What I liked
In my opinion, you do not need to look further than this production for an example of the kind of theater we should be making right now. The genius of Lawrence’s script is that it lulls the audience into a sense of easy comedy that is truly so enjoyable that by the time the other foot drops and the intense darkness of this story reveals itself, the audience is so unprepared and shook by its gravitas that we, on a smaller scale, experience the shock of the bigoted violence the LGBTQ community faces. Lawrence uses humor as a way in and and a vehicle to buy our trust, which ultimately enables him to deliver a starkly and unapologetically political message you could hardly anticipate when you first sit down.
In terms of performance, practically every member of the cast was stand out! Particularly difficult to forget is the deeply funny, deeply unsettling portrayal of Brother Mike by Matt Kelly, a clearly seasoned and talented actor. He is anchored by Henita Telo as Sister Constance, who’s physical comedy and general sparkling wit is a joy to watch on stage.
I would be remiss to not include the beautiful performances of Danny Cron and Joshua Rivas as the two young “campers.” Cron’s performance was simultaneously comedic and heartbreaking as a young gay man attempting to change himself, and Rivas’s command of the stage was powerful, alluring, mischievous and ultimately hit a little too close to home for many of us queer audience members.
Support queer artists, support this show, and support art that is attempting and succeeding to change a status quo of injustice.
What I didn't like
N/AMy overall impression
Incredible new work by William Lawrence, dynamic ensembleship and group story telling, immediate and transgressive theater in the most positive senses of the words.
