Bare: A Pop Opera

A very troubled production...this gay musical seems to have run into financial difficulties!

Despite the popularity of musicals among gay men, there aren’t actually that many successful stage musicals that cover gay issues – at least openly. However one that’s remained popular since it debuted in 2000 in Los Angeles is Bare: A Pop Opera. Since then it’s played Off-Broadway, in London, Sydney, Houston, Buenos Aires and many other places around the globe.

Now the gay-themed musical is getting turned into a movie, with original director, Tony nominee Kristin Hanggi, returning to adapt the screenplay and helm the film. The original show is a ‘musical with a book by Jon Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo, lyrics by Hartmere and music by Intrabartolo. The story focuses on two gay high school students and their struggles at their private Catholic High School.’ Jason is the star pupil at the school, but he’s also secretly dating his roommate Peter. It deals with a variety of issues, including bullying, discrimination, religion, and suicide, and has come be to be seen as a significant piece in the hostiry of gay theatre.

It debuted in 2000 at the Hudson Theatre in Los Angeles, then at the American Theater of Actors Off-Broadway in 2004. With numerous other production staged around the globe, it’s gained many fans. Indeed there’s enough that the makers of the movie are looking for people to submit one-minute videos about ‘how the musical bare impacted and changed your life’.

Trailer...

Watch...the making of...

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