Peterson Toscano offered a thought-provoking, unconventional and hilarious performance to 120 attendees from across the valley Friday evening. His one-man show entitled A Ridiculously Serious Look at the End of the World offered very personal perspectives into his life and put a spotlight on serious issues which are sometimes difficult to find humor in.
Peterson uses animated characters and humor to share some of his life’s journey with the audience. An openly gay comedienne, Peterson admits that he was not always comfortable with his sexuality; he attempted conversion therapy when he was younger in an effort to cure himself of impure thoughts and be accepted and saved through a very fundamental form of Christianity.
His show also focuses on important issues like climate change; Peterson, a climate change activist, marched in the Climate Rally in New York last fall and hosts a podcast each week called Climate Stew Show. He approaches the issue of climate change through an environmental justice lens, taking a hard look at third world nations that are already having to adapt to a warming planet. One of his characters sporting a Long Island accent shares his concern of climate change because of its potential impact on the coffee bean…he can live without polar bears, but not his coffee, he explains.
Thankfully, the conversion therapy didn’t keep (like it would) and Peterson is happily married to his partner and using his experiences to inspire, enlighten and entertain.
You can learn more about Peterson Toscano at petersontoscano.com.