A musical is in the works which will be based around the series of Dots bars run by the late Peter Taylor and his partner Rodney Coleman. Two People Like Us will tell the story of two cross-dressing men who fall in love –and will be dedicated to Taylor’s memory. Rodney Coleman and the late Peter Taylor The late Peter Taylor ran a number of Auckland bars, most recently Dorothy’s Sister and Dot’s, which were spaces where all were welcome, and where the colourful and supportive ‘Dots Family’ was formed. One of the members of that family, AJ Pearce, has written Two People Like Us and plans to bring it to the stage in February. The writer came out as a cross-dresser seven years ago, embracing alter-ego Joanna Jayne St John, while part of the Dots community, which he says is the backbone of the play. Pete and Rodney as Vera and Doreen Two People Like Us will be in the memory of Taylor, a community inspiration who had the rare condition leishmaniasis. After living with it for 20 years, he bravely decided to stop taking stop his medication last September and as Pearce puts it “he is now at peace”. Along with Taylor, Pearce says the play was also inspired by “a bunch of old guys who change into the stunning, Roslyn sisters each Saturday night”. It will feature a man who works in a dull IRD job, then transforms into the ‘Fabulous Roxanne’, and will include show tunes, hit songs and tango dancing, plus plenty of romance and some audience participation. There will be open auditions, for people who want to join Dots Family in the cast, with leads needed, on Monday 10 and Saturday 15 November at The PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna. Show nights are 24- 27 February. If you want to get involved email anthonyjohnpearce@gmail.com Jacqui Stanford - 27th October 2014