The Truth Hurts

The Things I Could Never Tell Steven – Pride Arts

Oscar Wilde once wrote that “the truth is rarely pure and never simple.” The Bible says that “the truth will set you free.” And someone quite wise once wrote that “the truth may hurt for a little while, but a lie hurts forever.” All of these quotations could aptly apply to this chamber musical by Aussie writer and composer, Jye Bryant. Although we never see Steven, by the end of this 75-minute one-act, the audience will have heard all the lies the young man has told to everyone who was important in his life…including himself. Those lies will have injured many and will, indeed, hurt forever.

Although the play was written long before a pandemic brought our world to a screeching halt, Bryant’s intriguing four-hander is the perfect production for an era when social distancing is the rule of the day. Each actor performs in isolation inside his or her own designated space. No one shares a scene with another character. For that reason, while this charming musical drama is Pride Arts’ first live production in almost two years, it could’ve easily been adapted into a virtual presentation and streamed live into each patron’s home. 

Jye Bryant’s libretto consists mainly of 19 musical monologues interspersed with a few short spoken scenes. The four characters— the Mother, the Father, the Wife and the Ex—never interact with each other. They either sing or speak to themselves or to the unseen Steven, by leaving voice messages on his answering machine that are never returned. This unusual structure provides the only weakness in the script. Without an opportunity for any of the characters to share their feelings with each other, the playwright has created a vacuum, a world of isolated, very lonely people. But, perhaps that’s his point.

That said, this show is expertly directed by Jay Espano, Pride Arts’ exciting, new Artistic Director. Paired with the always reliable Robert Ollis, as Music Director, the two have done a masterful job of telling Mr. Bryant’s story. The play is set in the 1980’s; but in many ways, the story feels contemporary. It’s also a lot like Stephen Sondheim’s “Company,” a 1970’s riff on marriage, but without the main character of Bobby. There’s even one musical moment in this production that’s a humorous homage this classic; those familiar with Sondheim’s score will immediately recognize it.

The cast is quite good, each bringing his own individual gift to the musical. In particular, the rich baritone of Carl Herzog, as the Father, is the all-around standout. He not only finds every moment of pathos within each of his beautifully sung solos, but he creates an honest, three-dimensional character, a man grounded in reality and filled with private regrets and deep feelings. Herzog’s rendition of “Three Small Words,” “Middle Ground” and the affecting “I Never Told You” are some of the best performances in this production. 

Kyra Leigh also has some wonderful moments as the Mother, a role that’s clearly been written as the comic relief in this dramatic piece. Her hilarious “Now, The Bitch is His Wife” doesn’t mince any words. Forever armed with a bottle of wine, the character later sings about all the pet names she’s given her son in “My Little Possum and I.” But the highlight of the evening is when Mother discovers what she innocently assumes are Christmas gifts that Steven’s hidden in the attic (but are actually gay sex toys). She delights us with her unforgettable finds in “Steven’s Box.”

Elissa Newcorn is lovely and magnetic as the Wife. She provides the heart of this piece. We watch her accept his proposal and eventually marry Steven (although he’s not actually on stage with her), the true love of her life (“All Because I Do”). As the story continues, and Steven seems to always be working late or running errands, the Wife meditates on how life would be different “If I Never Knew You.” Although Ms. Newcorn sometimes tends to over-sing in this modest-sized venue, she brings tears to our eyes with her confession, “I’ll Forever Keep a Part of You.”

At first, hunky Nate Hall seems to be all libido and sexual playfulness, describing the many joys of “Sex With an Ex.” But as the story progresses, the audience realizes that this handsome young man would like more than a casual, now-and-then encounter, with Steven. He sings of “Memories of You” and eventually learns of his boyfriend’s shocking closeted, double life in “Secret on the Side.” By the end of this musical, for their own individual reasons, each of the four characters have said goodbye to Steven but, as a company, musically share the love they’ve given to him in “Steven Knows.”

Jye Bryant’s musical is having its American premiere in this Chicago production at the newly named Pride Arts. However, it’s certain that his show will soon find itself playing all across the country, particularly in smaller venues. The material is novel, but not new. There’s probably nothing in this story that audiences haven’t seen or heard before, but the melodies are so often alluring, and Bryant’s lyrics either bite or make us think or provoke a laugh now and then. The truth, which is rarely pure and never simple, and may hurt you or set you free, is the theme of this play. And although the titular character is absent, his presence is always there. Audiences will come to understand that these four special people from Steven’s life have a lot they wish they’d told him…and vice versa. And for that reason, there’s a lesson here that we all could learn. 

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 19-September 19 by Pride Arts at The Broadway, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door or by going to https://www.goelevent.com/pridearts/e/TheThingsICouldNeverTellSteven

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