MSU MFA actor candidates Oscar Rodriguez Quiroz and Stefon Funderburke are brave and vulnerable — and masters of a scary line load — in Philip Dawkins’s "fictionalized and fantasized version of the first meetings of two of America’s greatest playwrights: William Inge and Tennessee Williams.” As Black and brown actors, they present a sort of Hamilton-esque picture of the two white writers, perhaps adding a layer to the homophobic subject matter — or else, who cares? They are wonderful actors, whatever their race, portraying hope and despair and “beautiful pain."
As Tennessee Williams, Oscar is not only a character in 1944 — but also our current narrator/host of “a memory play”. His sassy, seductive charm was worthy of Blanche DuBois as he invited us into the black box set and decorated it with his words. Stephan was a strong counterpart, alternately charmed and repulsed and inspired by his guest.
Director Rob Roznowsk’s note includes the observation “The nerdy fun part for me is that every moment in the show contains an Easter Egg of the works of these playwrights. And yes, we must recognize the privilege and access that these two white men had at the time despite the plays sincerity that sees them as disadvantaged.”
There are two more shows at MSU Studio 60 Theatre, today, September 2 at 8:00 PM and tomorrow, Sunday 9/3 at 2:00 pm. Admission is free with donations accepted for local LGBTQ+ Centers — so bypass the box office, enter at the northeast corner of the MSU Auditorium near the Summer Circle stage, cross over to the south side of the building and Studio 60 is on the lower level, down the ramp.
And The Gentleman Caller has ONE additional performance at Williamston Theatre on Sunday, September 17th at 7:00 PM. Admission is free but donations for this performance go to Williamston Theatre.
Content warnings include adult language, sexual situations, and discussion of suicide.