Titusville Playhouse gets cheeky with 'Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man'

Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

Looking for a fun, grown-up night out? Want to learn a few handy tips while you're at it? Titusville Playhouse is the place to be as the theater mounts "Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man" from Feb. 17 through 26.

Playwright Matt Murphy has adapted the bestselling book by Dan Anderson and Maggie Berman into an interactive stage show. Part romantic comedy, part interactive learning experience, it features a charming gay man named Dan (played by James “Jimbo” Bordenkircher), a straight woman named Robyn (Kayleigh Mollycheck) and her academic assistant Stefan (Noah Thomas), a passive character who is sort of a male model with a sexy vibe.

Looking for more things to do? Our top 10 things in Brevard for Feb. 17-23

On a budget? Five free, fun things to do in Brevard: Feb. 17-23

The plot involves a college seminar on the book "Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man." Uptight academic graduate student Robin, trying to moderate the discussion, finds herself flustered with the book's racy content. That's when the book's author, Dan, enthusiastically steps in to tutor her while Stefan agreeably serves as a visual aid.

Most of the - ahem - action involves audience participation. That's right, guests could be called on stage to help pantomime demonstrations of Dan's saucy sex advice. But don't worry: Although there is adult content, there is no nudity.

How much you'll actually learn is beside the point, because audiences don't go to this hilariously titillating show to get an education.

"Audiences can expect a laugh-out-loud night at the theater," said Niko Stamos, associate artistic director for Titusville Playhouse. "The show has been a huge hit all over the country and we have been wanting to do it for years."

Throughout February in EGAD: Black Box Blackout celebrates artistic diversity

On stage in Melbourne: Comedy 'Lettice and Lovage' plays at Melbourne Civic Theatre

"Sex Tips" is making its Brevard debut with Titusville's production, with a reconfigured stage that will bring the audience closer to the funny business.

"The show originally sold out quickly, but we have added more seats to our intimate thrust configuration so that everyone could get a piece of the action," said Stamos.

In casting the three actors, Stamos knew he needed performers with a sense of humor and the ability to think on their feet.

"The biggest thing I looked for was the way the actors connect to the quirk of the characters, as well as ability to improv," he said. "So much of the show is based on the audience response, so having three people who can play off that unknown was important."

Given the show's racy content, Stamos says the actors have risen to the challenge. "I’ve been very proud of how much they have trusted each other and felt safe working together," he said. "They truly have each others' backs, which is important in a show where every performance will be different."

According to Stamos, the cast has been having a ball in rehearsals. "The script has a lot of improv with the audience moments, so coming up with a variety of potential bits has been fun for us all and definitely left us laughing."

"Audiences will love a night to escape and not think at the theatre," said Stamos. "It is definitely a 'feel-good' show that will hopefully leave you feeling good - pun intended."

If you go

'Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man'

Where: Titusville Playhouse's Shuler Stage, 301 Julia Street, Titusville

When: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. through Feb. 26

Tickets: $30

Info: 321-268-1125

On the web: titusvilleplayhouse.com

Note: The show includes R-rated content

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man' at Titusville Playhouse