MIKEY! is a new comedic play by Justin Garascia, directed by Andrew Coopman, with a workshop production at The Tank (Midtown Manhattan) from May 19–31.
Set in Renaissance Italy, MIKEY! unfolds as a gothic, queer fever dream, moving between the sculpting of David and the painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. As Michelangelo reflects on the life that brought him to this moment, he wrestles with how he wants to be remembered — as a sculptor, not a painter.
Through a reimagined history, the play asks: what if there was a secret relationship at the House of Medici that shaped the artist’s emotional life and propelled the work we still revere over 500 years later?
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The tone of the play is queer melodrama, it is filled with laughs, heartfelt moments and above all hope to tell a story that unfolds over a 23 year period in one single 95 minute experience.
With this production, we aim to explore one central question:
How will he paint the ceiling while remaining true to himself?
The piece explores the dualities that shape both the artist and the individual:
Art vs. Love
Faith vs. Sexuality
Conformity vs. Defiance
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The Amazing Team Supporting this Production!
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Financial plan break-down:
Actors: $6,000
Director: $1,800
Stage Manager: $1,500
Design: $3,000
Costumes & Props: $2,000
Marketing: $1,500 Crowdfund/Producer: $2,000
Production Consultant: $5,000
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For this production we have also hired Megan Kingery, Production Consultant. Megan is a Tony Award Nominated, Broadway Producer (Natasha & Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812). Should we meet our stretch goal of $25,000 - your contribution will also help cover the cost of coaching to ensure our project goes off without a hitch.
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We hope you will choose to support our production; every contribution helps!
Other Ways You Can Support:
Can’t donate right now but still want to support?
Share our efforts: Please share this Fundraiser far and wide! The more eyes we get on our campaign, the more likely we are to reach our goal!
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Thank you for learning more about the project!
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Rewards
Featured
Renaissance Enthusiast
Donate $250.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
All the Above and
A special thank you from the creative team!
Amici / Friends!
Donate $50.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Special thanks on Social media
Shout out on digital program
Famiglia / Family!
Donate $100.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Shout out on Social media
Special thanks in our Playbill at The Tank
Invitation to a Zoom reading with the Cast!
Medici Supporter
Donate $500.00 or more
Amount over $40.00 is tax-deductible.
All the Above and
2 complimentary tickets
Chat all things Italian Renaissance on a 30 min Zoom call with Lawrence Gianangeli, Host of Italian Renaissance Podcast
Renaissance Patron
Donate $1,000.00 or more
Amount over $80.00 is tax-deductible.
All the Above and
4 complimentary tickets
Invitation to attend a rehearsal
Producer's Circle
Donate $2,000.00 or more
Amount over $120.00 is tax-deductible.
All the Above and
6 complimentary tickets
Invitation to attend our tech rehearsal
Gain exclusive access to the ongoing development of MIKEY! and be among the first to hear about investment opportunities in future productions.