
In a desperate attempt to prove they can think about someone other than themself, Morgan Bassichis turns to the work of queer comedian, musician, and performance artist Frank Maya. Maya was among the first out gay comedians on network television and on the precipice of mainstream success before he died from AIDS-related complications in 1995. This new “solo” performance humbly attempts to ensure Maya’s legacy is no longer overlooked while finally resolving the bottomless queer search for fame and for father figures, and for laughter in times of crisis.
Can I Be Frank? is written and performed by Morgan Bassichis and based on and with original material by Frank Maya. It is directed by 2025 Tony Award Winner for Best Director Sam Pinkleton (Oh, Mary!) and was originally developed and produced at La MaMa Experimental Club.
"Furious and poignant"
- New York Magazine
"Brisk and hilarious."
- The Washington Post
"Exquisitely funny."
- The New Yorker
"Hilarious and moving, reveling in all kinds of mess yet immaculate in its construction and delivery."
- The Daily Beast
"A euphoric 70 minutes. A profound achievement."
- Theater Scene
"Frank, fervent, and ferociously funny."
- New York Stage Review
Written & Performed By
Morgan Bassichis
Based on and with Original Material By
Frank Maya
Directed By
Sam Pinkleton
Producers
Mike & Carlee Productions
Co-Producers
Jean Doumanian
Adam Riemer
Production Design By
Oona Curley
Production Manager
Libby JVera
Company Manager
Shawn P. Malone
Frank Maya's Backdrop Recreated By
Eli Woods Harrison
Frank Maya's Music Recreated By
Natasha Jean Jacobs
Originally Developed and Produced At
LaMama Experimental Theatre Club
Digital Advertising
SINE DIGITAL
Press Representative
PrintShop PR
Stage Manager
Gloria Gomez
Production Assistant
AJ Jones
Production Electricians
John Anselmo, Dan Mullins, Aidan Sartori
Associate Production Manager
Sophie Larin
Additional Sound Engineering
Kaye Hurley
Audio Support
Eryn Bogen
Additional Production Assistant
Uladis Bautista
Artwork By
Mark McGillivray
Website and Additional Graphic Design
Stephen Gilewski
Production Photography
Emilio Madrid
Production Counsel
David Manella / Loeb + Loeb