“Modern Gentleman”

***About Face Theatre is presenting a World Premiere production on the Schwartz Stage at Raven Theatre. The play is “Modern Gentleman” written by Preston Max Allen. It is about “change” Our lives are full of changes, from our childhood to adulthood and then onward to old age. While, in many ways, we seem to remain as we were, in reality, we change every day. The question about “change” is our reaction to OTHERS going through “change”!

“Modern Gentleman” as directed by Landree Fleming is considered a Queer Dramady about Adam ( Alec Phan), who is going through a major change. Adam is trans and is still doing the hormone shots. At the onset of this 95 minute play ( no intermission), we meet Adam and Lily ( deftly handled by Kaylah Marie Crosby). At this point, we are unaware of Adam’s sexuality, and based on what we see, it appears the Adam is a “he” and is all over Lily. We do learn that she has decided that she is a lesbian and breaks up with Adam.

Adam’s bestie, the very  “adventurous” Samuel ( played to perfection by Omer Abbas Salem), who brings some funny scenes to this play, while at the same time, attempting to make Adam aware of his need to find himself before starting a relationship. During the many scenes ( we go from one to another and I am guessing about 18 little changes) We find Adam breaking up with, but staying friends with Lily. We also learn a great deal about Adam from the scenes with his sister , Natalie ( well played by Ashlyn Lozano) and Alycia ( a wonderful character played to perfection by Emma Fulmer) that he meets at his sister’s baby shower.

The relationship between Adam and Alycia blossoms quickly, but very superficial as it turns out that when it comes to introducing Adam to her family, she feels that Adam might just say to much, causing Adam to back away from what seemed to be a solid relationship. What can Adam do? After talking with Samuel, who in spite of his comic touches, makes sense, we have another scene with Adam and Lily. As I am not one to give away the ending, I will leave it there!

The Schwartz Stage is a small venue with a fairly small stage, but Milo Blue’s set fills it with a wonderful apartment that has many doors, allowing quick scene changes and with solid performances, we do not think about the apartment being just that- it is in fact where the action is. The costumes (Jazmin Aurora medina) are terrific, but I think Adam could have had a few more shirts so it would not seem that he always wore the same clothes. Paloma Locsin’s props were terrific. In fact, at one point, I felt there was indeed a cat onstage ( I know there wasn’t, but it felt as if there was). The lighting (Conchita Avitia) and sound/original music ( Ethan Korvne) added to the overall picture painted by Preston Max Allen and Landree Fleming, and the intimacy choreography was handled by Chels Morgan.

I ask that you go into this production with an open mind about people and finding out who they are. Many of us have met people who are at the crossroads in their lives. In fact, they may even be family members. This play looks at this situation from an angle that might not be comfortable for you, but if you relax, and open your mind and heart, you will learn something about today’s world, and perhaps even yourself.

“Modern Gentleman” will continue thru April 18th with performances as follows:

Sunday         Apr 12:3:00pm

Show Type: Comedy

The Raven Theatre is located at 6157 N. Clark Street ( at Granville)

www.aboutfacetheatre.com

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Modern Gentleman”