Ep. 1 – Matthew LaBanca & Theatrical Ministry

Matthew LaBanca is a triple-threat Broadway actor who was fired from his music jobs at a Catholic church and school after an informant notified the Diocese of Brooklyn that he had married his husband. In a rollicking yet utterly serious interview that spans childhood magic shows to a retreat for gay priests, Matthew and Matt discuss hypocrisy, the need to speak out, the miracle of shifting one’s mentality, and how art can respond to trauma. Reflecting on the truthful storytelling that defines his current one-man show “Communion,” Matthew emerges as someone with a unique and truly authentic theatrical ministry, responding to a call that transcends workplace trauma or any particular religious tradition. After hearing Matthew, you’ll be glad he “saved it for the stage” to welcome you into a new, inclusive, and genuine Communion. Won’t you join him?   Learn more   Communion the play   Matthew’s 2021 YouTube video   The New York Times article about Matthew’s termination   Matthew’s professional website   Severance the TV show   German Catholic LGBT employees publicly come out