[NEohioPAL] Review of "Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays" at Cleveland Public Theatre

[Bob Abelman]

Cleveland Public Theatre's 'Standing on Ceremony' offers a resounding 'I do'

 

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This review will appear in the News-Herald on 10/18/12

 

It is all too easy to get teary-eyed at the end of "Standing on Ceremony," a collection of short plays about the institution of marriage written by some of the nation's most interesting playwrights.

 

The final entry by José Rivera places us in the pews of an absolutely beautiful wedding ceremony as a loving couple stands at the altar, exchanges vows full of hope and promise, and kiss. 

 

The tears come unless you are an opponent of gay marriage.  In that case, you are clearly at the wrong theater and most likely on your way out the door well before this culmination of the evening's storytelling is reached. 

 

Conceived by Brian Schipper and directed by Craig J. George for Cleveland Public Theatre, "Standing on Ceremony" offers staged celebrations of the recent advances in marital rights for same-sex couples and how the changing laws-well, those outside of Ohio-have changed lives.  The work premiered last year in New York and L.A, and is having its regional premiere here.

 

Some of the pieces, such as Paul Rudnick's hilarious monologue "The Gay Agenda" and Doug Wright's ensemble piece, "Facebook," are poignant projectiles thrown at the back of the heads of those storming out the door.  They give voice to their fears but are covered in a heaping helping of sarcasm and sharpened barbs.  

 

Others, including Wendy MacLeod's "This Flight Tonight" and Moisés Kaufman's "London Mosquitoes," tug at the heart-strings by revealing the pros and cons of commitment, no matter the sexual orientation.  The first takes place at an airport where, on her way to be wed, Allie is hit with an Erica Jongian fear of flying.  The other unfolds at a funeral where Joe says goodbye to his partner of 46 years.  

 

A few of these 10-minute plays rip at the soul by exposing the hardships of being perceived as less. The best example is "Strange Fruit" by Neil LaBute, whose title is appropriately taken from an old Billie Holiday song but whose tragedy is taken from today's headlines.

 

Both Acts opens with a "day in the life" play, the first written by Jordan Harrison that depicts a gay couple bickering over their upcoming wedding vows, and the other written by Mo Gaffney about a lesbian couple coordinating the excruciating details of their wedding ceremony.

 

"Standing on Ceremony" will not win converts.  It is, in fact, preaching to a choir of gays, lesbians, and sympathetic straights.  But this comfortably casual portrayal of tradition and traditional values with a twist creates a reaffirming sense of normalcy where once there was none.  This production's power lies in the air of social acceptance it breathes.  

 

"Standing on Ceremony" is also a very entertaining piece of theater.  It is staged with creativity and eloquence, with superb performances from the very talented Molly Andrew-Hinders, Maryann Elder, Dana Hart, Stuart Hoffman, Michael Silverstein and Beth Wood.

 

The world is changing, or so this production would have us believe, two little words at a time.

 

"Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays" continues through October 20 in Cleveland Public Theatre's Gordon Square Theatre, 6415 Detroit Avenue in Cleveland's Gordon Square Arts District.  For tickets, which range from $10 to $25, call 216-631-2727 or visit www.cptonline.org.
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