At Butch Mermaid, our mission is to make queer joy irresistible and contagious, envisioning a world where all queer people experience joy and belonging. What better way to do that than through musical theater, one of the most popular entertainment forms of all time?

Antonio! is a queer, punk, pirate musical that reimagines the story of Shakespeare’s Antonios from across the cannon. The show reframes - and reclaims! - characters named Antonio from Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Merchant of Venice, reimagining them all as a proudly queer pirate stealing hearts and booty on the high seas. With his band The Fools for Love, Antonio is here to explain the real queer love stories that inspired his lover, Shakespeare, to write him into so many plays. Featuring an all-queer cast and a raw, unapologetic sound, Antonio! brings new life to a classic tale in a way that’s fierce, fun, and utterly unforgettable.

In 2023, Antonio! went on a highly successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where it received ten four and five-star reviews. We're now expanding on that show and aiming to use it to spread more queer joy around the world.

In New York in 2024, we are holding a concert to attract support and producers for an Off-Broadway run.

In Australasia in 2025, we are taking Antonio! to NZ Fringe, Hamilton Festival, and Adelaide Fringe. 

Any money raised through this campaign will go directly towards supporting our all-queer cast and crew as we work to develop this show and spread queer joy as widely as possible. No amount it too small! Thank you for considering coming on board to support our vision.