BOTTOMING FOR JESUS
June 28-29, 2024
LINT STUDIO
1611 S Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA
Written and Performed by Michael R. Speciále
Directed by Spenser Theberge
Music Direction by Jeremiah Ginn
“Meisner teaches that ‘acting is living truthfully under imaginary circumstances’ — I consider my conversion to Mormonism (as a closeted gay teenager) to be my greatest work of performance art to date. I lived their beliefs as my truth because I desperately craved belonging and structure. The price? My authenticity.”
Bottoming For Jesus is a show about holes and the lengths we go to fill them.
It’s about self acceptance, and the futility, and necessity, of seeking purpose at the end of the world. It’s a love letter to the theatre, and to Judy Garland, and to the c*m dumps of Elysian Park. It’s my version of Queer Church.
The hour-long performance, part-stand up, part-cabaret, part-sermon, part-Ted Talk, chronicles attempts and failures at living a purpose-driven life, allowing the audience to peer into the heart and mind of one of Los Angeles’ last “Good Gay white Guys.” Together, we dissect the details of my dance with America’s Gayest Cult™— unravelling the innate performativity behind all identity, to reveal the versatility and agility required to survive, enjoy, and belong to the not-yet-here hysterical future.
With direction by award-winning performer, choreographer, and creator Spenser Theberge, and music direction and original arrangements by musical theater and cabaret veteran Jeremiah Ginn, Bottoming For Jesus is a bold, hilarious celebration of authenticity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to heal and transform.
All photos by Roman Udalov @hunkybrewster
Meet the Artists
-
Michael R. Speciále
CREATOR & PERFORMER
-
Spenser Theberge
DIRECTOR
-
Jeremiah Ginn
MUSIC DIRECTOR