Anthony Wilkinson began his career in 1996 as an Intern Writer for ABC Daytime’s “One Life To Live.” During his 14 years there, he rose to be Associate Director and earned three Daytime Emmy Awards along with other awards and nominations. In 2003, his original stage production of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” started his other passion in the theatre world. He’s been a prolific creator ever since and I recently had the chance to chat with him. This is to share our conversation.

David: What would you say is the most valuable lesson you gained from working on a popular soap opera?

Anthony: Pick your moments, if you worry about everything the same you will lose focus on the things that truly need attention.

David: At what age did you realize you’re gay, and was it difficult at first to fully come out to the world?

Anthony:  I realized at 17 when I started at NYU.  It was one of the biggest challenges of my life coming from Staten Island which at the time was extremely homophobic.  I was blessed to have a very supportive family and circle around them which made coming out for me much easier where others struggled horribly.

David: Your original production of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” began Off-Broadway in 2003 and was re-staged it in 2009. That was 16 years ago and it’s said that there were huge debates about the topic. What was controversial or debatable about the show, and how do you think the world has changed since then?

Anthony: in 2003 we could only run in the village because there were huge concerns of the word “gay” in the title anywhere near the Broadway box.  People were concerned traveling tourists with kids would have a problem.   After much debate by 2010 we were able to put the show at St. Luke’s and the marquis was shown proudly right in the center of restaurant row.  Still many flinched as the months and years went on but we progressed anyway.  The world has changed so much since then for the better and many more shows have followed suit.  I would say the biggest progress we made was down in Atlantic City when we raised the first pride flag during pride month ceremoniously outside the Hardrock Casino.  This would have never happened twenty years ago.


David: During the show’s run, you hosted some major celebrities to help raise money and awareness for marriage equality and the Trevor Project with its focus on suicide prevention among LGBTQ+ young people. Have you had any personal encounters with people wishing to kill themselves? Or is there a Trevor Project story you could share?

Anthony:  As a suicidal teenager myself, I overcame a huge obstacle in my life. When I realized how many other kids were dealing with the same traumatic experiences with bullying in school, I started talking to schools myself.  I still work with the Trevor Project but my charity still remains to talk to kids at assembly’s about bullying, tolerance and acceptance.

David: In June of 2013, you opened a comic sequel to the wedding-focused show: “My Big Gay Italian Funeral.”  In the play, Anthony’s father passes away. Old family members are reunited after a decade of discord. Was there an actual death in your life that inspired this play? In any case, what led you to create comedy at a funeral?

Anthony: My father did pass and yes it is based on some real life events.  There were so many heartfelt comedic moments that I knew would be relatable to an audience that inspired me to write that show.  To this day, people still come to me the most with Funeral and find it the most relatable.

David: In December of 2017, you launched the fourth chapter of your series, “My Big Gay Italian Christmas.” It’s been noted that the plot contains a bisexual love triangle. Do you think public opinion of bisexuality has evolved in any way during the past seven years?

Anthony: Absolutely.   There are so many new terms now for sexuality and ways that people define themselves based on their preferences. Because of the progress we made,  It’s much more common to see men and women more comfortable with exploring their curiosity with the same sex, thus creating a way bigger bisexual population.

David:In March of 2018, your film “Puoi Baciare Lo Sposo” [“You Can Kiss The Groom”] opened in Italy and was shown around the world to great success. Was there any public opposition about a film featuring two men getting married?

Anthony: No, Italy and most of Europe are even more accepting than parts of the US.  It did very well, better than expected.

David: Tell me about your latest project, “My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure.”

Anthony: I have always wondered why we don’t have any gay casinos. There are gay bars, restaurants, bowling leagues, cruises but no casino’s.  Like Wedding which came before it’s time, this projects one day there will be one.  Of course, I use comedy as a device to tell the story, but the message is really how amazing and successful would this be if this really did exist.

David: During the weekend of April 11-12, you will preview a new comedy, “My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure,” at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. It’s the first time you’ve launched a new show beyond New York City’s off-Broadway area. Do you expect any difference in audience reactions?

Anthony: Yes and Yes!  We are actually holding previews in April, second previews in June and officially opening in October.  Similar to a new show format in NYC but doing in the casino’s.  I think most theater goers in the city understand the difference between previews and an official opening, my concern is people in the casino market may be confused by the difference. 

David: As you look ahead to the future, do you foresee any new creative avenues to explore?

Anthony: I love what I’m doing right now, so taking it day by day.

David: Have you ever had straight actors portray gays? And vice versa? Any special consciousness for you as a director, if you have?

Anthony: Yes both.  If you can play the role and play it well, you get the part. 

David: What’s the most satisfying aspect of the work you do?

Anthony: Making people laugh.  There is no better compliment then when someone comes up to you and tells you how much fun they had at a show.

David: What’s the most challenging aspect of the work you do?

Anthony:  Audience Control.  Dealing with audiences in the casino’s are way more challenging.  People are more likely to get up or yell out during a show and could be very distracting.  You have to just hope for the best.

David:

Thank you for your time. Any words of wisdom to all the readers?

Anthony: You have to climb a mountain in order to appreciate the view