S20 Ep868: Jenny Zigrino and Caleb Zeringue and theater inspired by History - EP 868
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In this episode of The Dork Forest, host Jackie Cation welcomes comedians Caleb Zeringue and Jenny Zagrino to discuss their new historical comedy play, *The Drill Master*, which reimagines the life of Friedrich von Steuben—a gay, polyamorous Prussian general who played a pivotal role in training the American Revolutionary Army. The conversation dives into the playful, campy, and deeply queer reinterpretation of history, blending fact with fantasy to celebrate marginalized identities. They explore von Steuben’s rumored relationships, his influence on military discipline and hygiene, and the broader theme of queerness in American history, drawing parallels to modern LGBTQ+ struggles. The guests also reflect on the power of theater as a safe space for queer expression, share their love for campy musicals like *Luigi the Musical*, and discuss the importance of visibility and joy in queer storytelling. The episode is a vibrant mix of humor, history, and heartfelt advocacy, culminating in a call to support their upcoming stage reading on May 3rd at The Elysian in Los Angeles.
Queer history is rich and often overlooked—figures like Friedrich von Steuben were foundational to American military success and openly gay.
Theater provides a safe, joyful space for queer people to express emotions and identities, especially through camp and musicality.
Historical fiction can be both entertaining and educational, offering a 'fantasy version' of happy endings for marginalized figures.
Visibility and storytelling are acts of resistance—making queer lives visible is essential in the face of erasure.
Comedy and camp are powerful tools to humanize history and challenge conservative narratives about sexuality and power.
Welcome to The Dork Forest: Obsessions, Donations, and New Projects
Jackie Cation welcomes listeners to the show, updates on podcast platforms, donation options, upcoming albums, and introduces the guests, setting a playful, self-aware tone for the episode.
Introducing The Drill Master: A Gay, Campy, Historical Comedy
“We're telling the mostly true story of America's gayest founding daddy, Wilhelm Augustus. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus Lugdorf, von Steuben.”
The Real von Steuben: History, Rumors, and Queer Legacy
“He wasn't kicked out for being gay, but he was a gay man who became a general in a time when that was impossible. And he did it anyway.”
Queer Art, Visibility, and the Power of Storytelling
“We wrote a fantasy version of what they get in the end. So I'm pretty excited about that.”
Theater as a Safe Space for Queer Expression
The guests emphasize theater as a sanctuary for queer emotional expression—where camp, drag, and musicality allow for safe exploration of identity, love, and vulnerability.
“I'm not attracted to children. I am attracted to other men. So it is an entirely different thing.”
“You don't need all these outside things to have value and worth. You exist, and you are worthy.”
“We're telling the mostly true story of America's gayest founding daddy, Wilhelm Augustus. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus Lugdorf, von Steuben.”
Host
Guests
Caleb Zeringue
person
Jenny Zagrino
person
Friedrich von Steuben
person
Jackie Cation
person
The Drill Master
other
Al Pacino
person
Luigi the Musical
other
Boots
other
Heated Rivalry
other
Cruising
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