is limited and social distancing will be observed at this adults-only performance featuring Nolan’s comedic alter ego Leola, “your new favorite Kelly Clarkson-worshipping, senior citizen, redneck lesbian.”

“Leola’s is a voice that encourages you to be yourself – flaws and all – and to be kind and to laugh,” Nolan said. “‘Gay History for Straight People’ is about finding our strength to stand up and fight negativity with love … and the right shade of lipstick.”

The show guides audiences through the complexities of the “LGBTQYMCA community, as Leola calls it — everything from GAY to Z,” Nolan said. “Yes, you’re going to learn some gay history and you may need to unlearn some of the gay history Leola tries to teach, but more importantly, I hope audiences walk away feeling special.”

In addition to being named the 2020 Outstanding Cabaret Performer by BroadwayWorld, Leola has appeared across the country in fringe festivals, regional theaters, and at middle-aged birthday parties, winning the Long Island City Flying Solo Festival two years in a row.

This year, Leola will emcee the first-ever Pride Parade in Leonia on June 5, and she will continue her residency at The Green Room 42 in New York City through 2021.

“Gay History for Straight People” was originally slated to open at Luna pre-pandemic in March of 2020 as the third production in Luna’s American Voices Series, which featured original solo shows in the regional theatre’s smaller space, Luna 2. The Series also featured Susan Hyon’s “Soo Jin Pretty Nail (and more!)” and Dipti Bramhandkar’s “American Rookie.”