The Spin
/// Anthony Wilkinson & Brandon Goins photo by FrankieC.net. Hair and makeup by Christine Prete Rivera.
Frankie C goes Gay in a Big Way as he chats with Anthony Wilkinson, Creator and Star of My Big Gay Italian Wedding and My Big Gay Italian Funeral.
How did you find your way into the wonderful world of show business?
I started as an intern in 1996 at “One Life to Live.” I moved up to an associate director and was there for 14 years. My passion was always theatre, and I started doing shows in NYC in 2001, and I loved it.
Do you see yourself as a role model for the young LG BTQ community?
I hope to be. No one should have to deal with the pressures so many of us dealt with in our youth. If these shows help educate people using heart and comedy, then ultimately it will help the next generation long term.
How true to life is My Big Gay Italian Wedding and My Big Gay Italian Funeral in the Italian culture?
Have you been to Staten Island? It’s spot on!
Writing the story line for both shows, did you see it as an uphill battle?
Writing comes easy to me because I write what I know and embellish from there. Ultimately it relaxes me, and when I feel good about something it’s extremely rewarding when my stories are brought to life.
Was your family supportive of both projects?
Very. I’m truly blessed.
In the theatre community, who was your role model?
My role model is my father, because he went after what he wanted and was always driven to be successful. He’s not in the theatre community though.
The “Real Housewives of New Jersey” and “Mob Wives” made appearances in My Big Gay Italian Wedding. Which
group did you enjoy working with?
They’re both very sweet women all around, and they really helped me get the word out and promote the show.
Is My Big Gay Italian Funeral making the same impact as My Big Gay Italian Wedding?
Slowly but surely, I think Funeral is going to make a bigger impact than Wedding because it’s relatable to every audience.
Besides New York City, where else is My Big Gay Italian Wedding and My Big Gay Italian Funeral showing?
Funeral just became available through Samuel French this month. Wedding has played in over 20 U.S. cities, London, Scotland, France and Hong Kong.
Which character is most likable by the audience?
Maurizio. He’s the comic relief.
Is your life as dramatic as your character?
Oh god, I hope not!
What been your greatest experience in your life thus far?
I’m living it right now.
Is there talk of turning My Big Gay Italian Wedding or My Big Gay Italian Funeral into a movie?
Eventually. For now I would really like to continue to see them grow in the world of licensing and here in NYC.
Where would you like see yourself in the next five years?
Another sequel or Broadway.
When and where are the shows being presented?
St. Luke’s Theatre on 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. My Big Gay Wedding is on Saturdays at 8 p.m., and My Big Gay Italian Funeral is on Sundays at 7 p.m.
Best Always, Frankie C
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