Bright Colors and Bold Patterns

[edjames]

This gay play has been running at the Soho Playhouse for awhile. Friends saw it and liked it. I wasn't that thrilled. The NYTimes called it "devastatingly funny."

A one-man monologue, actor, Jeff Hiller as the character Gerry, gives the audience a drug and alcohol fueled rant. Invited to a gay wedding in Palm Springs Gerry arrives at a tacky house/bandb(?) where he encounters his older friend (ex roommate/boyfriend), and his friend's latest boytoy at the pool. Drinks are poured and Gerry's invectives towards, well everyone, begin. It's a rant that never ends and soon wears on your nerves as Gerry's loud and obnoxious voice begins to grate on your nerves. As the day/evening progresses, Gerry becomes worse, has more to drink and indulges in a bevy of drugs. No one is spared his evil mouth. Gerry hates everyone.

I found it less than funny and at times I thought to myself "Is this the portrait of gay men we want to portray?" Evil, mean, selfish, alcoholic and drug addict?

Directed by Michael Urie, I left feeling that the play would have been better presented had Michael himself took on the role.

It's running for a few more weeks. I am told it ends its run on April 1.

 

[+ beethoven]

I agree 100%. I saw it about two months ago, and didn't consider it worthy of comment. But your post is thoughtful, accurate, and well written, and I just wanted to concur.