Playwright: Doric Wilson. At: Chicago's Leather Archive Museum,6418 N. Greenview. Tickets: 773-761-9200; $10 ( sold only at the door. Runs through: July 10
The People's Theater of Chicago/The Legacy Project is going retro this summer with A Perfect Relationship. Written in the late 1970s by Doric Wilson, this production contains many elements that audience members can relate with today.
Greg ( Thad Anzur ) and Ward ( Andrew Kain Miller ) are roommates in a 1980 New York two-bedroom apartment. Greg's affinity for disco and Ward's leather scene fetish makes them the gay Odd Couple. When a one-night stand enters the picture, the roommate's relationship is tested and three quickly becomes a crowd.
Thad and Andrew have great chemistry together. Andrew Kain Miller is the standout, bringing naturalness to Ward and his being a company member bodes well for the People's Theater's future. Their scenes were well choreographed by Director Tony Lewis.
Barry, ( Alex Polcyn ) as the trick, almost steals the show and Muriel, ( Bonnie Varner ) as the neighbor, could take a lesson from him. Her Mrs. Roper hairdo/costume is fitting but she needs those peaks and valleys to flesh out the character a little more. After a few scenes, I think we were all ready for her to knock on someone else's door.
The lighting pulsated throughout the show, including the house lights. Was this for disco-ball effect or maybe to express downtown New York nightlife outside?
Chicago's Leather Archive Museum adds greatly to the environment and atmosphere. The museum also gives early birds the chance to see more than the worm downstairs.
While not quite "perfect," seize the opportunity to visit the museum and brush up on gay history with a play this Fourth of July.