FRIENDS ARE FOREVER

Cast photo from L to R: Robert McDiarmid, Leo Lawhorn, Gerrad Bohl, Brian Patterson, Christopher M. Nelson, Dann Howard

FRIENDS ARE FOREVER (WORLD PREMIERE) by Tom W. Kelly, Directed by Ben Randle. The New Conservatory Theatre Center (Walker Theatre), located at 25 Van Ness Ave. near Market St. in San Francisco, 94102. NCTC Box Office (415) 861 8972, or online at www.nctcsf.org. August 15 – September 21, 2008.

GAY MALE VERSION OF “GOLDEN GIRLS?’

The “Golden Girls” TV show has been running for years and any gay worth his salt can quote the delicious, double entendre, sidesplitting lines at the raising of a little finger. The characters in “Friends Are Forever” bring back memories of the Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia, friends who share space and intimate moments. This is only to suggest that Tom Kelly’s play is reminiscent, not derivative, of that show and as a compliment to his sharp witticisms. It is also reminiscent of “Boys in the Band.” With the exception of the ubiquitous use of cell phones, the action is more appropriate to the age of sexual freedom before the specter of the Big A.

It unfolds on an attractive utilitarian set (Javier Rodriguez) with a silhouette outline of the San Francisco skyline on the back wall, three rectangular window frames hanging from the ceiling, two high wallpapered screens defining the entrance/exit area, three simple white tables and six chairs. For scene changes, the cast smoothly reconfigure the chairs and tables in choreographic fashion converting the set into a Starbucks Café, a masseur parlor and apartments of the characters.

And what diverse characters. We first meet flamboyant, insecure, esthete James (Dann Howard), handsome, blonde haired, sexpot masseuse Steve (Gerrad Bohl), and older, staid city employee Mike (Leo Lawhorn) at a Starbucks Café. Each is in a relationship with varying degrees of success and complications. As girls will be girls, and because they are friends, they share (sometimes) talk about their conquests and problems.

Then things get complicated. Mike is just starting a love affair with simple-minded Roger (Robert McDiarmid). James, after six months in love with George (Christopher M. Nelson) is having second thoughts and a nervous breakdown. Steve, to the consternation of James and Mike, is in a secret l ½-year partnership with Bill (Brian Patterson) who has had a side fling with an airline steward. Because sexpot Steve and Bill, who is working his way through medical school as a male escort, named Dak Dixon, have had sex with all concerned, there is trouble in River City. Poor Roger keeps asking if he and Mike are in an open relationship. Of course, silly.

Kelly integrates our penchant for cell phones into the action to carry forth plot, define character and interject humor. There is a touch of an Alan Ayckbourn device (“How the Other Half Loves”) keeping three sets of couples performing their individual shtick and carrying on cell phones while simultaneously sharing the stage. Throughout the play, the clichéd zingers elicit lots of guffaws and rare uproarious laughter.

As the friendships wax and wane and friendships are strained, Kelly devises an off-beat resolution by staging a leather “party.” Happily, four members of the cast are great eye-candy.

Running time one hour and 45 minutes with intermission.

Courtesy of TheatreWorld Internet Magazine