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Jeffrey
By Paul Rudnick
Produced by Hubris Productions
At Stage Left Theatre
3408 N. Sheffield
Chicago, IL
Call 773-784-2772, tickets $15
Thursdays through Sundays at 8 PM
Running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through August 5, 2006
Jeffrey is a delightful gay romantic comedy with heart and loads of laughs
Hubris Productions has mounted a funny show with Jeffrey. This is a laugh-a-minute romantic comedy that puts being gay into a humorous and heartfelt romantic comedy peopled with lovable characters. Jeffrey is a delightful, quirky look at gay life. It is politically incorrect as it pokes fun at AIDS, gay stereotypes, Catholic priests, waiters, hair dressers and interior decorators. It flaunts gay styles, mannerism and traits all in good fun. This is a heartwarming play filled with funny scenes that work since we like and care for the wacky characters.
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Jeffery (the lovable Jacob Christopher Green), after 5,000 or so sexual partners, has sworn off sex. AIDS and unfulfilled pleasure contribute to his decision. He redirects his sexual compulsion into body building. His friends, Sterling (the terrific Anthony Guerrero) and Darius (Andy Sinclair, all smiles in his Cats costume) advise him to get a boy friend so he won’t have to keep meeting men every night. Jeffrey is determined to be celibate until he meets Steve (Brian Lee Bennett) at the gym. Jeffrey is smitten by Steve but is determined to hold back his desires. The results are hilarious scenes including a “Hoe-down for Aids,” cruising men at a funeral and at the Pride Parade. When Steve announces he is HIV+, Steve reels and doesn’t show up for his initial date with Steve.
Rudnick uses parodies, dream sequences, asides to the audience and bizarre faux game shows and a female TV preacher to render Jeffrey’s angst. These scenes are well acted by the talented ensemble playing several characters each. Jeremy Fisher, Jason Dabrowski, Michael Sherwin and Andrea Morales did yeoman work here.
One of the funniest scenes (and there are many) involves Jeffrey calling home to his parents in Wisconsin announcing he has given up sex. They respond with frank and vivid talk about gay sex. This was quite funny, as the entire show was one belly laugh after another. You don’t have to be gay to laugh here. Rudnick uses humor, exaggeration and parody to mask the tragedy of AIDS and the quest for love. The show has heart and an uplifting message mixed in with the camp and satire of everything gay. We do love Jeffrey’s honesty and his friends, Sterling and Darius. Mother Teresa even makes a couple of cameos!
Jeffrey is a steal at only $15. You’ll laugh all night long at this terrific show. Jacob Christopher Green is a warm Jeffrey. This is a unexpected summer hit.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2006
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