Wow. I really loved this play tonight. Easily one of my favorite things so far this season.
Terrence McNally has provided the excellent cast with a top notch text to work with; the situation doesn't feel forced at all and the dialogue, peppered with hilarious one-liners, maintains a naturalism without sacrificing dramatic storytelling. I was moved without feeling manipulated, and he does it all with a central character who is rather unpleasant.
Since that character is played by Tyne Daly it's hard not to love her a little bit, and she certainly gets to be funny, so that helps. She doesn't understand the gay lifestyle and she doesn't want to either. She isn't an evil woman by any stretch, but she also isn't about to change her views for anyone. She is angry and has allowed her heart to callous over. It's a performance of fewer words and many subtle reactions.
Bobby Steggert plays Fred Weller's younger husband and he is passive aggressively militant about gay rights and being out and proud. She's the bigot and why should he be ashamed his life, right? And yet it was his character that I felt the most shame for. Why shouldn't we have compassion and understanding for people with different views than our own, even someone is as "wrong" as Daly's character is? How often have we seen Steggert play righteous indigation; I will never forget him yelling, "You have traveled everywhere, and learned NOTHING!!" red-faced and veins popping around his neck. Now all the righteousness is gone and I felt only disdain.
Fred Weller was very, very good and was easily my favorite character. I'm so used to him playing these dumb brute roles, like in Reasons To Be Happy, so I was pleased to see him branch out with this part.
Being in The Golden I couldn't help but think back to The Normal Heart revival and think of this piece as an extension of that story. What all those men fought for and went through to allow for this story to happen.
Do yourself a favor and go see this play- judging by the size of tonight's audience, you might not want to wait too long to buy your ticket either.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
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