Theatre Review: "The Temperamentals"
by Jonathan Warman
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you must see this. Not just because it’s an excellent gay-themed production. Not just because it’s a chance to see Michael Urie of Ugly Betty fame in a live theatre setting, showing some very strong acting chops. No, you must see this because it brings to life an essential but too-little known part of gay history, in a surprisingly moving and engaging way.
The Temperamentals is, more than anything else, the story of two men in love in the early 1950s: sometime actor and constant activist Harry Hay (Thomas Jay Ryan) and the fashion designer Rudi Gernreich (Urie). Above and beyond their mutual sexual attraction and romantic feelings, they both passionately commit to building the first gay rights organization in American history, the Mattachine Society.
Urie is winsome and whip-smart as Gernreich, but the performance that most elevates this production is Ryan as Hay. Hay is one of my very few personal heroes, and Ryan vibrantly portrays everything that I found admirable about him: his lightly borne erudition, his love of revolution, his spiritual sense of the place of gays in the world, his puckish humor and his habit of tearing up when politics and music mix (happens all the time to me too).
The Temperamentals is the little show that could. It started in 40-seat black box for a sold out run, and promptly moved to a larger Off-Off-Broadway house. Now, after a bit of a break, it has moved to the New World Stages Off-Broadway complex. Director Jonathan Silverstein has managed to preserve the “you are there” intimacy of the original black box.
Perhaps the most noticeable upgrade is in designer Clint Ramos’s costumes. Several key moments involve Hay discovering his “plumage” — clothes that leave no doubt that the wearer is gay — at first a flamboyant woman’s shawl. In the original production, near the end, Hay put on some vaguely genderfucking outfit that signified his evolution into the founder of the Radical Faeries. It was moving, but now Ryan dons an even more colorful outfit that identifiably resembles clothes Hay actually wore, which deepens the impact.
I repeat – you must see this! This lovely and rewarding show needs to be seen by the broadest audience possible, but for gay men, it is required viewing!
For tickets, click here.
For more reviews and interviews by Jonathan Warman, see dramaqueennyc.com.
Comments
I believe cufflinks are the next big thing in mens fashion. There's truly no other accessory a person can wear that can add so much to his looks without taking away from his class and style. Jewelry, outgoing clothing styles, and other flashy trends are very good, but not one of them have the class that cufflinks provide. Most men just don't understand how much it can enhance their appearance.
Posted by: tuxedo cufflinks and studs | April 20, 2010 09:03 PM
Wholesale Tiffany Earrings
Posted by: istiffany | April 24, 2010 02:23 AM
Have you ever well thought-outadding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire editorialof yours and it was quite good but since I'm more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful well let me know how it turns out
Posted by: เสื้อผ้าแฟชั่น | April 25, 2010 07:20 PM
I found your website perfect for my needs. It is an awesome site. It contains wonderful, informative and helpful posts. Carry on this work.
Posted by: girlvia86 | April 26, 2010 08:26 PM
Nice website, I recently came across it and I am already a fan. I just got rid of 30 pounds in thirty days, and I want to share my weight loss success with as many people as possible. If I can lose the weight then any one can. No matter what you do, never quit and you WILL attain all your weight loss goals!
Posted by: Ai Schwind | April 27, 2010 03:19 PM
Hmm.... this is a piece of writing I'm willing to take a bullet for. Absolutely hits the mark. I have some minor concerns but I don't desire to commence a lengthy post and somebody might flame me. Just wish to maintain this blog civil and clean. Wouldn't like any hatemail would i? lol keep it up!
Posted by: Lexie Jayroe | April 29, 2010 11:52 PM
Finally, a good article about this topic! I can't believe I had to go thru like 20 blogs just to locate this good article. All their information jointly even now can't equal the information of this post. I have learned a good deal and will bookmark your site. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Graham Tureson | April 30, 2010 07:00 AM
Nice article.This is very nice one and gives in depth information. thanks!
