Breckenridge Backstage Keeps it Gay

Breckenridge Backstage has three shows for you to see this summer, and they are all LGBTQ-friendly and tons of fun.

The Witches

While not explicitly an LGBTQ story, this Roald Dahl-based tale plays with gender-bending, as some of the witches in the play are portrayed by men in wigs and dresses. This early introduction to drag can help show kids that men in dresses are nothing to fear – unlike the hideous, child-killing witches they portray. It also introduces some pretty radical characters, including an old woman as a bad ass witch hunter and a young boy who isn’t ashamed or afraid that he gets turned into a mouse.

Buyer and Cellar

This one-man shows gives us a glimpse into the introspection of one gay man who meets and befriends Barbara Streisand when he starts working for her. This play demonstrates the many layers and intricacies that make up life, whether you are gay or straight. The narrator is openly gay, but also discusses Babs in all her glory, and the ups and downs that make up reality.

The Producers

This iconic, irreverent Mel Brooks play is completely worth a drive up the mountain if you are on the fence about making the trek. Although some may find the concept of gay Nazis in a musical offensive, Brooks’ intention was to satirize gay and theatre culture while also tarnishing the already-muddied name of the Nazi party. From the song “Keep it Gay” and the introduction of queer characters to the grand finale, there is plenty of side-slapping slapstick, as well as plenty of theatre jokes and references that make the show a lot of fun. The portrayals of famous characters are spot-on, and the gay Hitler surrounded by rainbow Nazi flags is a moment that will be emblazoned in your memory forever.

This small mountain town doesn’t shy away from gay, and these three shows are must-sees for the Colorado queer community.

The Witches runs on Friday and Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. The Producers and Buyer and Cellar alternate Wednesday through Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are available online or at the box office!