about the show

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.

Reviews

"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

credits

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