BEST OF THE YEAR

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WINNER OF 2 OBIE AWARDS

Obie Award for Best Performance (Morgan Bassichis)
Obie Award for Best Direction (Sam Pinkleton)

"A manic testimonial about creative ambition and political activism filtered through the stand-up of the comedian Frank Maya. Their shapeshifting and blistering work is an inquiry into what comedy is and what power we want to wield that was, thank God, also cuttingly hilarious." - New York Magazine

"Bassichis moves effortlessly between their own sharp reflections (and occasional rants) and Maya's original words, creating a conversation across time that is deeply funny and moving." - The New York Times

"Exquisitely funny" - The New Yorker

"Brisk and hilarious" - The Washington Post

"Hilarious and moving, reveling in all kinds of mess yet immaculate in its construction and delivery" - The Daily Beast

About the Show

In a desperate attempt to prove they can think about someone other than themself, Morgan Bassichis turns to the work of queer comedian, musician, and performance artist Frank Maya. Maya was among the first out gay comedians on network television and on the precipice of mainstream success before he died from AIDS-related complications in 1995. This new “solo” performance humbly attempts to ensure Maya’s legacy is no longer overlooked while finally resolving the bottomless queer search for fame and for father figures, and for laughter in times of crisis.

Can I Be Frank? is written and performed by Morgan Bassichis and based on and with original material by Frank Maya. It is directed by 2025 Tony Award Winner for Best Director Sam Pinkleton (Oh, Mary!) and was originally developed and produced at La MaMa Experimental Club.