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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 3, 2000)
novamber 3.2000 * ▼ WANTED! Love hurts New play has plenty of queer angles hut also some deadly ones - by A ndy M angels _ A FR IC A N A M ER IC A N H EALTH C O A LITIO N , INC. PH OTO BY BENI WANTED! A FRICA N A M ERICA N CAY AN D BISEXUAL MEN! f you think love is a killer of intimacy in relationships, you haven’t been sleeping with the right killers. This seems to be one of the messages in the new dark comedy from triangle produc tions! titled Unidentified Human Remains and the True Nature o f Love. And when I say dark, prepare for a blood-stained stage even before the lights go down. T h e setting for the play is Edm onton, A lberta, a city in w hich a serial killer o f women m ight make th e news, but such sor did events don’t yet touch the lives o f the characters. David (N ich olas Bu rilini-P rice) is a gay former television actor now making his living as a waiter. He lives, Will & Grace-style, with ex-girl friend Candy (Laura Faye Sm ith), a book edi tor. David’s oldest friend is Bemie (Spencer Conway), a troubled straight man whose mar riage is on the rocks and who seems to get into a lot of bloody bar fights. His other friend is Benita (Michelle Maida), a goth-girl tarot card reader and dominatrix-for-hire. Into their lives come three other characters: Jerri (Torrey Cornwell), a lesbian at Candy’s gym who has a crush on her; Robert (Jefferson L. Davis), a bartender who also has his eye on Candy; and Kane (Gabe Harmon), an adorable young busboy at David’s job who is struggling with secret impulses. As the story progresses— narrated by Benita, using horrific urban legends to introduce scenes— David is tom between his infatuation with B em ie and with Kane, avoiding his pain through anonymous sexu al trysts in a park. Candy is drawn into her first lesbian affair, with Jerri, but also feels the need to affirm her heterosexuality in a shallow relationship with Robert. But as the love/lust triangles become more overpowering, so too does the element of dan ger. It becomes clear that many of the people are hiding secrets, and Candy and David soon realize one of their circle indeed might be the serial killer— and one of them could be the next victim. Written by Canadian playwright Brad Fraser, Unidentified Human Remains is a macabre change of pace for triangle. Multiple references to gory murders, as well as several bits of on-stage violence and a gunshot, might From left: Spencer Conway, Nicholas Burilini-Price and Michelle Maida are caught in a web of intrigue be difficult for some theatergoers. But in the wake of popular serial killer movies such as Seven, The Silence o f the Lambs and The Cell, there is probably an audience for this foray into darker territory. Director Don Homs staging is impressive and benefits from effective lighting by Jeffrey D. Woods and Mark Bauch, especially given that most of the cast is on stage throughout the entire production. Although the complex set and constant presence of the actors is initially jarring, audience members quickly will find themselves intrigued when they realize each character’s story continues even when the spot light is not on them. Burilini-Price is a little too physically im posing as David for us to be concerned about any on-stage threat to him, but his wittily sarcastic attitude and reactions to the moral quandaries of the story are spot-on. Cornwell is a delicious dyke, both a stereotype and an individual at once. Davis is given one o f the least likable roles, but he makes the most of it (and looks awfully damn cute doing so), while Harmon gives just the right measure of naivete and uncertainty to Kane. Clues to the identity of the killer are tipped early on by both the script and the actor playing the character. I’m torn as to whether this was an effective choice, but the production certainly manages the choice well. Unidentified Human Remains is a strong and engrossing play, well-cast and nicely directed. Audience members who don’t like violent themes probably should stay away— as should those who might be offended by semi nudity and some frank sexual dialogue— but fans of theater of the macabre would do well to make a date to see it. j n U nidentified H uman R emains and the T rue N ature of L ove runs through Nov. 11 at Theater! Theatre!, 3430 S.E . Belmont St. For tickets call the box office, 503-239-5919, or Fastixx. A ndy M angels is a longtime Portland entertainment writer with three books and hundreds o f comic books and magazine articles to his credit. You can write him at AMangelsSW@aol.com. Come meet other African American Men like yourself and discuss real issues that affect you and your community. BROTHER 2 BROTHER is an organization dedicated to sharing the latest information through support groups for African American Gay and Bisexual Men. Life’s tough est decisions don’t have to be faced alone! If you’re an African American Male and are Gay or Bisexual contact Stephan at (503) 413-1850. All infor mation discussed is private and will be kept completely confidential. Sponsored by the African American Health Coalition, Inc. iP o rtfa n cf—fr o m ifie o e s/p o i n i o f view . IfH p v ïS Enjoy Sunday brunch, lu nck or dinner cruises on the Portland Sp irit. Perfect for ou t-o f-to w n guests. C o m m itm en t C erem on ies, group bookring and private yacbt rental available. Portland F o r re s e rv a tio n s and in fo r m a tio n p lease ca ll 5 0 3 - 2 2 4 - 3 9 0 0 or 8 0 0 - 2 2 4 - 3 9 0 1 . Boole o n - l i n e at ww w .p o r tla n d s p ir it .c o m Join us lor 1 hank sgiving an J holiday cruises. G i f t C e r t if i c a t e s make great gifts 41
