Kirk began writing The Honorable Herbert Peabody during the zeitgeist of the #MeToo movement, inspired by one question: "How can I do better?" He wanted to explore the dynamics of abuse of power, and the implications of choosing to absolve or ignore misconduct simply because the perpetrator is our favorite celebrity, teacher, close friend or relative.
Kirk also noticed these 'celebrity' perpetrators seemed more afraid of losing their powerful legacy than their freedom. And with the number of politicians finally being held accountable for their inappropriate actions, Kirk still questioned whether history would remember their misconduct or simply forget. His thoughts then turned to the country’s newly elected President who, in an interview, famously boasted about his inappropriate grabbing of women’s genitals. Kirk wondered if that interview was going to be featured in the tour of his inevitable Presidential Library... and thus, Joe the tour guide was born.
Oct. 2018
World and NY Premiere as part of the Emerging Artists Theatre's New Works Festival.
Interesting Fact:
Premiered during the week of the Brett Kavanaugh Hearings.
May 2019
NJ Premiere as a part of the New Works Series.
Interesting Fact:
Performed shortly before Jeffrey Epstein appeared in court for sex trafficking.
Nov. 2019
Interesting Fact:
Performed shortly after Rose McGowan filed a lawsuit against Harvey Weinstein for trying to silence her regarding her rape.
March 2020- June 2021
(Covid Times)
During Covid times new additional material was added and work shopped (via Zoom), expanding The Honorable Herbert Peabody from a one-act to a full length solo show.
Interesting Fact:
During this time a federal investigation was launched against Congressman Matt Gaetz over sex trafficking.
June 2021
Kirk McGee is awarded a Performance Grant from the Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation, ensuring that Peabody shall return to the stage.
Interesting Fact:
Kirk submitted for the grant shortly before Governor Cuomo was first accused for sexual misconduct. Kirk received the grant a few weeks after Cuomo resigned due to public outrage.
March 2022
Peabody returned to the stage for a limited engagement thanks to the Cafe Royal Cultural Foundation and many generous donations.
Interesting Fact:
During the run, President Biden signed a bill ending forced arbitration in sexual misconduct cases, which no longer silences the survivors or shields the perpetrators.
