'Bathtub Theatre' is the Show to See Right Now

We’re living through some unprecedented and uncertain times right now. But if you’re looking to be entertained, I recommend Todd Buonopane’s series “Bathtub Theatre”. It caught my eye a couple of weeks ago and I can’t stop watching it.

Each episode, which has been almost every night, is a little over two minutes long and it consists of Mr. Buonopane performing famous monologues and songs from plays and musicals. And he crushes each one of them.

Whether it’s Louise’s monologue from Gypsy…

Or Harper from Angels in America…

or even singing ‘Tomorrow’ from Annie.

These have quickly become must-see moments on social media not to mention great studies in monologue preparation. I really wanted to get to know how this all got started and the process it takes to make. Mr. Buonopane was gracious to answer my questions.

CP: Where did the inspiration for ‘Bathtub Theatre’ come from?

TB: I released my first episode on Saturday, March 15th. My national tour (of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG) was forced to close 2 days prior. I was sent home and arrived in my apartment on that Saturday at noon. I didn’t want to get depressed, so I thought: I’ll do a great lady’s monologue for social media. That’ll be silly and fun.

I had not intended on doing it in the bathtub. I was just gonna do it in the hall. Then I realized my bathtub had a curtain...and a legend was born. Just kidding. The tub seemed a way to keep it light and silly.

CP: Can you give me some insight into how you create each episode?

TB: The first thing I gotta do is memorize. The performances have been anywhere from 90 seconds to 4 1/2 minutes, so it can definitely be work to jam that all in my brain. Depending on the amount of tech (i.e. Props or someone calling in to be my scene partner) some performances take multiple takes.

CP: What has been your reaction to the response these have been getting?

TB: I’m shocked that people are so into it. And I’m grateful. Because I mostly do it for selfish reasons. It gives me purpose for each day. I’m also surprised at how moved people seem to be by it. I take each character seriously, but ultimately, it’s a 42-year-old chubby man in his tub being Gypsy Rose Lee or Dolly Levi. I’m thrilled it’s having an impact.

Needless to say, Bathtub Theatre has been a bright spot over the past month and we can’t wait for more!

You can follow Todd @ToddBuonopane and his website is toddbuonopane.com.