Love is Easy But Relationships Require Work

Afterglow – Pride Films & Plays

The climax is just the beginning. That was the tagline used for the original New York Off-Broadway production, a show that piqued the theatergoer’s interest two years ago and promised a provocative, unusual story. This is a play that begins where others might end, exploring the physical and emotional connection between three young men. David Zak’s Chicago premiere of S. Asher Gelman’s bold, contemporary drama offers audiences the same exploration, while putting his own stamp on this production.

The play is inspired by Gelman’s own experiences as a gay man living in a committed, married relationship in New York City. Throughout the 80 minute drama, the audience comes to know Alex and Josh, a gay couple who, like many other married couples, both gay and straight, enjoy spicing up their relationship by bringing in a third participant into their sexual romps. The possibilities seem endless. The imagination conjures up a multitude of fantasies that could lay in store for them, However, what transpires is titillating but also heartbreaking.

This young Manhattan couple seem to have it all. Josh is a successful, yet somewhat self-absorbed, theatrical director; Alex is completing a college degree in chemistry, with a promising career in science awaiting him. The two have been in a loving, deeply-committed relationship for five years and they’re even excitedly expecting a baby, through a surrogate. The couple has come to understand that love is easy, but a relationship requires work. So, Alex and Josh have kept the fireworks fresh through an open marriage, inviting a sexy, new man to share their bed, from time to time.

Their latest liaison is a handsome, young Portland transplant, a very sensual masseur named Darius. The three men enjoy each other sexually, sharing all forms of erotic pleasures, from the bed to the shower and beyond. But, as time passes, it becomes obvious that the relationship between Josh and Darius has unexpectedly risen to a new level. The L word is uttered between the two men and suddenly this is no longer a casual menage a trois. Jealousy rears its ugly head and the three men have to decide exactly where they are and how their priorities lie.

David Zak’s production differs slightly from the original Off-Broadway production in his occasional use of choreographed movement, particularly in a prologue that introduces the play. In New York, the production opened with the three men in bed behind a curtain. After a few moments of ecstatic moaning the sheet dropped to reveal  the naked trio, who soon leave the bed and resume their sexual romp in the shower. Zak’s production begins more artistically. The men have been stylishly guided by intimacy director, Reed Bentley. He opens the play with a gently choreographed prelude to the sexual activity that has a poetic feel, sometimes resembling a dance. He also employs this expressionistic movement as the men nimbly add and arrange props and furniture to Kailee Tomasic’s versatile, intimate stage set.

David Zak’s production doesn’t back away from the frank, adult language or any of the explicit, simulated sexual activity. The playwright has emphatically mandated that “nudity is essential to the production.” In this Chicago presentation, while all three actors bravely appear totally au naturale throughout the play, there’s an attempt, through Zak’s staging and Dan Lewis’ lighting, to keep the nudity somewhat modest. This doesn’t, however, diminish the power of the story.

The attractive young cast is comprised of three talented actors who aren’t afraid to throw themselves into this story with the appropriate wild abandon. Handsome, eloquent Jacob Barnes passionately takes on the role of Alex. New to the Windy City, Mr. Barnes is sure to soon become a familiar face in Chicago theatre. He sizzles in the torrid love scenes and brings a definite touch of gentility and class to his portrayal of Alex. With emotional honesty, Jacob portrays Alex’s passion for both his partner and life, itself. But, with realistic caution and candor, his Alex finds himself reluctantly giving in to the growing doubts and anxiety the couple’s new relationship has fostered. 

As Josh, Rich Holton is a ruggedly good-looking actor whose theatrical talent has already been enjoyed all over Chicagoland. However, with this production, Holton makes his auspicious debut with Pride Films & Plays. Rich portrays Josh as a young, empathetic husband and theatrical artist, with an insatiable hunger for new sexual experiences. Josh’s character breathes confidence, but, as he nears 35, he’s beginning to experience some doubts. He reluctantly acknowledges that his younger, more adventurous days may soon be behind him. As a devoted husband, with a baby on the way, Holton’s Josh wants to have it all: a loving partner, a home and child and another new sexual partner for variety. He discovers that there are limitations to such a dreams.

Jesse James Montoya was last seen in Pride Films & Plays’ recent “Hurricane Damage,” playing Ford Angel, the hunky, young handyman. Once again sporting a buff body and a charming, boyish grin, Mr. Montoya plays Darius, the younger massage therapist, with great enthusiasm and ardor. At first, simply open to the wild sexual adventures in this three-way relationship, his character wisely remains emotionally guarded. Very soon, however, Darius finds himself giving in to Josh’s more amorous advances and, against their better judgment, the two men fall helplessly in love.

David Zak’s brave, no-holds-barred production of S. Asher Gelman’s groundbreaking drama reminds audiences that the climax, taken either way, is only the beginning—at least in this play. The one-act will appeal strongly to Chicago’s LGBTQ audience. However, because of a certain familiarity to the story, this play also offers a universal human experience. There’s a message here for anyone who’s ever been involved in a committed relationship, but felt the need for something more. The pitfalls of taking a monogamous connection to another level by bringing in a third party for adventurous sex (“no sleepovers are allowed,” the married couple warn Darius), can all be found in this play. David Zak has discovered his own way to shape this story, always keeping it original, with the emotions raw and in plain sight. He’s cast three excellent actors to bring Gelman’s cautionary drama to life. It’s an exciting production that’s sure to be talked about for a long time.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 27-May 4 by Pride Films & Plays at the Pride Arts Center—The Buena Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 866-811-4111 or by going to www.pridefilmsandplays.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.