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Justin Huertas. (Photos by Bronwen Houck)

Theatrical Mustang: Justin Huertas Is Hero Material

Woodzick talks to the performer and composer about his queer superhero musical ‘Lizard Boy,’ rooting for underdogs, and blending artistic genres.

American Theatre is proud to be the venue for Theatrical Mustang, an independently produced podcast from actor-writer-activist Woodzick. Each month they bring listeners interviews with unbridled talent and cultural trailblazers from across the country.

On this month’s episode, Woodzick chats with Justin Huertas about the origin story and history of his musical Lizard Boy over the last decade. Lizard Boy is part of the current Oregon Shakespeare Festival season and opens June 11. Their conversation ranges from queer identity in musicals to 90s cartoons to performing your own work.

Justin Huertas (he/him) is an award-winning playwright, composer, lyricist, and actor. His original musical Lizard Boy first premiered at Seattle Rep and recently ran Off-Broadway with Prospect Theater Company (3 Drama Desk Nominations). His performance as Trevor has earned him regional theatre awards in Seattle, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area. He and Steven Tran composed original music for Marvel’s Squirrel Girl: The Unbeatable Radio Show! podcast. A 2021 Jonathan Larson Grant Finalist, his other works include The Mortification of Fovea Munson, based on Mary Winn Heider’s novel (The Kennedy Center), Lydia & the Troll, co-created and directed by Ameenah Kaplan (Seattle Rep), and We’ve Battled Monsters Before with Rheanna Atendido (ArtsWest, The Green Room 42). @justinhuertas

Download this episode here. The Theatrical Mustang podcast is edited by Travis Rosemarie Curhart-Fischbach. Music by The Morgens using Citizen DJ Project, Library of Congress, National Jukebox.

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