Podcast Summary: StraightioLab – Episode "Theater" featuring Charlene Incarnate

Introduction

In the November 5, 2024 episode of StraightioLab, hosted by George Severis and Sam Taggart from the Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts, the dynamic duo is joined by guest comedian Charlene Incarnate to delve into the intricate relationship between straight culture and the world of theater in New York City. The episode, titled "Theater," offers a candid exploration of how Broadway and broader theater scenes are navigating the interplay between straight dominance and LGBTQ+ influences.

Setting the Stage: LA vs. New York City

The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted comparison between living in Los Angeles and New York City. Charlene humorously reflects on missing the multitasking romance of New York life, such as balancing a coffee in one hand and the subway in the other:

[05:12] Charlene: "I have had a realization recently that I'm a huge tote bag. Gay."

This sets the tone for a discussion that intertwines personal anecdotes with cultural observations.

Broadway's Evolution: From Gay Haven to Straight Enterprise

Charlene and the hosts critically examine Broadway's transformation over the years. They lament the shift from a predominantly gay-friendly environment to one increasingly influenced by straight culture and commercial interests. Charlene remarks on the influx of formulaic, IP-based musicals:

[38:04] Charlene: "I was trying to express this to Charlie before we record. I love theater, and I love going to the theater. What I struggle with and have struggled with historically is the Broadway musical... it's constant... Disney marvel ification of Broadway."

The hosts discuss how productions like Legally Blonde, Mean Girls, and Matilda mirror a venture capital approach—combining popular elements to guarantee commercial success rather than artistic integrity.

The Cruel Reality of Modern Musicals

Delving deeper, the trio critiques specific Broadway shows for their perceived lack of depth and authenticity. Charlene shares her disappointment with productions such as Sweeney Todd and Company, highlighting how these shows have been sanitized to cater to mainstream, straight audiences:

[40:33] Charlene: "We have been in a drought, an era in our tenure as gay New Yorkers, we've mostly been in an era where theater in New York is consumed by and participated in... it's a lot. Really, really straight, in my opinion."

"Straight Shooters" Segment: Rapid-Fire Insights

In the episode's interactive segment, "Straight Shooters," Charlene participates in a rapid-fire question game designed to probe preferences and stereotypes within straight culture. The segment is rife with humor and quick-witted exchanges, showcasing Charlene's sharp comedic prowess. Notable exchanges include:

[24:34] Charlene: "The diving for sure. Absolutely. The ADHD thing, we got gay people identifying into that left and right. It's practically autism at this point."

[26:09] Charlene: "I'm gonna go with tennis."

The segment underscores the nuances and sometimes absurdities in how straight culture intersects with LGBTQ+ identities.

Reclaiming Theater: The Push for a Gay Era on Broadway

Charlene passionately advocates for a resurgence of genuine LGBTQ+ representation in theater. She contrasts current productions with the "glory days" of Broadway's more authentic and inclusive performances. The discussion touches on recent shows like Wicked and Chicago, critiquing their modern iterations for lacking the original's queer essence.

[40:00] Charlene: "We're moving back towards gay theater. We've got O Mary on Broadway. We've got the Jellicle Ball. Likely transferring. If God is real."

Shout Outs: Celebrating Culture and Icons

The episode concludes with the "Shout Outs" segment, where Charlene and the hosts give heartfelt and humorous praises to various cultural icons. Charlene notably shines a spotlight on country music, humorously dissecting the perceived homophobia within the genre while celebrating its subtle LGBTQ+ influences:

[80:53] Charlene: "I want to give a big shout out to country music... Garth Brooks is a card carrying cocksucker."

Her candid and unabashed commentary adds a layer of raw honesty to the episode, blending humor with critical cultural analysis.

Conclusion: A Call for Authentic Representation

Throughout the episode, Charlene, George, and Sam articulate a compelling case for preserving and enhancing LGBTQ+ representation in theater. They argue that authentic storytelling and inclusive production choices are essential for maintaining theater's rich, diverse tapestry. The episode serves as both a critique of current Broadway trends and a rallying cry for a more inclusive future in performing arts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Charlene on Tote Bags and Identity:

  "[05:12] Charlene: I have had a realization recently that I'm a huge tote bag. Gay."

• Charlene on Broadway’s Commercialization:

  "[38:04] Charlene: ...Disney marvel ification of Broadway."

• "Straight Shooters" Rapid Responses:

  "[24:34] Charlene: The diving for sure. Absolutely. The ADHD thing, we got gay people identifying into that left and right."

• Charlene on Reclaiming Theater:

  "[40:00] Charlene: We're moving back towards gay theater."

• Charlene’s Shout Out to Country Music:

  "[80:53] Charlene: I want to give a big shout out to country music... Garth Brooks is a card carrying cocksucker."

Final Thoughts

This episode of StraightioLab deftly balances humor with incisive cultural critique, offering listeners an engaging and thoughtful examination of theater's place within straight and gay cultures. Charlene Incarnate's contributions add depth and vibrancy to the conversation, making "Theater" a standout episode for fans interested in the evolving dynamics of Broadway and inclusive representation in the arts.