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Age catches up with 'Boys in Band'
(by Herb Hammer - October 19, 2011)
THEATER, BY HERB HAMMER
Age catches up with 'Boys in Band'
I suppose, when "The Boys in the Band" first opened Off Broadway in 1968, it was thought Mart Crowley's stunner would go on to be an American classic. Though the play held on for over 1,000 performances, a lot has changed in 43 years.
In spite of director Tyson Douglas Rand's excellent work and the fine work of his cast, "The Boys in the Band," a snapshot view of the secret lives of gay men, has suffered from the dramatic changes in the acceptance of these men in daily life. Time has turned the play into a relic, creaky and unconvincing.
Yet, Convergence-Continuum, the Tremont professional theater company, apparently feels there is some value left in the old play, if only as a museum piece.
On the level of bitchy insult humor, "Boys" can still hold its own on some levels with the scores of gay comedies that have succeeded it.
We are in the living room of Michael, a New York writer with a knack of piling up heavy debts. Michael, a recovering alcoholic, is about to throw a birthday party for his friend Harold.
Before eight gay men and one who might be cover the small stage, one might think the entire play will be as breezy and funny as it is in the first act. But in Act 2, as the men consume more and more alcohol, things become mean and bitter.
Late in Act 2, Michael introduces a party game where each man is expected to telephone someone, anyone, and tell the person on the other end he loves him. Points are given by Michael along the way.
This long, overwrought portion becomes an annoyance, far more tedious than interesting, more boring than the theatrical disaster it is meant to be.
Mr. Crowley gives us a lineup of what gay men are supposed to appear to be.
Most fun is Emory, the flamboyant stereotype. Clyde Simon is so fine in the role, he steals the show and relieves us of much of the self-loathing of the others.
Curt Arnold plays Michael, while Zak Hudak is Donald. In much of the early portions of Act 1, the two keep things light and airy. Both are excellent. In Act 2, Michael, angry and drunk, becomes the forceful, bitter member of the group.
An unexpected party guest is Alan, Michael's allegedly straight college friend, who calls, anxious to tell Michael something but hesitates when he sees the group.
These provide the only suspenseful moments of the entire play. Otherwise, all the whining about being gay has become out of date.
Benjamin Gregg is just what you expect as Cowboy, the young male prostitute and the birthday present for Harold. He is just right.
The rest are also just right, except for Jonathan Wilhelm, as Harold. He glides around the stage with a certain bounce and drags the play down.
Still, Mr. Rand is nearly perfect in keeping this production of "The Boys in the Band" as fresh as is possible, considering the times we are living in.
Corey Molner's two-level set gives the play a bright feel. The play needs something bright. The set helps.
"The Boys in the Band" continues at the Liminis through Oct. 29. Call 216-687-0074 for tickets.
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