Posted by: IX webhosting reviews | May 16, 2010 05:13 PM
That is a great post because, I’m guilty,
Posted by: debt cures they don't want you to know about | May 17, 2010 06:30 AM
I like the info. I'll bookmark it and come back when I'm done at the gym
Posted by: get rock hard abs | May 17, 2010 10:38 AM
Gay rights are important. Check out our radio show devoted to it.
Posted by: Archie Suit | May 19, 2010 08:32 AM
Hello everyone! I really love fashion and style, I'm not an expert I do not live in Paris!, but if you want you can follow my small blog http://fashion.nowblogg.com/. If not, ok, I love you all anyway :) Bye! Ana Liza
Posted by: Liza Dety | May 20, 2010 05:43 PM
Hollywood starlet Lindsay Lohan can keep out of prison till her court day. Famous people justice strikes again!!!
Posted by: Archie Supports Free Speech | May 21, 2010 05:56 AM
What a blog. I can't believe some of these comments.
Posted by: Lawanda Rotella | May 21, 2010 08:54 PM
So glad you shared your post to us.Couldnt be written any better. Thanks for sharing. I look forward on your post.
Posted by: axmas | May 22, 2010 03:53 AM
I found your website perfect for my needs. It is an awesome site. It contains wonderful, informative and helpful posts. Carry on this work.
Posted by: axmas | May 22, 2010 04:36 AM
Want to buy at low prices? There is a good source to help your business grow and profitable to buycheap Prom Dressesandwholesale Prom Dresseshere from our bestProm Dressesonline stores offering wide range of wholesale products includingProm gown,discount Prom Dresses,cheap Prom gownandwholesale Prom gown.We also have a variety ofdiscount Prom gown, 2010 Prom Dress, cheap 2010 Prom Dress andwholesale 2010 Prom Dressfor your choice.Besides,Bridesmaid DressesandFlower Girl Dressesare also available here. Whatever style you choose, you would get a good price! Everything you need and want is in this site. Come visit us and you won’t be disappointed.
Posted by: axmas | May 22, 2010 04:49 AM
Want to buy at low prices? There is a good source to help your business grow and profitable to buycheap Bridesmaid Dressesandwholesale Bridesmaid Dresseshere from our bestBridesmaid Dressesonline stores offering wide range of wholesale products includingFlower Girl Dresses,discount Bridesmaid Dresses,cheap Flower Girl Dressesandwholesale Flower Girl Dresses.We also have a variety ofBridal Accessories,wholesale Bridal Accessories,cheap Bridal AccessoriesandWedding Handbagfor your choice.Besides,cheap Wedding Handbag,wholesale Wedding Handbagand Wedding Jacketare also available here. Whatever style you choose, you would get a good price! Everything you need and want is in this site. Come visit us and you won’t be disappointed.
Posted by: axmas | May 22, 2010 05:24 AM
Hi ... I just stumbled upon your post.. a good view point.. Hey ur post left me quenching for more Your post really gives out useful knowledge..
Posted by: axmas | May 22, 2010 06:11 AM
Want to buy at low prices? There is a good source to help your business grow and profitable to buywholesale Bridal Accessoriesandcheap Bridal Accessorieshere from our bestBridal Accessoriesonline stores offering wide range of wholesale products includingWedding Handbag,cheap Wedding Handbag,wholesale Wedding HandbagandWedding Jacket.We also have a variety ofcheap Wedding Jacket,wholeslae Wedding Jacket, Wedding Petticoatand cheap Wedding Petticoatfor your choice.Besides,wholesale Wedding Petticoat,cheap Wedding Veilsandwholesale Wedding Veilsare also available here. Whatever style you choose, you would get a good price! Everything you need and want is in this site. Come visit us and you won’t be disappointed.
