David’s Friend

David’s Friend is the story of a crazy friendship in 1980s New York City — a restless city during a reckless time. It’s a comic odyssey about cruising, disco, drag queens, strippers, sex, love, loss, and AIDS, told with music, videos, costumes, characters, tall tales and torrid truths.

Written and performed by Nora Burns with direction by Adam Pivirotto featuring Ricky Roman, this fast-paced show is a multi-media celebration of friendship, fun, freaks, fag hags, youthful passion, changing times, emotions, memories, Manhattan and music that moves your feet to a disco beat.

“Her odyssey will bring alive the period and its pleasures (and poisons) with pungent animation.” - Charles Isherwood, The New York Times

“Hilarious and incredibly moving - captures a moment in time so many of us closed the door on.” - Jennifer Coolidge

“The show delivered on all fronts — it's funny, it's nostalgic, it's touching, it's poignant and it's smart.” - Kenneth in the 212

“The beauty of David’s Friend is, you didn’t have to be there. Burns was, and she brings it alive for the rest of us.” - Marc Miller, NY Theatre Guide

"Nora is leading the charge out of our collective PTSD with love, humor and pelvic thrusts." - Ann Magnuson

“A potent performance about the passing of a great era, beautifully captured, with wells of compassion and funniness. I wish I had known David, but now I do.” - Sandra Bernhard

“Very funny, very heartbreaking - a beautiful valentine.” - Tim Murphy - author of the novel Christodora

“A beautiful tribute to NYC, nightlife, and an era that was truly magical…I can’t say enough good things about it.” - Miss Guy

Nora Burns (writer/performer) is a writer, performer, comedian, actress, and archivist who has lived in New York City since 1979. She is a founding member of the comedy groups Unitard and the Nellie Olesons. Her solo show David’s Friend had an extended run at LaMama Theater where it received rave reviews. Her disco musical, The Village! A Disco Daydream had 3 sold-out runs at Dixon Place last year. Her most recent show Candied Camera LIVE! Had a sold-out run at LaMama in Feb 2024

Adam Pivirotto (director) is a theater/filmmaker based in New York City. In addition to The Village! A Disco Musical at Dixon Place in 2022-23, he was director/producer of drag performer Cleo Berlin’s cabaret series, presented at Pangea through TWEED Theaterworks.