It doesn’t satisfy the beginning of a fairy tale or the story of Kite’s origins to share with every couple in social media posts that induce “AWWW.” Romance, for some, flowers bloom under less ornamental conditions. That’s the case with W. Tre and Free. Tarell Alvin McCranny’s strange black couple at a brilliantly observed crossroads, and a funny love story with a delicious Frank We’re gathering.
We met Tre and Free at an outdoor cruising spot in City Park. There, men gathered in the darkness, mostly for anonymous sexual hookups. For this couple, desire at a glance has led not only to quick sex, but also to real connections, and then grew into something deeper.
Five years later, they are in such deep love that the pensive architect W. Torre takes marriage seriously. He also seriously wonders whether even this man he worships is ready or capable of committing to lifelong commitment.
In the production of Kent Gash’s world premiere in Arena stages, depicted with ease command and loving urgency by Kyle Beltran, W. Tre is a gay romance settlement, spinning in his own web of brutal indecisiveness.
Similarly, he deals with his conundrums to the audience with a winding mountain monologue, beautifully magnified by Bertrand, capturing the man’s sly, self-deprecating humor, and the cruciality of what bothers him.
“I love him,” W. Tre declared Free, a passionate but somehow his junior ten-year gentle songwriter, often played Nick Ash as a completely cozy person in his skin and skirt.
But “Why am I not?” need To get married? “That’s W. Tre’s question. Of the many people he considers, does anyone need to marry, or is he shy, since the monogamy, especially the gay generation, fought for equality in marriage in this country, so he is shy, and can he draw the muscles?
Better and worse, W. Tre feels he is frequently forced to return to his cruising spot, both in his memory and in his flesh. The production brings us vividly through the brief details of the Gaslight Light Pole and Adam Honoré’s atmospheric lighting around the arena’s Fikandler Stage.
Jason Sherwood’s minimal set also takes us to W. Tre and Free’s bedroom, squealing in bright neon. In that circle they are safe in each other’s arms.
Beyond the circle…we, our audience, our unofficial cast members lend support in call and response, like the characters on stage, especially W. Tre and Freedom, and cross the fourth wall at will.
Gash also directed the production of Tony Award-winning McCranny Choirreminding us of a gorgeous, intimate joint experience between hundreds and an unforgettable evening of a few lucky few.
All performances in a production run include at least one actual wedding, or marriage update. This is legally appointed with the aim of marrying a couple of audiences who are hosted by one of the actors and volunteered to honor.
W. Tre and freedom tie the knot or not, someone will say “I will do” all the performances. (On Press Night, two couples (one lesbian, one gay) are happy to be bold.) True love is W. Find its place on stage, along with Tre’s fear, anxiety, shame, and unwavering sexual desire.
Also, the danger raises his head in the park, initially intriguing subplots, but ultimately brings a distraction from W. Tre’s key issues that determine his future.
To that end, McCranny thrusts the hero into a bold quest into the mystery of desire and commitment, and Bertrand comes out with courage and finds the music in McCranny’s lyrical speech. And together, Bertrand and Ash are W. It produces intense chemistry that completely appeals to the urgency of the Tre dilemma.
“All sacred things are called,” says W. Tre. And what he finds for free feels sacred to him. How they met, where did they meet, or is it important that he can’t stop thinking about cruising the park for sex?
Well, that last one is probably important. Therefore, he steals this pile of delicious dilemma on his plate, and McCranny’s wise and witty modern gay romance.
We’re gathering (★★★★★) Until June 15th, Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. Sw. Tickets range from $59 to $110. Call or visit 202-488-3300 www.arenastage.org.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
