Message to Michael

A comedy in two acts - 5 men

Michael and Kenny are best friends. When Kenny falls in love, the dynamic of this playful yet intense relationship is tested. Set in New York City, Message to Michael follows Michael and Kenny's friendship through cattle call auditions, adventures in dating and late nights in gay bars - all set against a New York City backdrop. 

Message to Michael opened on December 15th, 1996 at Rattlestick Playwright’s Theatre in New York City.  It was presented by Rattlestick Productions, Inc., David Van Asselt, Artistic Director, with the following cast: 

Michael                                        David Beach
Kenny                                           Michael Malone
Ron (and others)                        Kevin Cristaldi
Danny                                           Eric Paeper
Greg (and others)                       Anthony Meindl
Robbie (and others)                   Rick Hammerly 

Director                                       Michael Scheman
Set Design                                   Van Santvoord
Lighting Design                          Ed McCarthy
Costume Design                          Susan Branch
Sound Design                              Jeremy M. Posner
​Casting                                         Betsy Johnson/Jerry Less
Press                                            Cromarty & Co./Hugh Hayes
Production Stage Manager       Federica Lippi 

The play is dedicated to David Serko.
“A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants.” 

The New Yorker  ". . .Playwright Tim Pinckney shows a keen talent for witty dialogue and the well-timed one liner in a depiction of gay culture that is happier And gentler than some of its predecessors."

​Time Out New York  "What this strangely affecting play has on its side is sincerity And covert integrity. In a sea of bitchy, emotionally empty "gay" plays, Message to Michael is one of the kindest hearted I've seen. Pinckney has an unusually perceptive ear for discovering the humanity buried beneath snide, contemporary gay-speak.

New York Post​  ". . .a gay comedy which sends a message not just to Michael but to the New York Theatre. . . Gay can be happily merry these days."

NEXT  ". . .The year ends on a high note with Message to Michael".

Village Voice  ". . .a good deal of sharp eyed charm, and more than a little wit about gay men's' struggles to get a hold of a partner."
​
HX  “. . .Pinckney has created a piece without pretension, apology or spiritual aspirations. It's a fragrant, well-crafted tale.