Do homosexual couples affect the children that they raise? The Boston-based Speakeasy Stage Company's new production of Richard Kramer's "Theater District" raises this and other controversial questions, addressing them in an artistic and humorous way.
"Theater District" deals with a variety of gay-themed topics, from gay marriage, to custodial battles and homophobia in American culture. Although it runs barely an hour and a half, it pushes the audience to the next level in thinking and addressing these divisive issues.
The play centers on an unusual family unit comprised of Ben (Barlow Adamson), his partner George (Bill Brochtup), and Ben's son, Wesley (Edward Tournier). Ben, the "real man" of the house, is constantly preoccupied; he always seems to be thinking of everything but his son.
Instead, it is the tender George, an actor-turned-restaurateur that actually cares for and nurtures Wesley as if he were his own son. Brochtup adds a sympathetic dimension to the character, playing him as sensitive, heartfelt and caring.
The supporting cast of "Theater District" is as gifted as Brochtup and helps Kramer's dynamic characters come alive on stage. Neil Casey plays Mario, a server at George's restaurant. His vivacious and effeminate characteristics are part of what makes him a truly enjoyable character. Tournier is equally lovely as the delicate and inquisitive fifteen-year-old Wesley, whose only wish is to fully understand his father.
We discover that Wes has decided to live at his father's house because it helps him to deal with the fact that his father is gay. This decision also allows Wes to develop empathy for his best friend, Theo (Jaime Cepero), who has just come out to his 10th grade school assembly. Theo is attacked by a group of fellow students who do not agree with his lifestyle choice and Wesley is injured in the fray.
In a particularly touching scene, after young Wesley has been hurt in the gay-bashing scuffle, a very worried George goes to see him in the hospital only to be turned away be an orderly. "Parents only," the orderly says, and George is forced to leave feeling frustrated and powerless.
Despite this being Kramer's first play, he has written, directed, and produced quite a few ground-breaking television series, including "My So-Called Life" (1994-1995), and "Once and Again" (1999-2002). His wit and flair for hilarious dialogue are exemplified in this play as he continually bombards the audience with smart, cynical, and funny exchanges.
Jenna McFarland created an innovative set that played into the chic and sophisticated aspect of the play's cosmopolitan New York setting. A flat-screen television is hung on the wall beside a two level set, brightly colored and cleanly accented by chrome. The television is a creative way to incorporate technology and helps to focus attention on specific characters when spotlighting is necessary.
Richard Kramer has come up with a groundbreaking work that examines the relationship between gay parents, and their son's trials and tribulations in the world. In the end, after Wesley discovers that he wants to be "exactly like George" (minus the gay part), the curtain falls and the audience is left happy and hopeful.
