{"id":935183,"date":"2025-04-22T18:39:01","date_gmt":"2025-04-22T22:39:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glaad.org\/?p=935183"},"modified":"2025-04-23T09:19:00","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T13:19:00","slug":"tender-urgent-and-unflinching-experience-all-the-worlds-a-stage-before-it-closes-on-may-10-in-nyc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/glaad.org\/tender-urgent-and-unflinching-experience-all-the-worlds-a-stage-before-it-closes-on-may-10-in-nyc\/","title":{"rendered":"Tender, Urgent, and Unflinching: Experience ‘All the World’s a Stage’ Before It Closes on May 10 in NYC"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the heart of Manhattan\u2019s Theatre Row<\/a>, a new musical is making waves far beyond the stage.<\/p>\n

All the World\u2019s a Stage<\/em><\/a>, the world-premiere production from acclaimed composer and lyricist Adam Gwon<\/strong>, is not just a piece of theater \u2014 it\u2019s a rallying cry.<\/p>\n

Set in a small town in 1990s America, the story follows Ricky Alleman \u2014 a closeted high school teacher \u2014 whose quiet life is upended when an unconventional student recruits him for a statewide theater competition. What unfolds is a deeply human story about the politics of identity, the pressure to conform, and the quiet, everyday courage it takes to be seen.<\/p>\n

At a time when book bans, anti-LGBTQ policies, and the erasure of queer educators are escalating across the country, All the World\u2019s a Stage<\/em> feels less of a throwback, it’s a reflection of where we still stand in progress and acceptance. The musical’s themes echo headlines we\u2019re seeing right now \u2014 teachers under scrutiny, LGBTQ youth isolated, and art under attack.<\/p>\n

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Photograph: \u00a9 2025 Richard Termine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yet this is not a musical of despair. It\u2019s a celebration of connection, of community, and of the transformative power of being truly seen \u2014 and seeing others in return.<\/p>\n

The production features a powerhouse creative team led by director Jonathan Silverstein<\/strong> and stars Eliza Pagelle, Jon-Michael Reese, Matt Rodin<\/strong>, and Tony Award nominee Elizabeth Stanley<\/strong>. Behind the scenes, a dream team of designers, composers, and casting creatives bring Keen Company<\/strong>\u2019s signature touch to life \u2014 intimate storytelling with big emotional impact.<\/p>\n

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Photograph: \u00a9 2025 Richard Termine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Adam Gwon, whose work has been recognized with Drama Desk and Drama League nominations, describes the musical as \u201cwhat I wish I\u2019d had as a teenager, and what I discovered I need right now.\u201d His words speak to the heart of what makes All the World\u2019s a Stage<\/em> so resonant \u2014 it\u2019s a story for anyone who\u2019s ever had to hide, and for everyone who believes in a freer future.<\/p>\n

In a time when LGBTQ people and stories are being targeted, All the World\u2019s a Stage<\/em> is tender, urgent, and unflinching, example of art meeting activism, showcasing what’s possible when we have can apply quiet courage to our daily lives.<\/p>\n

In a post-show talkback on April 17, GLAAD’s\u00a0Tony Morrison<\/strong> led a conversation on “The Politics of Identity: Affirmation and Advocacy” with NYC Council Member for District #3, Erik Bottcher,<\/strong> and Adam Odsess-Rubin<\/strong>, Artistic Director of the National Queer Theater.<\/p>\n

The three discussed in greater depth how shows like this not only challenge audiences to think beyond the stage, but to act beyond it as well.<\/p>\n

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And as the show catches the attention of those on and off Broadway, the show’s musical number “Dinner,” was covered by the Kristen Bell<\/strong> and Santino Fontana<\/strong>. It was also their first time singing together since\u00a0Frozen<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by Adam Gwon (@gwonster)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n