John Anthony Loffredo is a playwright and graphic novelist currently creating in Los Angeles, California. All of their work as an artist explores the intersection between queerness and survival and aims to bring romance to queer stories.
John Anthony’s work as a playwright has been produced at The Tank, Alchemical Studios, The Access Theater, and featured in Dixon Place’s HOT! Festival. John Anthony has developed work as a member of The Road Theatre’s Playwrights Group, Boston Court Pasadena’s Playwrights Group and Clusterf**k, The Coop’s New Work Initiative. Their play Frou-Frou was recently named a Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference Semi-Finalist. John Anthony self-published their debut YA graphic novel, Blue is for Boys, which is on sale at Skylight Books in Los Angeles. They are a 2023 Lambda Literary fellow and recipient of the Nancy Garden Scholarship.
In addition, John Anthony posts personal essays to their Substack, late to the party and is the co-host of Horny for Love, a sex and dating podcast. John Anthony is a two time AIDS/LifeCycle rider, cycling from San Francisco to Los Angeles with thousands of others to raise awareness and millions of dollars to support community members living with HIV/AIDS.
John Anthony holds a BFA in Drama from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts having trained at the Atlantic Acting School and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
Writing
Produced Plays
Jesus and Judas are in love and everything is wonderful…until God intervenes. I Love You, Jesus Christ! is a queer, raucous reimagining of the crucifixion where Jesus ascends as a martyr leaving Judas searching for something to believe in.
Lighting Design by Natasha Rotondaro
Scenic Design by Benny Pitt
Costume Design by Emmy Weissman
Stage Managed by Monica Cecilia
Produced by Connor Scully and Sami Pyne
I Love You, Jesus Christ! was originally developed at Dixon Place in 2018 before premiering at The Tank in 2022. Photos by Noah Eberhart
A queer love story that spans multiple generations.
Written by John Anthony Loffredo
Directed by Jennifer Parkhill
Produced by Piera Van de Wiel
AD/Stage Managed by Molly Watts
Production Design by Phil Seiverding
Lighting Design by Cati Kalinoski
Premiered at the Access Theater from July 19th-22nd, 2018. Photos by Sara Laufer.
Episode 3: QueerInTune
John Anthony’s short play, Anatomy of a Gay Boy, is featured on Zoomfest The Theatrical Podcast Ep. 3 “QueerInTune”.
Premiered on Spotify in April 2020.
Directed by Mack Brown
Produced by Sean Chia and Devon Kidd
Featuring: John Anthony Loffredo and Zac Porter
Additional Work
In my first published piece for Them, I question if it’s time to swap my lavender bell bottoms for a pair of camo cargos in an age where gay men are gravitating toward more masculine attire.
Milo is lost—detached from his thoughts and feelings—until one summer he meets Calvin, a beautiful boy, in a charming beachside town. They spend the summer stretched out on beach towels, listening to love songs, and struggling to remember a time when they didn't know each other. Suddenly, Milo’s feelings awaken a rich emotional life that has always been stirring inside him.
Blue is for Boys is available for purchase at Skylight Books in Los Angeles or by contacting John Anthony directly.
“Coming out in your twenties might make you feel late to the party, but I hope these essays will make you feel like you’re right on time.”
Personal essays are shared weekly to John Anthony’s Substack, late to the party.
Letters to a Five-Year-Old Queer Boy
A photo series accompanied by a collection of poetry.
Written by John Anthony Loffredo
Shot by Sara Laufer
Art Direction by Philip Sieverding
Illustration
Blue is for Boys
Concept art for Blue is for Boys, John Anthony’s graphic novel.
Commission for SoHo’s Chef’s Club
Commission for SoHo’s Chef’s Club
Ceyenne Doroshow founder of G.L.I.T.S.
Giuliette
Blue is for Boys 7 Year anniversary art
Self
Commission for SoHo’s Chef’s Club
Ianne Fields Stewart actor and founder of The Okra Project
Alice
Blue is for Boys 7 Year anniversary art
Activist Raquel Willis
Zac
Commission for SoHo’s Chef’s Club
Kelsey
Neysha
Artist Tourmaline
Concept art for Blue is for Boys, John Anthony’s graphic novel.
Commission for SoHo’s Chef’s Club
Commission for SoHo’s Chef’s Club
Monica
Poets at The McCarren Gathering
Media
John Anthony does a five minute set at Westside Comedy.
A 1950s Comedy
John Anthony in a self-written scene
John Anthony and Cynthia Erivo discuss the intersection of sexuality and religion in "The Color Purple". For full video, click here.
A Political Comedy
John Anthony in a self-written scene.
A clip from The Sunsets in Suburbia
Written by John Anthony Loffredo
Directed by Isaac Sims
