ABOUT
THE SHOW
STRAIGHT FORWARD is a heartfelt and thought-provoking new musical based on the true story of an unexpected relationship between two mid-twenties straight men, Mike and Garrett, who find themselves navigating a deep connection while one battles a mysterious life-threatening illness. Originally told in a viral online article shared over 100,000 times in one night and viewed by millions, the story captured global attention.
THE SYNOPSIS
Their journey begins when they move into a shared apartment, each coming from different life experiences, but united by the comfort and friendship they offer one another. Garrett is in a long-term relationship with Jenna, while Mike grapples with his own self-inflicted health struggles and insecurities. Their close bond, however, soon transcends friendship, leading them to confront feelings they never anticipated. As Mike’s illness progresses, Garrett, a physician assistant, becomes his primary source of support, and their relationship deepens into something much more complicated than either expected. This deepening bond causes both Mike and Garrett to reevaluate not just their feelings, but also their identity and relationships.
Throughout the show, the characters wrestle with love, identity, and societal expectations. The story deftly captures the vulnerability, fear, and confusion of two people navigating an unexpected relationship. Garrett, hesitant and unsure, is challenged by Mike’s openness, which forces him to confront truths about himself that he’s long suppressed. The tension between wanting to maintain his established life with Jenna and his deepening affection for Mike creates a powerful emotional conflict. As the two explore the nature of their relationship, they confront questions about labels, societal norms, and their future. Mike’s candor and Garrett’s reluctance lead to moments of tension, heartache, and eventually a powerful understanding between the two. The pair’s journey is punctuated by tender moments, humor, and the poignant reality of Mike’s illness, making their connection even more profound.
Ultimately, STRAIGHT FORWARD is a story of truth, acceptance, and courage. It challenges the traditional ideas of relationships and identity, inviting the audience to consider love in all its forms and to recognize the beauty in life’s unexpected twists. Their story is both deeply personal and universally relatable, providing a powerful commentary on the nature of human connection in the face of adversity. Through beautiful music and emotionally charged scenes, STRAIGHT FORWARD paints a touching portrait of friendship, love, and the courage it takes to be honest with oneself and others.
FROM THE WRITERS: WHY NOW
In an increasingly divided world, STRAIGHT FORWARD stands as both a mirror and a window—reflecting shared human experiences and offering a fresh perspective to those who may not have seen themselves in such stories before. This musical navigates the delicate nuances of love, friendship, and identity within the LGBTQ+ community, a narrative that resonates deeply in today’s society, where the fight for acceptance and equality continues.
As headlines often highlight social issues like discrimination, mental health stigma, and hate crimes, the story of Mike and Garrett offers a compelling reminder of the power and necessity of inclusive storytelling. In 2023, over 520 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in states across the country, with more than 70 becoming law. Of these, 15 restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth, 7 allow misgendering of transgender individuals, 2 ban drag performances, and 4 censor school curricula on LGBTQ+ issues (Human Rights Campaign, 2023).
States have enacted policies which give educational boards the ability to exclude LGBTQ+ topics from the classroom. This has resulted in book bans and silencing of LGBTQ+ voices, creating gaps in representation for LGBTQ+ students. Meanwhile, some parental rights groups have pressured teachers and boards to remove LGBTQ+ content under the guise of protecting children. Most recently, National arts organizations like the Kennedy Center, The National Endowment of the Arts, and the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities have either been completely gutted or brought under political control to silence marginalized voices, artists, composers, and writers. STRAIGHT FORWARD challenges these harmful trends, offering essential counter-narratives that amplify voices and experiences that need to be seen and heard. Since we first began writing this show in 2015, its relevance has only grown.
STRAIGHT FORWARD is far more than a niche production; it’s a call to bridge divides and foster understanding. By addressing often-silenced social issues, this musical invites a broader audience into the conversation, encouraging each person to leave the theater not just entertained, but as part of a movement for greater inclusivity and empathy.
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