Musical comedy isn’t necessarily the first genre many people would think of for something about a man living with HIV, but the reality is there’s no good reason why not. Indeed it’s just what the people behind Merce have done.
Now the first episode of this new web series is online and you can watch it below.
Here’s the synopsis: ‘Being single, middle-aged and HIV+ in New York City isn’t always easy, but Merce couldn’t be happier! Hailed as “Seinfield with HIV” by Poz Magazine, Merce follows the adventures of an HIV+ Polyanna who sings and dances his way through life in search of self-acceptance and true love. With his gal-pal roommate, three gay guy fairies that appear to him in musical fantasy sequences, and his Mama (on a webcam) always at his side, he’s gonna make it after all. The series is a surprising, bawdy look at HIV today, proving that life can be positive, even when you’re HIV+.’
Merce was created by openly gay, HIV+ writer/performer Charles Sanchez, who was inspired by the rich lives and bright spirits of people living with HIV today. He says, “One of my biggest gripes about any HIV movie or TV show is that it’s always tragic, always about 30 years ago when we were in the midst of the crisis. No one is really writing about what it’s like to have HIV today. Merce is a modern HIV story. There is an amazing negative stigma attached to HIV, and it’s outdated. It’s unbelievable how the mention of HIV can still invoke fear in people, and the reality is that it’s no longer the death sentence it was 20 or 30 years ago. It’s considered a manageable, chronic condition, and although it’s still serious, it’s totally possible to live a full, complete, healthy, sexy, fun life while managing HIV. I made the show a comedy because comedy is the best way to show truth, and is a great way to change people’s perceptions. Funny, like music or love, is an international language.”
Watch Episode 1 below.
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