Patient Pilgrim

By Kai Bisby
Photo by Michael Dressler

I don't know if it is the state of the world or the highly successful Matrix films, but the age-old story of trapped souls rising up against the establishment seeking freedom from oppression is an extremely popular theme these days. Now musical theater is getting a taste of uprisings and dreams-come-true in the new production of Pilgrim, opening at the Ricardo Montalban Theatre (1615 Vine St.) on March 25. While the production is new, the concept of Pilgrim has been 17 years in the making. Creator and writer of both the book and music, John Stothers has, in a sense, been the main character in his show: Tinker, an imprisoned pot mender who comes to find that he holds the key to leading the oppressed to freedom. The key lies within his dreams and it was dreams John Stothers had 17 years ago when he conceived of this show that started his own journey of theatrical freedom. At the time, Stothers was looking for a story that would combine his life-long love for musical theater with the ancient journey myths. "Musical theater is a larger than life art form. Therefore the realm of fantasy, myth, and epics are uniquely suited to the genre," states Stothers in a release for this show that may have a common theme but also has a very unique story. He searched for collaboration to make this show into a reality, but his attempts were fruitless. "No one pays you while you're attempting to create a musicalÑit's a wonder that any artists can commit to such a huge undertaking and still eat, so I understand why we never got there." But get there he did. After years of presentations, concerts, and readings, Pilgrim is finding its freedom on the stage. Out director Nick De Gruccio first experienced Pilgrim 10 years back as the narrator for one of the workshops of the show, and believes that there is a reason for this production to come out now. "This show is absolutely current," says De Gruccio who signed on as director last year, "There are events in this play that are playing out right now in the world. I told John, when it's the right time it's the right time." De Gruccio also thinks that gay audiences will relate to the themes in the show (beyond the hot guys doing acrobatics, of course). "It has to do with what is marriage? It has to do with overcoming repression and judgment and dictatorship." And seeing hot guys doing acrobatics is not such a bad thing either. For tickets and information, call (800) 595-4849, or visit www.whatispilgrim.com.