I was invited to a play this weekend that caught me by surprise, both by the offer of the tickets and the topics brought into question during the show.
How I got the tickets: A friend called last minute and said, "I'm sick, can you go in my place?" Being the lover of live theatre that I am I jumped at the opportunity to see a new show on opening night and attend the after party (Hey, free food and booze in this economy is never turned down).
This is a play that every gay will love and so will those that love them. Also, I feel that this is a very important piece for everyone of every shape, color, size, social background, sexual preference and age (Adults only) should see. There's gratuitous nudity (of course there is, it's a gay play) but at least it is in the context of keeping the gay experience authentic.
Loaded, a new musical by Elliot Ramon Potts is clever, funny and above all it makes you think. So few shows on Broadway do that anymore and I must applaud any show that does. This is a two man show on a very small stage representing the average NYC apartment extremely well (Scenic Design - Adam Koch) so don't expect any large ensemble numbers. Scott Kerns does a great job playing Jude, a young, educated, know it all that loves to debate even when it means messing up his day of sexual fun. Kevin Spirtas does a superb job playing the older, feisty, been there done that daddy type, that is not as educated but has the knowledge of the streets and experience on his side.
I have to take my hat off to both the the actors because the show runs about an hour and a half with no intermission and there is a LOT of dialogue (with multiple monologues). For the first script to be presented by Elliot Ramon Potts I think he has done a great job. Are there areas that could be trimmed down? Sure. Are there other areas that come off preachy? Sure. But does the show get it's point across and is it extremely entertaining? YES!!!
While watching this production I could not help saying to myself, "This is why I love going to the theatre". They do a great job of raising the topics but they don't say, "You win this battle and I win that one." Instead they just present the facts and let you draw your own conclusions. My friend and I could not stop talking about the show afterword and all the emotions and questions it raised. There have been many times I have gone to a BIG budget Broadway show and could not remember anything about it about an hour after I left. Creating memorable moments is what Broadway should be about rather than just glitz for glitz sake. Let's leave the glitz to Las Vegas and create thought and joy on Broadway.
So here my over all review in a nut shell. I would recommend it to all my friends. I would tell them to be ready for the nudity and language and dirty sex talk at the beginning of the show and tell them to sit back and enjoy the thought provoking conversations that will ensue after the final curtain call.
Here is my over all report card of the show:
Script (Elliott Ramon Potts): B-
Direction (Michael Unger): B
Hair and Make-up Design (David Santana): A
Lighting Design (Herrick Goldman): A
Scenic Design (Adam Koch): A
Loaded is playing at The Lion Theatre:
410 W. 42nd Street, NYC 10036
212-714-2442
www.LoadedThePlay.com
