This musical drama knocked me out, to put it mildly. This is probably because I have been involved with the work of GLAD (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) in obtaining the recent Supreme Court decision to declare DOMA unconstitutional and bring same sex marriage into full legality. GLAD also works with trans-gender persons, trying to get fair treatment in an un-fair world. This story is remarkable, dramatic, and totally absorbing. You cannot leave the theatre unmoved.
The story involves a group of persons, each of whom is in some stage of changing gender.
The incredible Annette O'Toole portrays 'Robert', a woman who has gone through part of the transition to being a man and who is dying of ovarian cancer. Her involvement in this role is mind-boggling.Jeff McCarthy plays 'Lola', a man trying to decide if he wants to go through with the transformation. He is 'Robert's' girlfriend. He is good in the part, but having seen him portray Sweeney Todd in a previous Barrington Stage production made it a little more difficult for me to accept him in this role.
Todd Cerveris plays 'Sam' who was born Barbara and is part way to becoming a man.
Lizzie Hagstedt is a Storeyteller and plays the bass fiddle.
Natalie Joy Johnson is 'Carly', a man who has gone through the entire process of becoming a woman, including the sexual surgery.
Jeffrey Kuhn is 'Jackson', a woman who has decided to have the complete surgery but in the end decides against it.
David M. Lutken is a Storyteller and guitar player, as well as playing several small roles.
Robin Skye portrays 'Melanie', a woman who is in love with 'Jackson', even though he is not yet fully male.
Joel Waggoner is a Storyteller and violinist.
Elizabeth Ward Land is a Storyteller and plays percussion.
Every member of the cast acts and sings with an intensity that is almost frightening. The problems of the trans-gender community is brought forth in violent detail. This is a night in the theatre I will not soon forget.
