The show's framework encourages participation by having audiences represent the tour group for whom the tour guide must prevail upon the impressive political legacy of a sexual predator.
This dynamic relationship creates spontaneous interaction between the guide and the group, which encourages audiences to participate directly in the tour’s unraveling as they witness tour guide struggle comprehending the truth.
This dynamic relationship creates spontaneous interaction between the guide and the group, which encourages audiences to participate directly in the tour’s unraveling as they witness tour guide struggle comprehending the truth.
The museum-like atmosphere is established simply by a tripod holding a "Pardon Our Appearance" sign, flanked by two American flags, and the exhibits are defined through mime to draw the audience's imagination further envision the various characters that Joe speaks of and are central to the plot.
The Honorable Herbert Peabody is a fictional story based on actual events.
And although it never mentions actual politicians or celebrities, it ridicules the status quo, belittles the powerful, and humanizes the struggle of the marginalized, taking great joy in the fully bipartisan skewering of politics and power from both sides of the aisle. Most importantly the show makes audiences both laugh and think about the role they play in addressing systems of abuse to create a better, safer, and more equitable world. Finally, the show also offers wonderful opportunities of community engagement, partnership, and audience talk backs.
And although it never mentions actual politicians or celebrities, it ridicules the status quo, belittles the powerful, and humanizes the struggle of the marginalized, taking great joy in the fully bipartisan skewering of politics and power from both sides of the aisle. Most importantly the show makes audiences both laugh and think about the role they play in addressing systems of abuse to create a better, safer, and more equitable world. Finally, the show also offers wonderful opportunities of community engagement, partnership, and audience talk backs.
NYC - World Premiere
interesting fact
Premiered during the week of the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court Confirmation hearings, where he was accused of sexual assault by multiple women. Eventually, the Senate would confirm him to the court by a vote of 50–48.
Video clip: The Chain Theatre, NYC - 2022
Performed by Kirk McGee Directed by Corey Atkins
Scenic Design by Clíona Smith Lighting Design by Paige Seber
Stage Managed by Dailee Morrone
Performed by Kirk McGee Directed by Corey Atkins
Scenic Design by Clíona Smith Lighting Design by Paige Seber
Stage Managed by Dailee Morrone
The Honorable Herbert Peabody is a seventy-five-minute solo show that, with its small cast and crew and simple but impactful production design, can easily adapt to theater venues of all shapes and sizes.
The show's framework encourages participation by having audiences represent the tour group for whom the tour guide must prevail upon the impressive political legacy of a sexual predator. This dynamic relationship creates spontaneous interaction between the guide and the group, which encourages audiences to participate directly in the tour’s unraveling as they witness tour guide struggle comprehending the truth.
The show's framework encourages participation by having audiences represent the tour group for whom the tour guide must prevail upon the impressive political legacy of a sexual predator. This dynamic relationship creates spontaneous interaction between the guide and the group, which encourages audiences to participate directly in the tour’s unraveling as they witness tour guide struggle comprehending the truth.
Kirk McGee creates funny, loose-limbed theatrical performances that speak to the survival of the human spirit. His works are anchored by two ironic notions working in tandem: First, our flaws, follies, and blunders unite us rather than divide us; and second, once we are united, there are endless possibilities available to us to tear down the barriers that divide us.
However, rather than presenting fearless heroes to illustrate these guiding principles, Kirk creates fallible fools who desperately struggle to preserve their dignity while overcoming insurmountable circumstances and inevitably succumbing to the vulnerability of their true identity.
Together, Kirk and Corey, and the Peabody design team have created an evening of theater that aims to make audiences both laugh and think about the role each of us can play in addressing systems of abuse to create a better, safer, and more equitable world.
However, rather than presenting fearless heroes to illustrate these guiding principles, Kirk creates fallible fools who desperately struggle to preserve their dignity while overcoming insurmountable circumstances and inevitably succumbing to the vulnerability of their true identity.
Together, Kirk and Corey, and the Peabody design team have created an evening of theater that aims to make audiences both laugh and think about the role each of us can play in addressing systems of abuse to create a better, safer, and more equitable world.
