The Temperamentals (Fighting Chance Productions) [theatre review]
Given my crazy schedule and the fact that I have much less time now than I ever have had, I have been attending many more previews than actual opening nights. This has two effects: first, I understand that the production may change and evolve throughout the first few preview days, and second, I am given the opportunity to see more “raw” theatre”. Some people may only like to see productions after opening night, but personally I’m enjoying the previews.
I had an opportunity to see preview #2 of The Temperamentals, put together by Fighting Chance Productions (part of their 2011/2012 season). As I had indicated when I announced my hiatus, I always honor my previous commitments, and I had already committed to attending (and reviewing) The Temperamentals (I have a similar commitment to other 2 or 3 productions). And I’m glad I did, as it is a funny, poignant and revealing production.
A lesson in gay rights history, The Temperamentals tells the story of the Mattachine Society, a group of 5 gay men who, as you can imagine, in late 1940s United States, live “on the down and low” (secret code for being gay and married or in a heterosexual relationship). As the byline created by FCP says, it’s like MAD MEN MEETS MILK.
On stage from November 22 – December 3, 2011, at the PAL Studio Theatre The Temperamentals by Jon Marans with permission by Dramatists Play Service Inc. is directed by Ryan Mooney with Stage Management by Rachel Duffy, Starring Brian Hinson and Devin Pihlainen, featuring Rob Monk, David Nicks and Robert Sidley, is a work of art (and I say this even having seen the preview, so I know there’ll be things they’ll polish for the actual opening night and future shows).
“Temperamental” was code for “homosexual” in the early 1950′s, part of a created language of secret words that gay men used to communicate. The Temperamentals tells the story of two men – the communisty Harry Hay and the Viennese refugee and designer Rudi Gernreich – as they fall in love while building the first gay rights organization in the pre-Stonewall United States.
Hinson and Pihlainen throw all the steaks to the grill with an exquisite performance as Harry and Rudi. I will fully praise Rachel Duffy for using 4 mini-stages and a smart distribution of the audience throughout the floor layout as storytelling devices that offer counterpoints and 4 simultaneous scenes that altogether painted a story of interwoven dreams, closets and friendship amongst queer men.
As the supporting cast, Gil, Nicks and Monk’s rotating and volving characters manage to trasverse throughout numerous characters that have quite an impact on the storyline. It’s not the first time that FCP dares to dive into touchy, thorny topics with gusto and humour. FCP does specialize in musicals, but dramedy is definitely not far away nor out of range from their technical capabilities.
The first act offered the story of Rudi and Harry and how their secret illicit and torrid affair evolved from a tale of star-crossed lovers to building a secret society, the Mattachine Society. Pushing the boundaries of traditional theatrical storytelling, Mooney walks his actors through a complex maze of multi-layered interrelationships where Rudi and Harry’s relationship remains at centre stage. Each collateral storyline helps flesh out the rich and intense interactions of Harry and Rudi.
While not less important or relevant, the interactoins between Rowland, Hull and Jennings also teach us a lesson in acceptance and the complexity of love (whether it be heterosexual or homosexual). The sad part is that the backdrop of The Temperamentals is a situation that remains unfortunately alive and well in our society: rampant homophobia. This is early 1950s and homosexuality is considered a disease.
I found it interesting that the inner discussions of the Matacchine Society did not want “sexual minority” to be integrated in the narrative of the society. Not surprisingly, this is pre-Stonewall riots and pre-Harvey Milk. In some ways I wonder if we need to have some sort of catalyzing event that galvanizes people into more acceptance. I would give away a lot of the plot if I told you more, but I think The Temperamentals is an extremely solid treatise on acceptance, love, and queer history that any young (and old) self-respecting queer should see. And of course, for the general public, it also is a beautiful story of love, friendship and evolution. Well done, Fighting Chance Productions. You’ve successfully demonstrated, again, that you rock well beyond the wonderful musicals.
Disclosure: I attended The Temperamentals’ preview on media tickets. Neither a review is expected, nor a favorable one required. I love the work that Fighting Chance Productions is doing, that’s all. As always, I retain full editorial control on anything I publish on my site.
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