Anita Bryant's Playboy Interview

Excellent, funny, thought-provoking, brilliant!... full review

So... Anita Bryant has been on my "try-to-avoid" list of people for many now. I vividly remember how mad she made me in my youth. This show made me laugh at her, and perhaps my younger self also. If you didn't live through those years, this will show you what the world was like then. The acting was credible and natural; staging simple and effective. It's a well-written, interesting show that shows the oxymoronic relationship of sexuality and the US, as well as a reawakening of the right-wing movement. Plus, it was fun!... full review

A tremendously engaging, creative and constantly surprising one-act that treats its subject - the incredible 1970's Playboy magazine interview with beauty queen/singer/orange-juice-spokesperson/notorious homophobe Anita Bryant (who supplies plenty of rope with which to hang herself with her own words) - with humor, sensitivity, and complexity. John Copeland is luminous as Anita, presenting her as by turns innocent, engaging, vain, gentle, obsessive, horrifying, vulnerable and pitiable. The play provides a lot of laughs, but it's not strictly a comedy. It captures the serious consequences of Bryant's single-minded rampage to stamp out homosexuality, but refuses to reduce her to caricature. ... full review

I loved this show! It was so hilarious and just heartbreaking all in one. John Copeland does a terrific job at not judging Anita.. I truly felt like i was in the room with her( but a much more fun one i am certain)..She caused so many people so much pain- yet at points i felt sorry for her..a true testament to John's take on her and the show as a whole. My favorite moment on the play was Anita talking on the phone while throwing a New Years Eve party- the absolutely insane things she says to the Playboy interviewer will have you giggling. I felt the period was handled really well; It truly took me back to the 70's..I had forgotten that the featured Playboy Interview was such a big deal..And i must say I miss it. Today some many celebriti... full review

Hilarious, and you'll be amazed at how much you DON'T know about this historic time in gay history. And how ultimately Anita Bryant did more good for the gay movement than one could imagine. SEE THIS SHOW and a kickass funny drag queen as Anita.... full review

I truly enjoyed this show! John Copeland's riveting portrayal of Anita Bryant ushered me through a range of emotions and ultimately provided me with a deeper understanding of one of America's most infamous crusaders against homosexuality. Anita Bryant's Playboy Interview is a brilliant show well worth your time!... full review

In 1978, Anita Bryant sat down with Playboy Magazine for an 8-day interview. By that time, Anita Bryant had become a central figure in the battle over gay rights. In fact, she is credited with galvanizing both the anti-gay and gay rights movements. Yet her status as an influential historical figure is just now becoming apparent as US voters and legislatures, thirty-five years later, are just beginning to put her arguments to rest. Writers John Copeland and Robert Whirry have adapted the Playboy interview into a one-hour play, breaking up portions of the interview with monologues by Gail Stanton... Please read the rest of the review at <a href="http://cinesnatch.blogspot.com/2014/06/2014-hollywood-fringe-review-anita.html">Cinesnatch... full review

This show was phenomenal! I went in not knowing much about Anita Bryant and have been scouring the internet for footage since I saw this show. The play, through it's incredible performances, recounts this hilarious real-life "character" from the 70s highlighting social issues that are still so relevant today. The actor portraying Anita Bryant was soo good! I want to go back again. ... full review

Wonderful fun watching this smartly written piece about a seminal moment in LGBT history! John Copeland is totally funny and affecting in his campy yet poignant portrayal of Anita. Stephen Simon rocks as Playboy writer Ken Kelly and brett paesel (her spelling) is compelling as Playmate of the month for June 1978 Gail Stanton. Totally worth your time and money! Go see it.... full review

A thoroughly entertaining and enlightening show – with a twirl-de-force performance by John Copeland as Anita! The inventive staging and use of mixed media kept the interview format lively and the show full of surprises. Perfect for a fun night out!... full review