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Dailee Morrone (Stage Manager) is a New York based stage manager. Her most recent credits include Gi60 International One Minute Theatre Festival 2021 (The Tank), Pim's Metamorphoses (Digital Presentation), Home: A NYCHA Storytelling Project (Digital Presentation), and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Brooklyn College). She is a graduate from Brooklyn College with a B.A in Theater and the Unit Production Manager with The American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
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Paige Seber (Lighting Designer) is a Lighting Designer for Theatre, Dance, Opera, Music, and Immersive Events. Her work has been seen onstage at SXSW, Minetta Lane, the Skirball Center, the Joyce, Dixon Place, Theatre For a New City, and The Havana Theatre Festival. Her work has also been seen on screen with the ChamberQueer QUEERantine Festival, International Contemporary Ensemble’s TUES@7 series, and George Mason University’s Mason Arts at Home series. Paige is a member of Song Sessions Collective and holds a BFA in Lighting Design from The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University and is a proud member of United Scenic Artists USA-829. seberlighting.com
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Clíona Smith (Scenic Designer) is a Scenic Designer and carpenter from Dallas, Texas. The Honorable Herbert Peabody is her first professional production and she is very excited to be part of the team. Her recent work includes Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Cosi fan Tutte, and Men on Boats all performed at the University of Oklahoma.
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Kimberly Colburn (Dramaturg): Decades of experience in artistic departments at multiple theatres with a focus on new play development. Credits include: Co-Director for the Pacific Playwrights Festival (PPF), Literary Director for South Coast Repertory (SCR), Senior Producer of New Work for Soulpepper Theatre, Freelance Dramaturg, Script Reader, and/or Evaluator for dozens of organizations in the U.S. and Canada including: Actors Theatre of Louisville, Denver Center Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Playwrights Center, The O’Neill Theatre Conference, PlayPenn, Native Voices at the Autry, Mixed Blood Theatre, IAMA Theatre company (Los Angeles), Artists at Play (Los Angeles), National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), Leah Ryan Prize, Literary Manager and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA), Network of Ensemble Theatres (NET), National New Play Network (NNPN), Soulpepper Theatre (Toronto), Musical Theatre Company (Toronto), Oregon Contemporary Theatre, and Local Theatre Company (Colorado). Visit www.theatrekimberly.com for more information.
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Corey Atkins (Director) is a New York City-based director, creative producer, and writer. He most recently directed the premiere of John Jiler’s Under Big Piney starring Tim Bake Nelson and Gloria Reuben (Intiman Theatre online), and a workshop of Matthew Goldstein’s new dark comedy, Purgatorium, lead by Noah and Emma Galvin (Evan Bernardin Productions). Other credits include: Lincoln Center Theatre/Institute, Noor Theatre/NYTW, The Acting Company, Cleveland Play House, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Denver Center, Hangar Theatre, and Portland Stage Company, among many others. Corey was Associate Producer for the 2015 Tony Award-winning Cleveland Play House from 2011-16, and Artistic Associate at The Playwrights Realm from 2017-2018. He is a Drama League Directing Fellow, a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab, and was a finalist for SDC’s Mike Ockrent Fellowship with Casey Nicholaw, and Gielgud Fellowship with Michael Greif. He has also been a volunteer for the Latinx Theatre Commons Translation Committee. He holds an M.F.A. in Directing from the University of Texas at Austin. www.CoreyAtkins.com
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Kirk McGee* (Performer/Writer): Kirk McGee is an award-winning actor and playwright whose career spans theater, film, and TV. As an actor he has appeared in various off-Broadway productions, regional and NY theaters (Philly Shakespeare, StageWorks Hudson Theater, Cherry Lane Theater) On TV he has appeared on Are We There Yet? (recurring), Law & Order, The Path, and Sesame Street. Kirk received nominations for Best Actor at Idyllwild International Film Festival and for The Jack Nance Breakthrough Performance Award at VisionFest for his performance in the title role in the romantic comedy Chasing Taste (featured on Amazon/iTunes). Most recently has received a Performance Grant from The Café Royal Cultural Foundation. www.McGee4me.com
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The Honorable Herbert Peabody embraces the idea that real change occurs when intelligent art and community collaboration join forces.
During the height of the #MeToo Movement, as the country was coping with the explosion of all the sexual misconduct and abuse of power that was being uncovered (finally). McGee, like everybody else, was exploring for ways to redefine his role and responsibilities in supporting women by asking himself the fundamental question: How can I do better?
He began researching what implications happen when we absolve the misconduct because he was a favor celebrity, politician, teacher, close friend, or relative. He also found it curious that these men were more concerned with preserving their legacy than proclaiming their innocence. McGee was also wrestling with the consequences of revering the achievements of these celebrated men while at the same time being absolutely disgusted by their deplorable behavior. What consequences will their actions have on their legacy – Who holds them accountable for their actions and who oversees the narrative of those legacies? Historians? Archivists? Museums? Libraries? And that’s when Joe the tour guide and The Honorable Herbert Peabody was born.
