A Beautifully Intimate Production Launches Theatre Gemini in the Twin Cities
Photo by Sarah Robinette.
Complexities of gay and bisexual love are penetrated by director/playwright Stuart Fail in Theatre Gemini’s staging of Consider the Lilies at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage. Paul (Al Saks) is an aging alcoholic who chronically reveals shame-based judgements about women’s bodies and sexual expression in general throughout the play. David (Eric Joshua Davis), is his much younger agent whom Paul has naggingly trapped into a long-term toxic relationship. The degree to which they are still sexual or whether or not they ever really have been sexual is rather vague. However, that adds to the mystery about just what the attraction is between the two Americans, which is one of the many fascinating aspects of this remarkable drama.
Photo by Sarah Robinette.
Act One, set in Paris, has the pair thrashing out the pros and cons of that city’s world-class art scene v. New York’s world-class art scene. In Act Two they return to the Big Apple where they are compelled to confront their individual pasts, as well as outmoded assumptions about the city.
Photo by Sarah Robinette.
Fail has directed his play with a beautiful sense of intimacy. Saks and Davis make us feel as if we have entered a privileged, highly private zone. The depth of their performances is riveting. The supporting cast is also notable. Chris De Vaan brings robust vibrancy to Zack, a young artist who shakes up their lives. Jessica Grams is magnetic as David’s ex, the dubious Angela. In the juicy little role of a telegram courier, Nora O’Brien makes a vivid impression.
Consider the Lilies
Through Sept. 1
Minneapolis Theatre Garage, 711 W. Franklin Av., Mpls.
(800) 838-3006
www.theatregemini.com
