MBS PRODUCTIONS

"Just got home from a WONDERFUL play... "Portrait of a Man"... by MBS Productions. If you live here in the DFW area...GO SEE THIS ONE!! It's an original play based on a real-life portrait painter in the early 1800's, and relationships that developed among him and three of his portrait subjects." - Gordon Peterson

"If you want to see a good play, and get an art lesson at the same time, do go see "Portrait of a Man" this or next weekend done by MBS productions" - Clayton Jackson

"Portrait of a Man was the first show we have seen by MBS Productions - great job in putting it on! Even though we now live 2 hours out in East Texas you will be on our radar for upcoming shows." - Lupe Gutierrez

Portrait of a Man

By Mark-Brian Sonna

June 1, 2017- June 17, 2018, at the Studio Theatre

Thomas Lawrence was the pre-eminent English portrait artist of the early 1800’s, and good friend and portrait painter to the young Queen of England.  Both were known for their outrageous humor. When a serious and wealthy young man comes into Lawrence’s studio to have his portrait done by Lawrence it eventually sets off a scandal that rocked the monarchy.   What actually happened behind those closed doors?  The clues are in the painting which Lawrence kept hidden until his death. World Premiere.

“This seemingly innocuous painting of John Joseph Henry by Thomas Lawrence always fascinated me.  As I delved into the history behind the portrait I discovered a story that was so scandalous, titillating, and thoroughly amusing, that I was surprised there hasn’t been a book, play or movie done on the subject matter.” Mark-Brian Sonna.