Boston Court Pasadena presents world premiere of ‘Frou-Frou: A Menagerie of Sorts’ 

Boston Court Pasadena opens the world premiere production of “Frou-Frou: A Menagerie of Sorts,” written by John Anthony Loffredo and directed by Zi Alikhan on Saturday, March 1. 

“Frou-Frou: A Menagerie of Sorts” is an explosive new play about two queer siblings yearning to be understood despite their mother’s archaic expectations. L is a stoner with social anxiety, Harold is an aspiring ballerina, and their mother is a woman from another time. Driven by archaic dreams for her children, all Mamma wants is for a man to marry L to rescue the family from financial ruin. So when a big, burly traveler turns up at their doorstep, she thinks her prayers have been answered. But it is Harold, her tutu-wearing son, who seems most attracted to this strange man, while L, her chronically online “daughter,” doesn’t seem to want him – but wants to become him. By turns raucous, poetic, touching, and dangerous, “Frou-Frou: A Menagerie of Sorts” riffs on Tennessee Williams’s “The Glass Menagerie” in this story of two queer siblings yearning to be understood. 

Boston Court Pasadena’s Executive Director Manuel Prieto says, “In a time where executive orders are stripping away protections for the LGBTQIA+ community, this play celebrates the many layers, versions, and possibilities of queerness that exist. Relevant and riveting, it’s a piece that boldly explores gender and sexuality in the context of familial bonds, and reminds us of the complex uniqueness of our community.” 

Artistic Director Jessica Kubzansky adds, “We’re thrilled to have such a wonderful team of artists to breathe vibrant life in John Anthony’s passionate, risky, adventurous new work. The play is fearless and clear-eyed and very funny; it is unflinching in its portrayal of the rogue impulses that lead us all.” She goes on, “And the entire artistic team is a gift, with a wonderful cast and design team, led by amazing director Zi Alikhan, whose recent production of ‘Sanctuary City’ at the Pasadena Playhouse was so brilliant.” 

“Frou-Frou: A Menagerie of Sorts” opens on Saturday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m., with performances thereafter on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 30. Five preview performances take place Feb. 21 through Feb. 28 on the same schedule. Tickets range from $32 to $72, including fees. 

Boston Court Pasadena is located at 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106. Parking is free in the on-site lot. For reservations and information, call (626) 683-6801 or go to bostoncourtpasadena.org. 

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