Stageworks schedules reading of ‘The XXX-Rated Genius’ by Jack Gilhooley on Nov.14;
Satirical comedy was named winner of 2018 National Free Speech Play Contest
SARASOTA, FL: Tampa-based Stageworks Theatre has scheduled a reading of Jack Gilhooley’s “The XXX-Rated Genius reading of Jack Gilhooley’s “The XXX-Rated Genius” on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa. James Rayfield will direct the full-length satirical comedy about corruption in contemporary higher education. A talkback will follow. Admission is free but reservations are suggested (813-374-2416).
“The XXX-Rated Genius” was recently selected as winner of the national 2018 Free Speech Play Contest as “a theatrical tribute of freedom of speech in the United States.” In the play, student Agatha Fenterbach has attracted favorable notice for her high academic standing at obscure Belvedere University. Her status quickly sours, however, when the school’s president learns of her after-hours job as porn star Cherry Devine. Agatha defends herself on the basis of needing to earn money for her annual tuition, now approaching the upper five figures. Just as the college is about to dismiss her, she wins a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford University. What will Belvedere do?
Multiple-award-winning author Gilhooley said, “There’s more student-porn going on than we care to admit. Undergrads are hard-pressed to keep up with the escalating college costs even as endowments go through the roof.” He makes his point with humor, without introducing nudity or pornography into the play. “I may be just one more dumb playwright but I’m not stupid,” he added.
Gilhooley has an extensive background as an international playwright and scholar. Previously based in New York City, he currently resides on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where a staged reading of “The XXX-Rated Genius” was presented at Sarasota’s Fogartyville Café. It was also read in mid-September at Nittany Theatre at the Barn (Boalsburg, PA), which is partnered with Penn State University’s School of Theatre.
Stageworks, founded in 1983, is Tampa’s longest-running professional theatre company. Located in the Channel District of downtown Tampa at 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, Stageworks has been recognized many times over the years as an outstanding venue, with additional awards for directors, playwrights, actors, designers, and staff. For further information visit Stageworks (stageworkstheatre.org) or call 813-374-2416.
