“Sofa King Queer” reviewed by Frank Meccia

*** “SOFA KING QUEER”, directed by JD Caudill and presented by the theatre company Nothing Without a Company, is a completely adult musical play that comes with a full page of content warnings. This production features a blend of punk, pop-punk, and alternative rock music aimed at the LGBTQ+ audience.

Set in 2008 Chicago, above a mainstay gay music venue, the story revolves around Topher, played by Jacob C. Watcon. He is an openly introverted promoter who embraces his “queerness” but never leaves his home, which serves as a welcoming space for everyone, including his PR associate/sexual partner Granger, portrayed brilliantly by Marquise De’Jahn, and his new roommate Brody, played by Aaron Cappello.

Brody, a member and vocalist for a popular touring band releasing a new album, is an ex-Mormon who is gradually coming out but prefers to keep his identity hidden from the world. He starts the show as the MC, performing his hit song “Backroom Boy/Backroom Girl.” The music is catchy and enjoyable throughout the production.

Topher, a Northwestern and Harvard graduate known for his impressive singing voice, creates much of the music on his keyboard. This detail highlights that the ensemble cast possesses strong artistic backgrounds.

Sil, played by Amy Delgado, is Topher’s cousin and former roommate. They were once close friends until an ugly family secret surfaces. Sil is in a complicated relationship with the outspoken Nao, portrayed by Alexandra Alontage. Nao feels something is wrong in their relationship but can’t identify the issue; she frequently visits Topher, whom she considers family due to her own lack of familial support. The last main character is Patty, played by Jacqui Touchet, Topher’s rebellious teenage sister, who is exploring her own identity.

The play encapsulates what could be classified as typical gay drama, now often referred to as queer drama. It highlights the cyclical nature of life, suggesting that themes from the past resurface every couple of decades, albeit under different labels.

A notable aspect of the show is the live band, which performs throughout the entire production. The band features Guitarist Eric Gronkiewicz, Bassist Chris Felo, Drummer Maddie Vogel, and Keyboardist Ron Attreau, all of whom are skilled in their respective fields.

However, I take issue with the statement from the PR team that describes the play as offering a glimpse into the lives of six characters involved in the pop punk/indie rock scene during the time leading up to the 2008 presidential election. They suggest that the production provides a genuine retrospective of the LGBTQIA+ community. Sixteen years later, as another election season draws near, audiences are encouraged to reflect on any progress made since 2008. While it is true that the lives of queer individuals have often been politicized during times of unrest, my concern lies in the fact that only two sentences in the two-hour show referenced 2008 and its political context—a vague mention of a deceased president and a new election, and that was all.

The LGBTQ+ community should be proud of the significant advancements made in the last two decades. I remember the painful experiences of the 1980s and early 1990s, when thousands of people were losing their lives to an unknown disease. Between 1980 and 1990, over 110,000 individuals, both men and women, died from AIDS, with more than 10,000 dying in 1988 alone. Having worked in an AIDS hospice, I witnessed firsthand the tragedy and its impact on many lives. To suggest that the LGBTQ+ community hasn’t benefited enough over the last 20 years feels somewhat insulting.

The performance schedule for **SOFA KING QUEER** runs from November 1 to December 2, with shows:

Thursdays to Saturdays at 7 p.m.

matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

There are additional performances on Wednesday, November 6 and 13 at 7 p.m. (student night), and Monday, December 2 at 7 p.m. (industry night).

Tickets range from $30 to $60, with discounts available for students and industry professionals.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit NothingWithoutaCompany.org or email the box office at boxoffice@nothingwithoutacompany.org.

Performances are held at Berger Park Cultural Center, located at 6205 N. Sheridan in Chicago, with ample parking available in the area.

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