Posted on 11/26/2001 6:35:50 AM PST by truthandlife
In the beginning, there is nothing. Then the Stage Manager comes out giving commands.
``Monday, go. Thursday, Garden of Eden, go.''
With dramatic music in the background, in come lighting, props and the First Man.
``Who am I?'' asks Adam. ``Where am I? Am I gay?''
As Adam (John Hensley) makes a feminine gesture with his hand, the audience roars with laughter. This is Genesis according to Paul Rudnick, who in The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, the second presentation at the Fifth Lesbian/Gay Play Festival, gives vent to the statement ``God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.''
A co-production of The Public Theatre and the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of South Florida, Most Fabulous, which had a good run Off-Broadway, is often hilarious, at times philosophical and mostly self-deprecating.
Despite drawbacks -- an unappealing auditorium and a mixed bag of acting talent -- this production, directed by Kate Powers, plays well to its strength: Rudnick's witty dialogue.
As you might suspect, there's no Eve in this Garden of Eden. Adam's co-created fellow human is Steve (Greg Harrison), and they happily play and cavort. In the absence of the snake and the apple, the Stage Manager (a convincing Teresa Alexandra) orders a physical reaction that propels the men to want sexual contact. (Discovery of their sexuality, including Harrison's rubbing of his genitals, are the only scenes in the play that could make some in the audience uncomfortable.)
But soon Adam and Steve realize to their horror that they are not alone in the garden. Jane (Sabrina Reed) and Mabel (Valerie Silidker) also live as a couple, and the four continue through the Biblical ages -- with scenes such as The Flood, The 39th Day and The First Christmas Eve -- until they get to the 20th Century.
Most Fabulous raises issues of concern to gay couples, such as having children and how gays fit in organized religions. But it always treats these with humor.
``They have children, we have taste,'' quips Adam.
Standing out from the rest of the cast is Hensley, who easily adopts the role of the inquisitive Adam, delivering his funny lines with timing and nuances.
Other highlights include Merry Jo Pitasi as Rabbi Sharon, the lesbian and handicapped talk-show rabbi; Sabrina Reed singing Ave Maria as Jane, and Scott Serven in his multiple roles.
The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told is not a play for everyone. It contains explicit sexual descriptions and its humor relies heavily on gay stereotypes. Yet its comedy can produce a good belly laugh.
For more information, visit The Gay and Lesbian Center's Web site: www.glccftl.org.
Excellent. And, for the record, I have no problem with "filth" (my words, fwiw) being produced and shown with private funds. If it "floats" the proverbial boat for some, then I'm perfectly content with letting them finance it.
:) ttt
Yes. And, in addition, God has reserved SPECIAL punishment for those (ahem, Binny Hinn) who pervert His word. There's true justice only in the afterlife.
:) ttt
Hey, if God had meant for us to attend plays...
He would have given us...tickets.
It's blasphemy. Coming from the "tolerant" left, this is very "intolerant" of others views, don't you think?
Question, is a carny preacher taking the life savings from little old ladies to build themeparks as shrines to themselves blasphemy??
Given Jim Baker's actions (how he spent the money on his own desires, his adulterous affairs, etc..) it's worse than blasphemy, that's HYPOCRISY. In God's eyes, that's about as bad as it gets.
So, you believe that true believers of God are evil and gays that ridicule Christians are somehow righteous?
This is really sad. I will pray for you.
Rather like YOUR heavy-handed, plodding condemnation pf Christians?
You're right, they haven't burned down any churches (that we know of). On the other hand, Christians aren't defiling their services like this. Face facts, AAM, the real radicals are the homosexuals.
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