Behind Closed Doors

Kristine Kostuck
Staff Writer

Ande Poehl and his team are taking steps to eliminate second class citizens in the legal system. “Our goal is feasible,” Poehls said. “We are not trying to change human nature. There will always be prejudices. However, anytime there is a separation between who can and can’t legally do something you are creating second class citizens.” This passion for civil rights that was shared by many talented musicians and actors around him led to the creation of “Behind Closed Doors,” a cabaret style musical that provokes change with civil issues.

As of now BCD does not have a tour schedule. The musical is now playing in California, where many of the crew members live. However, many of those involved are North Dakota natives, making an upcoming date possible. The crew all think that North Dakota is a great place and many amazing people call it home, but the state is lacking understanding due to ignorance. “It is a place where many are afraid of progression, of change, and the residents aren’t always friendly to people outside of their local box,” said Poehls. It may be a generational difference. The area holds traditional values. With that being stated, those making BCD possible see North Dakota as a qualified place to perform at.

Peter Berube, the writer and director of the musical, came up with the idea to write BCD after Prop 8 in California was passed to eliminate the rights of same-sex couples to marry. “My passion for our cause first came to me in 2008, in the midst of the devastation from the passing of Proposition 8, a law which would make gay marriage illegal. I’m not gay. I’ve never been oppressed by anyone. I don’t even really believe in the idea of marriage. However, on that night, many LGBT ally friends of mine marched in the streets to join in the protest against those who would make my gay friends a second class citizen.  It was then that I realized that as an ally, I had not done enough to prevent this from happening.”

The idea of it being a cabaret show was inspired by the original birthplace of the progressive movement, like the Speakeasy Cabaret, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb4w0VZWeMY.  These were places where people of different races could work together openly. Sexual orientation was not an issue but was rather celebrated. “They were and are seemingly dark, seedy places but helped birth Jazz music, which played a very important role in equality,” said Poehls.

The show is said to have a little bit for everyone and despite the project’s initial concept, the musical is not targeted for the LGBT community. It is for everyone. Poehls said they have made a very serious effort to try and represent as many voices as possible by following the Golden Rule every descent human being lives by. “Hopefully, no matter who you are, there will be a character that you connect with and then there will be another that will challenge you. Getting people to think and experience an issue helps them clarify their own position. I see the musical makes people see human equality as a whole,” said Poehls.

At this point all of the musical’s profits and donations will go to the production costs and marketing. “We are not in this to make money. We just want to provoke change,” said Poehls. To make a donation please contact http://www.indiegogo.com/behind-closed-doors-2.  If interested in learning more about the show please check out http://www.2ndclasscabaret.com.

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Nor Ande Poehls: Public Relations/Production Staff
Pamela Laurie: Co-Producer
Tiff Jacob: Hair Design and Style
Tom Christensen: Cast Member
Brandon Christensen: Still Photographer, Cast Member
Kari Larson: Make-up Designer Dakota Cast and Crew