During the height of the #MeToo Movement, as the country was coping with the explosion of all the sexual misconduct and abuse of power that was being uncovered (finally). McGee, like everybody else, was exploring for ways to redefine his role and responsibilities in supporting women by asking himself the fundamental question: How can I do better?
He began researching what implications happen when we absolve the misconduct because he was a favor celebrity, politician, teacher, close friend, or relative. He also found it curious that these men were more concerned with preserving their legacy than proclaiming their innocence. McGee was also wrestling with the consequences of revering the achievements of these celebrated men while at the same time being absolutely disgusted by their deplorable behavior. What consequences will their actions have on their legacy – Who holds them accountable for their actions and who oversees the narrative of those legacies? Historians? Archivists? Museums? Libraries? And that’s when Joe the tour guide and The Honorable Herbert Peabody was born.
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Kimberly Colburn (Dramaturg): Decades of experience in artistic departments at multiple theatres with a focus on new play development. Credits include: Co-Director for the Pacific Playwrights Festival (PPF), Literary Director for South Coast Repertory (SCR), Senior Producer of New Work for Soulpepper Theatre, Freelance Dramaturg, Script Reader, and/or Evaluator for dozens of organizations in the U.S. and Canada including: Actors Theatre of Louisville, Denver Center Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Playwrights Center, The O’Neill Theatre Conference, PlayPenn, Native Voices at the Autry, Mixed Blood Theatre, IAMA Theatre company (Los Angeles), Artists at Play (Los Angeles), National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), Leah Ryan Prize, Literary Manager and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA), Network of Ensemble Theatres (NET), National New Play Network (NNPN), Soulpepper Theatre (Toronto), Musical Theatre Company (Toronto), Oregon Contemporary Theatre, and Local Theatre Company (Colorado). Visit www.theatrekimberly.com for more information.
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... Thus, Joe, the tour guide, and The Honorable Herbert Peabody were born.
Coincidentally, a biography about Kirk's grandfather, former U.S. Senator Gale McGee, was published during this time. The Gale McGee Papers archived at the American Heritage Center provided the majority of the research of his untarnished legacy as a leader who could respectfully debate the most divisive issues and honestly believed that we were strongest when we served those who needed justice..... However, it did spark a rather uncomfortable question:
- "What will a tour be like at the Donald Trump Presidential Library?"
During the zeitgeist of the #MeToo movement...
Kirk began exploring the dynamics of the abuse of power. He grappled with the impact of simultaneously revering the achievements of celebrated men, like Bill Cosby, while still reviling their deplorable personal behavior. He studied the implications of choosing to absolve the misconduct because the perpetrator is a favorite celebrity, teacher, close friend, or relative. Kirk searched ways to redefine his role and responsibilities by asking an essential question:
- "How can I do better to support women during #MeToo and beyond?"
Both timely and hilarious, The Honorable Herbert Peabody is a one-man show that puts the audience in the shoes of Joe's tour group, inviting them to decide whether to ignore, change, or make history.
Think of it as Ted Lasso meets What the Constitution Means To Me - a winning combination of political satire, broad physical comedy, incisive solo performance and a powerful story told with honesty and warmth. With a small cast and crew, and simple but impactful production design …Herbert Peabody offers a unique theatrical experience that is easily adaptable for venues of all types and sizes!
Think of it as Ted Lasso meets What the Constitution Means To Me - a winning combination of political satire, broad physical comedy, incisive solo performance and a powerful story told with honesty and warmth. With a small cast and crew, and simple but impactful production design …Herbert Peabody offers a unique theatrical experience that is easily adaptable for venues of all types and sizes!
Kirk’s work uses the power of humor, and clowning-inspired performance to create work that speaks to the very survival of the human spirit by exploring how our flaws and follies unite rather than divide us. The Honorable Herbert Peabody is a solo show that blends political satire and urgent social issues offering a unique theatrical experience that inspires the audience to engage in an honest dialogue about creating a culture shift in eliminating social and gender inequality.
How does a hapless tour guide juggle a Senator’s lofty legacy with his litany of sex scandals? That’s the riddle at the heart of the seriously funny new solo show, The Honorable Herbert Peabody. It’s the opening day of the Honorable Herbert Peabody Library and Legacy Center, and a well-intentioned tour guide named Joe encounters an increasingly disgruntled tour group and a new understanding of his own actions. As the tour unravels, Joe must decide if he will continue to stand idly by or finally stand on the right side of history.
If you are a member of NACA looking to book the show for your University event please email us at [email protected]
A very funny solo show about a very serious issue...
