Local theaters showcase drag kings, gay youth

by F. J. Hartland

During the month of May, two local theatre companies are offering productions of special interest to the LGBT community.

Off The Wall Theatre in Washington PA is presenting the Eve Merriam musical The Club May 7-22; meanwhile, Bricolage Theatre downtown is showcasing the Stephen Karam dark comedy Speech & Debate May 1-8.

Set in an elegant and exclusive men’s club in New York City in 1903, the Obie Award-winning The Club offers a biting social satire on gender stereotypes with an unusual twist—the male roles are played by women.

When asked why the twist exists, The Club’s Director Linda Haston responded, “The reality of it is there is only slight differences twixt male and female.  We all, both male and female, have qualities of each other in our make up.”

Haston continued, “Because we are women portraying men and not just imitating them, we become everything a man is in that period—but with our own individual characters.” 

She added, “There is not just the outside physical change but mentally as well.”

The Club also explores the issue of America’s social system at the turn of the last century.  “The show also looks at the differentiation of the classes…the classes among the men themselves.”

There have been challenges along the way.  Haston said, “The harmonies.  They are very tight, and there are a lot of acapella tunes without piano accompaniment.  That has been our major challenge.

In addition to Haston, the cast includes Erika Cuenca, Robyn Parrish, Elena Alexandratos, Diane Ifft, Brittany Graham and Amy Doria.

Coming out is never easy—especially when you’re a teenager.

Set in the present day, Speech & Debate finds three teenagers linked to each other by a sex scandal.

Director Jeffrey Carpenter said, “Speech & Debate brings to light issues of youth and sexuality—what it means to be a gay adolescent in today’s world.”

When Speech & Debate premiered at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Underground in New York, the New York Times praised the production, saying, “The play's real accomplishment is its picture of the borderland between late adolescence and adulthood, where grown-up ideas and ambition coexist with childish will and bravado.”

The play features Matt Henderson, Gayle Pazerski, Laura Melchiorre and Paul Victor.

When asked why audiences will be attracted to the production, Carpenter explained, “While the play is intensely honest, it is also hysterically funny.” 

He added, “It is my belief that everyone can relate to how difficult it was to navigate the ever-increasing complexity of the world of high school—the fears, the insecurities, loneliness and embarrassments.”

Because the play deals with high school students, his cast is young.  Despite their youth, they have impressed Carpenter.

“They’ve been totally receptive and grow each and every rehearsal.  The play demands total honesty and each one meets these demands whole-heartedly.” 

With pride, he added, “It’s been a real joy to watch them give over to this process.”

Tickets for The Club are available through ProArts at 412-394-3353.  For Speech & Debate order tickets at www.webbricolage.org.  Read reviews for both shows at www.outonline.com.