Theater Boys

Chip Deffaa may not know it, but he’s written two gay plays, both with potential, now co-existing as Theater Boys. First is a spoof of theater and its wannabe participants. It needs a lighter tone and/or sharper comic performances to avoid or play up the smarm factor of the leering, lying director. It’s neither high camp nor low comedy. Songs are often entertaining and skillful. Laughs are mostly rooted in the wide-eyed naiveté of one small town young man and a former child star, both auditioning for a new gay show.

Act Two is a revelation: flashbacks show two main characters as teens coming to terms with being gay, each with a first love. Suddenly more serious and tender, there’s also warm coming-of-age humor. The acting here is thoughtful and moving, with Kip (Tyler Watkins returning, playing well off a convincing Danny Kingston, both skillfully portraying tentative expressions of attraction and friendship. Likewise, two remarkable younger actors impress mightily: Eric Stevens (teen Chris) has good comic timing and fresh, natural energy. As the object of his affections, the elusive and eccentric Nathan (David Cronin) creates a unique, quixotic character. Silliness and spunk return for the finale as flashbacks recede. I’d rather get to know the realistically- drawn boys better or let the grown-up but immature Theater Boys go broader. Or both.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
September, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org