By Philip Doyle
My fellow brothers and
sisters… before I commence, give me the opportunity to drag my old soapbox out
of the closet… Allow me the
opportunity to regale you with some high praise for two of our community’s essential
institutions:
First, let us
praise ELEMENT, Denver’s Gay Men’s Wellness Initiative. The efforts of the good people of
ELEMENT strengthen our community by inspiring all of us to lead healthy
lives. Through programs that
include The Mile High Meth Project, Boyfriend University and the Volunteer
Outreach Touch Team, they have empowered us with the tools to grow as a
community and to love ourselves.
Second, there has been a
resurrection of gay theatre in Denver.
Guided by the divine hand of Steven Tangedal, we can all look to a
future that celebrates our artistic diversity by the Theatre Out Denver
production company.
Let us raise our
hands to your computer screen and recognize their love. It is time to rise up and embrace their
noble efforts and show our support for this worthy cause. For goodness sake, go bare witness to Southern Baptist Sissies.
Southern Baptist Sissies written by Del Shores explores the emerging sexual
awareness of four gay young men living in the zealous center of the Bible belt.
Fans of Del Shores may remember his play “Sordid Lives” that was followed by a
LOGO television series of the same name.
The young men in Southern
Baptist Sissies follow a path of
inspired comedy and heart breaking sorrow. The play is presented within two diametrically opposed
settings of a Baptist church and the local gay bar, one representing religious
structure and the other sexual freedom.
We watch the characters journeying both worlds, searching for love and
acceptance.
The conflicted and
inevitable journeys of the four male leads are presented with a respectful
emotional conviction under Steven Tangedal’s competent direction.
James O’Hagan-Murphy, Brock
Benson, Preston Lee Britton, and Stefin Woolever, are perfectly cast as the
plays four conflicted and likable heroes.
O’Hagan-Murphy never misses a beat and provides the momentum of the
show. Stefin Woolever, delivers a
character with a beautifully honest innocence that impressed me.
Todd
Black as the preacher approaches his character with a subdued realness,
a wise choice for a character that could otherwise be an overbearing
caricature. Linda Suttle portrays a misguided and conflicted parent.
David Ballew and Samara
Bridwell provide a welcome laugh as drunken gay bar pals. They are exaggerated, boisterous and
catty cliché’s that we all can relate to.
Did I mention the hot
strippers? Oh yes, there are cameos by Cisco Yocisco and Bobby Lindsay from
Boylesque.
So, my brothers, my sisters
… as I step down off my soapbox let me remind you of this: There are times in our lives,
especially during the election year, when we are confronted with judgmental
deprecating righteousness. So, it
is time to rise above! Testify! Love yourselves and each other.
Show your support and go see Southern
Baptist Sissies! Amen.
Southern
Baptist Sissies is presented by ELEMENT and Theatre Out Denver. All
proceeds will benefit The Denver ELEMENT that provides HIV education,
prevention and outreach efforts to Denver's gay/bi male community.
Southern Baptists Sissies plays Friday
and Saturday evenings between Feb. 24 – Mar. 24 at 8pm at Crossroads
Theater, 2590 Washington at Welton in Five Points. For tickets visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/218171.
