This Matthew Lopez play, which is catching on in regional productions seems to be a throwback to “gay plays” of yesteryear: nice looking straight guy is taught life lessons (including how to be popular) by a heart-of-gold drag queen with a mouth. Though it’s supposedly semi-autobiographical it seems to work best for straight audiences who want not to feel guilty about enjoying drag (and, truth be told, for gay men who need an excuse to like drag). The give-away: the straight guy finds plenty of excuses to take off his shirt.
I’ve admired Mr. Lopez’s previous work. This one seems like cashing in, though it’s certainly an audience pleaser.
Bill, in San Diego |
