The Desert Rose Playhouse, the Valley’s LGBT stage company, will present COCK by Mike Bartlett, opening Friday, March 11, 2016 for a five-week run.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2 PM, through April 10, 2016.

COCK is an internationally acclaimed comedy that takes a lively and candid look at one man’s sexuality and the conflicts that can arise when you realize you may have a choice. It’s been called uproariously funny, exhilarating,

and a Battle Royal of wit and persuasion.  COCK premiered at London’s Royal Court Theatre.

John has been in a stable relationship with his boyfriend for a number of years. When they take “a break”, he falls in love with a woman. Torn between his gay boyfriend and straight girlfriend and filled with guilt and conflicting emotions, John doesn’t know which way to turn. Both his lovers are willing to wait for him to make a decision – and both are prepared to fight to keep him. As the pressure mounts, a dinner party with both parties is arranged.  The boyfriend’s father appears to “referee” the face-off as everyone wants to know: Who is John? What is he? And what will his decision be?

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The ensemble cast features Stephen McMillan as “John”, Robert Rancano as boyfriend “M”, Phylicia Mason as girlfriend “W” and DRP favorite Terry Huber as the father “F”.  The play, set in an austere arena surrounded by the audience, is directed and designed by DRP Artistic Director Jim Strait, with Lighting Design by Phil MurphySteve Fisher is Stage Manager and Paul Taylor is Producer.

Suggested for mature audiences: adult language, partial nudity and sexually, explicit dialogue.

The Desert Rose Playhouse is a project of Desert Rose Productions, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation.   COCK continues Desert Rose Productions’ mission to produce and present literate, relevant and entertaining plays and musicals to LGBT and Gay-Friendly theatregoers in the Coachella Valley.

Tickets are $33 for evening performances; $30 for matinees. To order go online at www.desertroseplayhouse.org or call 760-202-3000.