Four separate stories add edginess to play

By JULIE McHALE - TimeOut Theater Critic	November 13, 2009

It is rare for a small theater in Milwaukee to get the rights to a play that is presently showing in New York at the Lincoln Center Theatre. It is doubly rare to be privy to seeing two Paul Rudnick plays in such a quick succession. RSVP Theatre Company presented "Regrets Only" in May and is now sponsoring Rudnick’s newest creation, "The New Century." Both plays are edgy, wellscripted comedies that deal with gay issues, and thanks to an able cast and the sensitive direction of Ray Bradford in both productions, each proved relevant, wise and very amusing. "The New Century" features a quartet of four separate stories. The first three monologues deal with an affluent Jewish mother with three gay children, a flamboyant queen named Mr. Charles and his partner, and a super-crafts mom with a gay son. The fourth segment brings these characters together in a New York hospital, where the Jewish mother awaits her first grandchild via her lesbian daughter. The fourth segment is not as strong as the first three, as it’s a tad preachy and contrived. The story is loosely held together by the theme of homosexuality and how a given person or a society deals with it. Many stereotypes pervade the story, including those regarding gays, but others emerge as well – those of the New Yorkers, Jews, Midwesterners, craftsmen and artists. The script is thick with great one-liners; so many, in fact, that we almost hesitate to laugh, lest we miss the next clever comment. The first monologue is delivered by a shrewd, wellappointed and classy lady who lives in a wealthy neighborhood on Long Island. Helene Nadler sees herself as an educated, liberal and good mom who has done her best to raise her children to be productive citizens. When she is confronted with the baffling reality that three of her children are homosexual, she struggles to cope and be affirming, understanding and supportive. Sharon Nieman-Koebert does a bang-up job of conveying her ambivalence, and has a certain edge about her that works very well. We laugh while commiserating. The second segment, involving the inimitable Mr. Charles, the gayest of the gay, is flawlessly rendered by the one and only Dale Gutzman, who is known for his larger-than-life impersonations. His partner Shane, played by Christopher Elst, is less consistent, but has his moments. Granted, it would be difficult to compete with Gutzman. Barbara Ellen Diggs, who is superbly delineated by Kim Ballou, is the ultimate crafts lady from Decader, Ill. Her fascinating presentation and display of her many "useful" and colorful creations are nothing short of delightful. As we make fun of her from time to time, we grow to love her, as well. She is the ultimate enthusiast, and her passion for her calling and for her son dying of AIDS is inspirational. Even though you probably don’t want a crocheted toaster cover or a bikini for your cat, you love the woman who is cranking out these items with such fervor. Gloria M. Loeding, Sandy Lewis and Wayne Schick fill out the cast with minor roles. The show runs weekends through Nov. 21 at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, 703 S. Second St. It’s a cozy space and perfect venue for intimate theater. Call 414-272-5694 or 414-383-3727 for more information.