“Spooky and Gay” A Queer Horror Storytelling Cabaret at Orlando Fringe!

Orlando Fringe is back with a wide variety of ticketed performances, a free outdoor stage, an eclectic visual art gallery, and kids’ activities. While there’s simply too much Fringe to cover in a single article, we are doing a series of posts about this incredible Orlando event. In this tenth installment, we’re going to get a small taste of Halloween in the summertime. Let’s take a closer look at the horror-themed, queer-storytelling cabaret – Spooky and Gay!

Orlando Decoded was honored and thrilled to be invited to attend last night’s performance of this fun, one-man show. THANK YOU to BC Theatricals for having us out!

What is Orlando Fringe?

Spooky and Gay is playing at Orlando Fringe, a two-week theater festival focused on unjuried and uncensored works of performance art. While similar festivals exist all over the world, Orlando Fringe is the longest running event of its kind within the United States. Fringe Festivals are generally known for featuring alternative or experimental pieces of art, so you really never know what you’re going to find! 

About BC Theatricals

An Orlando-based theater company and creative team, BC Theatricals is headed by Bruce Ryan Costella and Melissa Cooper. Focused on solo storytelling productions, BC Theatrical’s previous work includes Unhappy Accident (a dark comedy centered around Bob Ross and the creative process) and Muttnick (a story of purpose told by the first living thing sent into space – a stray dog).

After finishing its run at Orlando Fringe, BC Theatrical’s Spooky and Gay will tour North America – performing at other theater festivals around the continent. Check out the company’s website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for more information about past productions, current tours, and future projects!

Spooky and Gay

Spooky and Gay is a one-man cabaret exploring the queer experience through the lens of horror-centric imagery and themes. With a variety of mediums (like engaging stories, catchy songs, Halloween-themed sketch comedy, and even a Satanic puppet show), award-winning playwright and performer Bruce Ryan Costella leads the audience on a spooky, humorous, and often heartfelt journey.

Spooky and Gay according to the Orlando Fringe website,

Who says Halloween comes only once a year? SPOOKY & GAY is a queer horror storytelling cabaret from award-winning playwright-performer Bruce Ryan Costella. A celebration of spooky satire, songs and frights from the makers of fringe favorites MUTTNIK, Dogtanic and Unhappy Accident.

As a Bring Your Own Venue (BYOV) show, Spooky and Gay does NOT take place on the Fringe main campus. Instead, you can find this 60-minute performance at Savoy Orlando – a lively gay bar and nightclub featuring an outdoor patio, dancers, and weekly special events.

Freaky Thoughts

With a delightful combination of touching narratives, comedic relief, and beautiful, ukulele-accompanied music; Spooky and Gay provides a balanced proportion of fun, eerie vibes and important storytelling moments. I left feeling as if I’d simultaneously gotten a satisfying does of Halloween in May and a unique window into one man’s perspective on the gay experience.

“Carmilla: An American Gothic” A Coming of Age Story at Orlando Fringe!

I LOVED this show! The engaging stories, overall spookiness and the fun way Bruce chose to share his important message worked together to create an unforgettable theater event. Prior to attending Spooky and Gay, I had never heard of BC Theatricals or their previous work. But they have won over a new fan! I will definitely be watching their website and social media for future productions.

Tickets for Spooky and Gay

There is one more available showing for Spooky and Gay – Sunday, May 29th at 5:40pm. You can purchase your ticket directly on the Orlando Fringe website.

Because 100% of the base ticket price is given directly to the respective artists, you will also need to purchase a reusable 2022 Fringe Festival button. Buttons are $10 and grant access to all the performances at this year’s event (along with an individually purchased show ticket). No matter how many productions you plan to see, you only need one button per person. 

Know Before You Go

• To attend a showing of Spooky and Gay, you will need to purchase both a show ticket and Fringe Button. You can buy both of these on the Orlando Fringe website.
• Spooky and Gay is NOT located on the Fringe main campus. You can find this show at Savoy Orlando in Ivanhoe Village.
• Parking at Savoy Orlando can be tricky. Make sure you arrive early to allow plenty of time to locate a suitable spot and travel to the show location.