For one night only, LA based playwright Del Shores is bringing his new one man play, “Six Characters in Search of a Play,” to Charlotte at Theater Charlotte to benefit Stonewall Sports. June 16th, at 7 p.m., Del will take the stage with this hilarious new comedy for one night only in Charlotte. Many of you know Del from other shows like Sordid Lives, A Very Sordid Wedding, Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will, and Southern Baptist Sissies, just to name a few.
To take advantage of this half price offer (for any seats–no limits, even the VIP seats) follow this link and select the half price option. You will get half off your entire order. The VIP seats are closer to the stage (as it is general admission) and you get into the VIP reception with the playwright after the show for a champagne toast and will get a photo taken with him, an autograph, and a signed DVD of his other critically acclaimed play, Southern Baptist Sissies, starring Emmy winner Leslie Jordan (Will and Grace).
Del was kind enough to do a short phone interview just for Charlotte on the Cheap about the play and his reasons for coming to Charlotte.
Del, it seems like you have a pretty strong presence in the Charlotte area and with organizations like Stonewall Sports. What makes Charlotte a city you want to keep coming back to?
The fans. The love! I’ve been having a very Sordid affair with Charlotte for years. It doesn’t suck to be adored and I feel loved and adored by my Charlotte fans and friends. It’s truly one of my favorite cities to perform in. You never have to explain to those Southern boys and girls why someone looks under a pie plate! AND, Dale Pierce always reaches out and makes my appearances happen!
Most everyone knows you for the Sordid Lives franchise, and most recently the “end” of that chapter with a Very Sordid Wedding. Tell us about this new play “Six Characters in Search of a Play”. How did it come about and what can the audience expect?
Ironically, I wrote some of it right in Charlotte when were were on the Sordid Wedding tour. In some down time, I was telling Ann Walker (Lavonda) about my Aunt Bobby Sue — and she said, “I want to play her when you steal her and put her in a play.” I realized that there were a few of those characters, real life people who had inspired me and were kind of waiting in the wings to be put in a play, film or TV show. The idea hit me and I started writing Six Characters!
A lot of your writing comes and is drawn from personal experience. How is that so in this new venture?
Yes… This is a excerpt from the play:
“I’m going to introduce you to a menagerie of six real people… that I have met, who have inspired me, but have not made it into one my plays, films or TV shows! Yet! But someday, maybe you’ll be watching something I’ve written… “Oh my God! That Del Shores was tellin’ the truth.” Well MY version of the truth. To quote Mark Twain – “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story!” ”
In a time of change for the entire LGBTQA community, what do you think attracts people to your works?
First and foremost, the humor. And the characters. I strive to tell the truth with my characters, flaws and all. They resonate with so many, especially if you grew up in the South. Or in the church! Or in the church in the South!
Finally, why is giving back to organizations, like Stonewall Sports so important to you as a entertainer?
Look, here’s the truth, my truth. I have been so blessed with so much love from our community and beyond all these years. I get to do what I love, which is not work, it’s just playing really. I don’t give to a church anymore, so these organizations, these IMPORTANT organizations that help, heal and save so many, well, THEY are my church. Giving back is not an option. It’s a must.
Charlotte on the Cheap is a member of 
