Millennial Notes

Tom Swift Queries Queer Love, Breaking Comic Boundaries

by Kelly Mou

“A Marriage” covers lots of territory: two gay lovers, forty-two years, and a hilarious gay nephew. Tom Swift’s touching comedy also challenges realistic theater: The three actors break the fourth wall and take us behind the scenes. Tim Garcia plays a Stage Manager who surprises by talking directly to us in the audience. He starts off telling us why the actors are all wrong and off the beam!

Lifted up by a fantastic 80s soundtrack, witty jokes, and plenty of name-dropping, we are immediately drawn into a gay romance. Who doesn’t love a debate about Barbara Streisand between lovers? Swift takes us on a hilarious journey of self-reflection and breaking boundaries. Their struggles over Bette Midler and Stephen Sondheim make for brilliant comedy! (Though I had to look up Bette Midler during the intermission–too young, but now I know.)

Dashing Daniel (delightful Devin Cunningham) and his new lover indecisive Richard (magnetic Max Seijas) grow tremendously as they become more understanding, more vulnerable, and kinder to themselves and to each other. Over four decades, they become better versions of themselves in a charming character study of brave love, even before legal gay marriage in the U.S.

Daniel challenges Richard, an “equivocating,” rule-following guy, to make bolder choices. But Richard hides behind his doubts and his insecurity about being gay. Richard admits, “I’m scared to live with you. I’m terrified to live without you.” Even though Richard cannot make up his mind, Daniel helps to make him brave, too.

And stubborn, demanding Daniel, showered with Richard’s patience and care, learns to make compromises. The fast-moving comedy explores alternatives to marriage, asking: “Maybe marriage isn’t for everyone?” Here’s a play that makes you laugh and think at the same time.

When nephew Steven (versatile Garcia) surprises the lovers, he expresses funny, teen-aged disgust. But as Steven grows up, he cherishes Daniel and Richard’s intimacy as “beautiful.” People come around—even homophobic Joanne, Daniel’s mom, has to face the truth—in a funny drag satire by multi-talented Garcia. Although Steven is obnoxious to start, I get him. Having just turned nineteen, myself, I get being touchy and masking complexity by being “edgy.”

Director Richard A Mosqueda celebrates gay imagination with costume racks onstage—filled with shiny, sparkly clothes. The actors do multiple changes right onstage, reminding us of the relentless scrutiny focused on gay lovers.

During these transitional scenes, the playwright critiques his own writing,y opening up discussions between the actors. Since they’re an interracial couple, Cunningham (the actor) asks, “Why doesn’t this play talk about race?” The actors discuss their roles in the play, talking critically about racism and sexism. They ask real questions, challenging the playwright!

Both actors and their characters become more vulnerable, as they search for new understandings. It’s a play within the play—brilliantly done! There’s even a musical drag number for all three marvelous actors called “Turkey-Lurkey.” Don’t miss a great comedy at TheatreFirst!

“A Marriage” by Tom Swift, directed by Richard A Mosqueda, scenic design by Christopher Jones, lighting design by Kevin Myrick, costumes designed by Bethany Deal, by TheatreFirst at Live Oak Theater, Berkeley, California. Info: TheatreFirst.com – to February 19, 2023.

Cast: Devin Cunningham, Max Seijas, and Tim Garcia.

Banner photo: Max Seijas & Devin Cunningham.