NEW YORK — New York-based theatre company The Civilians has launched a Kickstarter campaign to support its upcoming Off-Broadway production, “Pretty Filthy,” a musical inspired by interviews with “the real people of porn.”
“This is by far the most ambitious project The Civilians has undertaken to date,” said Steve Cosson, artistic director of The Civilians and director of “Pretty Filthy.” “By definition, this is a musical about an industry that is pushing boundaries, taking risks and overcoming new challenges. Doing honor to this industry and the candid interviews given by insiders is hugely important.
"Every contribution, no matter the amount, is vitally important and will go directly towards supporting this non-profit production. We invite you to take this leap with us and boldly go where no major musical has ever gone before.”
A campaign video calls it "a new musical about the other Hollywood. The naked one." According to the book writer, Bess Wohl, the production takes the classic "girl with a dream" narrative an plants it in an unexpected context. Wohl and the composer, Michael Friedman, say that they undertook in-depth research for the project, interviewing performers, visiting sets and "eating sushi with porn stars."
To participate in The Civilians’ “Pretty Filthy Kickstarter” campaign, click here. To date, the campaign has raised more than $18,000 of its $25,000 goal. The campaign ends at 8:59 p.m. PST/11:59 EST on Dec. 23.
The Civilians have partnered with legends of the XXX industry to offer some once-in-a-lifetime experiences to support the premiere of the production.
Some highlighted perks include attending a pre-show dinner and performance along with a choice of three porn superstars: Nina Hartley, James Deen or Ginger Lynn. Another unique perk is the opportunity to visit the set of one of Jim Powers’ next adult film. The highest pledge option offers a donor the opportunity to have a personalized boudoir video shot by director Eli Cross.
Donors can also opt for an “anything you want to know” chat via phone with either Eli Cross, Kayden Kross, Lynn Lemay or Veronica Hart (limited quantities), or a Valentine’s Day card signed by Lynn Lemay, Veronica Hart or Georgina Spelvin.
Pledge levels range from $1 through $10,000, with other perks including: an exclusive digital download of behind-the-scenes interview excerpts and photos from The Civilians’ investigation of the porn industry, ticket(s) to a preview performance, VIP night tickets (which include a meet-and-greet with director Steve Cosson and members of the cast and creative team), and opening night tickets.
Originally commissioned by the Center Theater Group in Los Angeles and developed through workshops, residencies and public presentations, “Pretty Filthy” will have its world premiere at the Abrons Art Center in New York. The limited engagement runs Jan. 31-March 1, with preview performances from Jan. 31-Feb. 7.
For more information about The Civilians, click here. For information about “Pretty Filthy,” visit here.
