Conceived by Jenny Zigrino (Conan, Badass Bitches of History) and co-written with Caleb Zeringue (Luigi: The Musical), comes The Drillmaster, a new comedic play about the life and times of the Prussian immigrant and gay polyamorous founding father of the United States, Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben. Just in time for the United States’ 250th Anniversary, the play is set to debut as a staged reading in San Francisco at The Eagle on April 1, followed by a star-studded reading in Los Angeles at the Elysian Theater on May 3.
Both readings will star co-writers Jenny Zigrino as the title character ‘The Baron,’ and Caleb Zeringue as Alexander Hamilton with additional parts read by Gianmarco Soresi, Jonny Stein who played Luigi in Luigi: The Musical’s SF run, Bobcat Goldthwait, Cameron Esposito, Dylan Adler, Lady Bushra and many more (full cast and credits below).
The Drillmaster is set in 1778 when General George Washington and his Continental Army were on the brink. The camp at Valley Forge was a cesspool of disease, desertion, and disillusion, and only one thing could save them: a middle aged, polyamorous, openly gay Prussian Captain, The Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben, often referred to as ‘The Baron,’ and recruited by Benjamin Franklin himself. Over three long, hard winter months, ‘The Baron’ drilled the men (and drilled the men) from a rag tag group of scattered militia troops into a coordinated army of disciplined red coat killing machines, and a coordinated force capable of standing toe-to-toe with the British, with or without pants.
Without this super gay, flamboyant and fabulous immigrant, not only would America's current army not exist today, but America's future may never have existed at all.
About Jenny Zigrino (Creator) -
With the sweetness of the midwest and the sharp edge of the east coast, Jenny Zigrino brings a powerful comedic performance to any stage. She combines hilarious anecdotes and sharp, witty observations with a cheeky style that challenges social norms and what it means to be human. Her brutal honesty and undeniable charm create a compelling comedic experience you won't forget.
She made her late night debut on Conan with Conan O'Brien and performed a total of three guest appearances. In 2023 she performed on The Late Late Show with James Corden and was met with rave reviews. She was a Just For Laugh's New Faces in 2016 and since then has been featured on Comedy Central, MTV, HBO, Netflix is a Joke and many others. She starred in films such as Bad Santa 2 alongside Billy Bob Thornton and in the horror comedy Too Late in 2021. She's headlined festivals like Moon Tower, New York Comedy Festival, and High Plains Comedy Festival. She's written and performed several comedy specials including Comedy Central Presents the Half Hours and her latest hour special Jen-Z premiered on Comedy Central Digital in 2023. Her latest appearance on After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson has been hailed as one of the funniest episodes yet by fans. Her most recent Don't Tell Comedy special is out now.
About Caleb Zeringue (Co-Writer) -
Caleb is a stand-up comic, writer, and original executive producer of Luigi the Musical; a dark comedy that sold 3,000+ tickets across 13 sold-out shows and somehow earned coverage from The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, NPR's All Things Considered, and a mention from Stephen Colbert. As a stand-up, he's a NYC Queer Comedy Festival finalist, featured at Vice City Comedy Festival and LGBTLolFest, and has opened for national headliners including Jenny Zigrino and Lady Bushra — who STILL won't talk to him. He's performed at Cobb's, The Stand, Gotham, and Edinburgh Fringe. He grew up across 16 states (his dad insists he's not bipolar, why do you ask?!). His comedy is unapologetically queer and southern, with a suspicious amount of emotional vulnerability and “bless your heart” energy. Follow him at Caleb.meringue across all platforms.
*Doors open 30 minutes before showtime* Seating is general admission and begins 15 mins before showtime. Late seating is at the discretion of individual shows. Lineup subject to change. Tickets are non-transferable. We do NOT honor tickets from third-party sellers. No Refunds.
Event Venue
The Elysian Theater, 1944 Riverside Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039, United States
