Buyer & Cellar

Malibu Barbie – Pride Films & Plays

Imagine being a struggling gay, young actor in LA trying to find enough work to pay the bills and maybe engage in some artistic fulfillment along the way. Enter Alex More, a former Disneyland employee, and sometime stage actor, who’s offered a very unique opportunity that will satisfy both of his wishes. It seems that a certain musical megastar and international celebrity is looking for someone, with artistic flair and some retail experience, to manage her subterranean Main Street of selective specialty shops.

That world-famous celebrity turns out to be none other than Ms. Barbra Streisand; and the shops comprise an underground mini mall that she’s designed herself. The elaborate storefronts line a cobblestone street, deep in the basement of Malibu Barbie’s mansion. Oh, and the only customer expected to be shopping at this mall (which is really just a collection of her own years of memorabilia) is the Funny Girl herself. What’s a boy to do?

Michael Urie, best known for his starring role as Mark St. James on the TV show “Ugly Betty,” as well as for many other theatrical and film roles, starred in this one-man show at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater. He then brought the production to Chicago, where it enjoyed an extended run at the Broadway Playhouse. As Alex, Mr. Urie was hilarious; but in Pride Films & Plays’ exciting Windy City premiere, young Chicago actor, Scott Gryder, simply sparkles. He makes this role all his own in a way that will, forever, label Mr. Gryder as a Superstar. 

Scott Gryder is truly sensational. His tour de force performance is a triumphant theatrical achievement, and much more difficult than most theatergoers will fully appreciate. Under the astute direction of Jeff Award-winner, Donterrio Johnson, Mr. Gryder plays the fictional Alex More as a very real, personable, flamboyant and chatty young man, who’s not only a huge fan of the multi-talented Ms. Streisand, but a smart and sensitive observer of human nature. This 100-minute performance unexpectedly races by with Alex breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to the audience. In sharing Alex’s story, Gryder not only portrays Streisand’s newest employee, he also slides in and out of other characters with ease. He distinctively plays Barry, Alex’s boyfriend; a former, flashy Disneyland employer; Sharon, the woman who hires and supervises him in his new job; Barbra’s handsome husband, James Brolin; and, of course, Ms. Streisand herself. The actor doesn’t try to impersonate Barbra, as a drag queen might, but instead provides the essence of the famous diva. The result is a side-splitting, multi-character narrative with many honest, tender moments that truly touch the heart.

This Chicago production, written by Jonathan Tolins (“Twilight of the Golds”) and skillfully directed by Donterrio Johnson, is beautifully and artistically supported by Evan Frank’s lovely, detailed scenic design, Mike McShane’s sound and light compositions and a comfortably realistic wardrobe (notice Gryder’s Mickey Mouse socks) by Jos N. Banks. The highest praise I can give this rollicking, sometimes poignant one-man play is that Scott Gryder is not only stellar in this role, and delightfully insightful within the show, but he seems like a great guy. He’d be someone theatergoers would enjoy hanging out with over a drink. For a cheerfully captivating evening of entertainment and enlightenment, do not miss this especially wonderful production that’s as gay and lighthearted as Springtime.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 11-May 19 by Pride Films & Plays at The Broadway, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 866-811-4111 or 773-857-0222, or by going to www.pridefilmsandplays.com.

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