Forestburgh Playhouse

A bastion of high-quality theater in the Sullivan Catskills and an LGBTQ+ haven since its founding in 1947, the Forestburgh Playhouse in upstate New York is maximizing Pride month with a series of exciting events that include new plays, concerts, and more. But at the famed Playhouse, Pride isn’t a one-off event in June: the fun continues all year long. See below for a listing of the theater’s ongoing efforts to spotlight the LGBTQ+ community, create engaging events, and facilitate an audience and community of radical acceptance. Head upstate for one or all of the events below — they are not to be missed!

Drag Superstar, Lagoona Bloo!

Lagoona Bloo is New York City’s mermaid pop star. In 2021, Lagoona made a splash in the music scene when she wrote and released her first two singles, “Greedy With My Love” (which has accrued over 400,000 streams on Spotify) and “Hands”, along with her debut EP, AQUA, and her original holiday bop, “Bloo Christmas.” In 2022 she released new singles “C U Tonight”, “Sticky Sweet” (with RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, Lemon), and most recently, “Say It To The Sky”. Click here to see her discography.

Catskills Pride BBQ at the Forestburgh Playhouse!

June 17th 3-6PM

Come celebrate with Catskills Pride at the Forestburgh Playhouse. Enjoy fabulous food, cocktails and fun. Mix mingle, and celebrate Pride month together! For more information and to reserve, email gary@catskillspride.com

Broadway’s Nicholas Rodriguez Live in Concert

June 17th 3-6PM

Join Broadway star and Forestburgh favorite, Nicholas Rodriguez, for a night of musical celebration under the stars. Enjoy a wide breadth of stylings from from Stephen Sondheim to Stevie Wonder — from John Denver to Joni Mitchell — and many more.

The Absolute Brightness Of Leonard Pelkey

June 20, 2023 – June 25, 2023

Written by LGBTQ+ Activis and Playwright, Celeste LeCesne

In this inspiring, funny and illuminating play, 1 actor portrays every character in a small Jersey Shore town as he unravels the story of Leonard Pelkey, a tenaciously optimistic and effervescent 14-year-old boy who goes missing. A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, Leonard becomes an unexpected inspiration to the entire town. “Leaves you beaming with joy…a superlative solo show that shimmers with the needling suspense you associate with the best police procedurals!” NY Times.

The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey was written by renowned Playwright, Screenwriter, Activist and Actor, Celeste LeCesne (formerly James LeCesne). LeCesne won an Academy Award for the short film Trevor, is one of the founders of the Trevor Project, and Artistic Director & Co-Founder of the Future Perfect Project.

To celebrate LeCesne’s visit, the theater is throwing a party! At 6:30PM on June 24, Meet the Playwright, a mixer with cocktails, nibbles and conversation at the Forestburgh Tavern. After the show, audiences will convene in the Tavern for a Q&A and talkback with the Playwright (cocktails and snacks provided). A Pelkey Pass is only $70 for a ticket to the show, cocktail mixer and Talkback and a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Future Perfect Project.

The Diva in Me Starring Christina Stroup

“The DIVAS in arts and culture have constantly inspired and delighted us. Their confidence, charisma, songs and spirit have been a source of inspiration to the LGBTQ+ Community. That’s why our first cabaret of the season (and during Pride Month) will highlight the songs of the Divas, sung by one of our favorite Playhouse Divas!”

Power vocalist & Playhouse Favorite, Christina Stroup returns to Forestburgh! In her solo cabaret, Christina will releases her inna Diva and treat audiences to iconic hits from Cabaret, Gypsy, Funny Girl, Mamma Mia and so much more!

The Rocky Horror Show LIVE!

Let’s do the Time Warp Again! For the 8th year, the Playhouse presents the iconic, raucous, fabulously queer live production of Rocky Horror every weekend in October! This immersive and wild spectacle is not to be missed. Get your tickets early because it will sell out!