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No Homo
Reviewed by Pauline Adamek
Atwater Village Theater
Through August 23
RECOMMENDED:
Brandon Baruch’s dramedy No Homo, ostensibly about the gay scene in L.A., was a multi-award winner at last year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival. The play went on appear at to New York’s International Fringe fest and underwent some reworking, including an altered ending. It now returns to L.A. for a short season at Atwater Village Theatre, but No Homo hasn’t quite made the complete transition from rough-and-ready fringe to polished, legit stage. Admittedly, some of the play’s rough edges add to the piece’s charm, which is bold and unflinching in its examination of (mostly) gay relationships.
Roommates and best buds Luke (Michael Lutheran) and Ash (Jonny Rodgers) are enjoying a drunken night out on the town with friends. They’re celebrating Ash’s brother Serge’s (AJ Jones) recent decision to move in with his boyfriend Chris (Henry McMillan). Luke is wooing new girlfriend Babette (Elizabeth Ellson) but his obnoxious sister Chrissy (Lauren Flans) is determined to embarrass him. Chrissy’s sudden and self-serving declaration that she is gay sends Luke into a rage, alienating his friends. This tipping point forces Luke and Ash to examine their platonic bond and assumptions about their sexuality.
Although Baruch examines some serious topics such as infidelity, imbalance in relationships and crises of sexual identity, there’s a pervasively frothy tone and flippant superficiality that undermines the drama. There are some hilarious moments, many stemming from awkwardness when we, the audience, know more than certain characters onstage. So, while the broad and sometimes campy comedy works well, it doesn’t always mesh nicely with the drama.
Nevertheless, the characters are fun and interesting and their individuality is well delineated. The situations are fresh and the dialogue is blunt and real. Both women in the cast give wonderful performances. Elizabeth Ellson brings a genuine sweetness to hapless girlfriend Babette and Lauren Flans is a standout as the conniving sister who clearly doesn’t have her brother’s best interests at heart – ever. Flans is known for her work with the comedy troupe Lost Moon Radio, so it’s great to see her dynamic range. As the goodhearted roomie Ash, Jonny Rodgers enriches his performance with a lot of subtle gestures and detailed expression.
Jessica Hanna directs her talented cast well, achieving balanced performances throughout this one-act play that varies wildly in mood.
Atwater Village Theatre,3269 Casitas Ave, Atwater Village; Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; through Aug. 23. (800) 838-3006, www.nohomo.brownpapertickets.com
