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?
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:
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.