Posted by: axmas | May 22, 2010 06:34 AM
Want to buy at low prices? There is a good source to help your business grow and profitable to buycheap Prom Dressesandwholesale Prom Dresseshere from our bestProm Dressesonline stores offering wide range of wholesale products includingWedding Jacket,cheap Wedding Jacket,wholeslae Wedding JacketandWedding Petticoat.We also have a variety ofcheap Wedding Petticoat,wholesale Wedding Petticoat, cheap Wedding Veilsandwholesale Wedding Veilsfor your choice.Besides,Wedding Handbag,cheap Wedding Handbag,wholesale Wedding Handbagandwholesale Bridal Accessoriesare also available here. Whatever style you choose, you would get a good price! Everything you need and want is in this site. Come visit us and you won’t be disappointed.
Posted by: axmas | May 22, 2010 07:05 AM
The website is absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need!Please keep 'em coming... you hve done such a great job at such Concepts... can't tell you how much I appreciate all you do!
Posted by: axmas | May 22, 2010 07:17 AM
WOW your sheetcame up first in Google. And this is what I was looking for.
Posted by: scarves shawls | May 25, 2010 11:01 PM
This is a great post you have written. Having this information will prove to be very useful going forward. Thanks
Posted by: Jada Boomershine | June 8, 2010 05:29 PM
This cool post. I like it. Thanks for sharing article.
Posted by: Wes Bocchino | June 8, 2010 06:00 PM
Thanks, you guys explained everthing I needed to know and very quicly 10 out of 10!
Posted by: Fabian Gumphrey | June 8, 2010 06:27 PM
Interesting and good stuff. Keep it coming. I am always interested in the story
Posted by: Kennith Seale | June 8, 2010 08:20 PM
Greate Atricle I like your blog and Plz update it more I'll subscripble you.
Posted by: Kathi Chueng | June 8, 2010 08:33 PM
Best post yet!
Posted by: Mens Designer Jeans | June 9, 2010 03:42 AM
One again, your articles is very good.thank you!very much.
Posted by: wholesale chinese Laptops | June 19, 2010 09:16 PM
Excellent and very thoughtful post! I really appreciate the time and effort you put in every single one of your posts, and finally decided to drop a comment on one of them! I've shared your site with my other blogger friends, and subscribed so hopefully you do the same for me.
Good luck on your blog, and feel free to comment and subscribe to my blog as well when you get a chance: Make Money Online with Dino Vedo.
Thanks so much, and lets stay connected and maybe share some ideas, do some guest posts, and get us both some more traffic and backlinks!
All the best,
Dino Vedo
Posted by: Make Money Online | June 22, 2010 08:24 PM
Excellent and very thoughtful post! I really appreciate the time and effort you put in every single one of your posts, and finally decided to drop a comment on one of them! I've shared your site with my other blogger friends, and subscribed so hopefully you do the same for me.
Good luck on your blog, and feel free to comment and subscribe to my blog as well when you get a chance: Make Money Online with Dino Vedo.
Thanks so much, and lets stay connected and maybe share some ideas, do some guest posts, and get us both some more traffic and backlinks!
All the best,
Dino Vedo
Posted by: Make Money Online | June 23, 2010 12:03 AM
Thanks for the fantastic writing. I will be returning.
Posted by: Aliza Castelli | June 23, 2010 03:37 PM
It looks like one-of-a-kind. Thank you for the information and a present on top of that! I love it! A round of applause to everyone ...I am so grateful for this.
Posted by: Air Jordan 17 | June 26, 2010 05:54 PM
You shouldn't have. If gratitude is the soul of nobles, you have made me a King. It's exactly what I wanted.
Posted by: ED Hardy | June 26, 2010 11:57 PM
I appreciate you taking the time to write about this. I am excited about the opportunity to read more of your well written topics.
Posted by: supra shoes | June 27, 2010 12:04 AM
Thank you for all the assistance you have provided me during my web search. Your expertise and help have been invaluable during this process.
Posted by: Ed Hardy Women Hoodies | June 27, 2010 01:36 AM