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Corey Atkins (Director) is a New York City-based director, creative producer, and writer. He most recently directed the premiere of John Jiler’s Under Big Piney starring Tim Bake Nelson and Gloria Reuben (Intiman Theatre online), and a workshop of Matthew Goldstein’s new dark comedy, Purgatorium, lead by Noah and Emma Galvin (Evan Bernardin Productions). Other credits include: Lincoln Center Theatre/Institute, Noor Theatre/NYTW, The Acting Company, Cleveland Play House, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Denver Center, Hangar Theatre, and Portland Stage Company, among many others. Corey was Associate Producer for the 2015 Tony Award-winning Cleveland Play House from 2011-16, and Artistic Associate at The Playwrights Realm from 2017-2018. He is a Drama League Directing Fellow, a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab, and was a finalist for SDC’s Mike Ockrent Fellowship with Casey Nicholaw, and Gielgud Fellowship with Michael Greif. He has also been a volunteer for the Latinx Theatre Commons Translation Committee. He holds an M.F.A. in Directing from the University of Texas at Austin. www.CoreyAtkins.com
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Kirk McGee (Performer/Writer): Kirk McGee is an award-winning actor and playwright whose career spans theater, film, and TV. As an actor he has appeared in various off-Broadway productions, regional and NY theaters (Philly Shakespeare, StageWorks Hudson Theater, Cherry Lane Theater) On TV he has appeared on Are We There Yet? (recurring), Law & Order, The Path, and Sesame Street. Kirk received nominations for Best Actor at Idyllwild International Film Festival and for The Jack Nance Breakthrough Performance Award at VisionFest for his performance in the title role in the romantic comedy Chasing Taste (featured on Amazon/iTunes). He is also a 2021 Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation Grantee. www.McGee4me.com
Corey Atkins (Director) is a New York City-based director, creative producer, and writer. He most recently directed the premiere of John Jiler’s Under Big Piney starring Tim Bake Nelson and Gloria Reuben (Intiman Theatre online), and a workshop of Matthew Goldstein’s new dark comedy, Purgatorium, lead by Noah and Emma Galvin (Evan Bernardin Productions). Other credits include: Lincoln Center Theatre/Institute, Noor Theatre/NYTW, The Acting Company, Cleveland Play House, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Denver Center, Hangar Theatre, and Portland Stage Company, among many others. Corey was Associate Producer for the 2015 Tony Award-winning Cleveland Play House from 2011-16, and Artistic Associate at The Playwrights Realm from 2017-2018. He is a Drama League Directing Fellow, a member of the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab, and was a finalist for SDC’s Mike Ockrent Fellowship with Casey Nicholaw, and Gielgud Fellowship with Michael Greif. He has also been a volunteer for the Latinx Theatre Commons Translation Committee. He holds an M.F.A. in Directing from the University of Texas at Austin. www.CoreyAtkins.com
A tour guide struggles to celebrate his hero's political legacy after news breaks the Senator is a sexual predator.
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The Honorable Herbert Peabody is a solo theater show that follows Joe, the well-intentioned tour guide, who struggles to celebrate the historical achievements of this vile sexual predator for whom he once revered as his personal hero. As the tour completely unravels Joe wrestles with his own past neglectful behavior and must decide if he’s going to continue to stand idly by or find the courage to stand on the right side of history.
THE HONORABLE HERBERT PEABODY was inspired by the collision of two important facets of Kirk McGee’s life: the #MeToo scandals of his comedy hero Bill Cosby and upcoming democratic party leader Senator Al Franken, and having grown up in a family with a (thankfully untarnished) political legacy. McGee’s grandfather, Gale McGee, represented Wyoming as a Democrat in the United States Senate from 1959 until 1977. As both a Senator and Ambassador, he was a major player in the development of America’s post–WW II foreign policy and almost every legislative milestone in U.S. history from the 1950s to 1980. As the Kirk wrestled with what it means to simultaneously revere the achievements of men like Cosby or Franken and revile their personal behavior, he wondered what role he could play to support women in the #MeToo era. A literal role—Joe the Tour Guide—was born.
With compassion and humor, The Honorable Herbert Peabody is a solo theater show that gives permission to everyone, specifically men, to reflect upon their past actions or inaction when faced directly or indirectly with sexual harassment and to recognize what responsibility they need to take to create a better, safer, more equitable world. .... to ask: "How did I feel when I discovered that my personal hero was a sexual predator? How did I react when I heard the news about my favorite celebrity or politician? What did I do when you found out the truth about your favorite teacher, close friend, or relative?" Don’t worry, as a helpless bystander, silence and fear have always been totally normal reactions for not speaking up. Totally normal and acceptable reactions... until now.