We’re the Same

Girlfriend – PrideArts

This musical is absolutely everything. It’s so special that it will touch everyone who has a heart, regardless of gender or being straight or gay. Those who can recall their first crush, the earliest moment when love felt like a movie and changed everything, will certainly rejoice, shed a tear and laugh with happiness at this touching play. And, in addition, it has great music. It’s a story that’s filled with joy, overflows with self doubt and uncertainty, and then suddenly bursts with the wondrous disbelief at what has happened and the desire to make that love last forever.

Despite the confusing title, this is the story of two young men. High school, in a small Nebraska town, has just concluded for the summer. Will and Mike are two students who casually know each other from school but have never really been close. Finally they’ve graduated and a fresh, unlimited sense of freedom lies before them both. Will is ecstatic that, as he exclaims while dumping his backpack in the garbage, he’ll never have to learn anything again. Mike, on the other hand, is gearing up to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. He’s preparing to leave home at the end of the summer and go off to begin college in Lincoln. 

This seemingly odd couple come together when Mike, the high school jock, summons up the courage to give Will, the nerdy gay kid, a mixed tape he’s made. The songs, which are beautifully sung in the production by the two actors, are by singer/songwriter Matthew Sweet, and are sublimely accompanied by Robert Ollis and his seven-member onstage band. The boys’ relationship slowly progresses, at first by phone, and then through several “dates” at the local drive-in, where the same awful movie plays all summer. They eventually take their friendship to another level, in a field under the starry Nebraska skies. The boys’ pent-up emotions are released through their musical duets and joyful dances together, finally culminating in a first kiss.       

Todd Almond’s 90-minute play was inspired by the pop/rock songs of Matthew Sweet’s 1990 album entitled “Girlfriend.” Sweet wrote the songs as an emotional, musical response to his recent, heartbreaking divorce. Rolling Stone said of this album that it’s “equal parts anguish and elation,” which could also be said of Todd Almond’s two-character play. Songs like “We’re the Same,” “I’ve Been Waiting,” and “I Thought I Knew You” seem as if they were composed specifically as the score for this gay love story. But that’s partly what makes this musical feel so universal: through Almond’s story and, especially, Sweet’s catchy songs, this production is for everyone. 

The script is thin, but that provides an almost blank canvas for an imaginative artistic team. Isabella Noe’s sparse set design makes scene changes easy and effortless. Magdiel Carmona’s projections add another dimension to the intimate theatrical environment. And Maggie Meyer knows how to draw focus where it’s needed through her expert lighting design. Artistic Director Jay Espano has sensitively guided and shaped this play, giving the story far more depth and pathos than the script provides. His talented, young cast truly makes this love story live out loud. 

Joe Lewis, who plays Will, makes a welcome return to PrideArts, but he’s been seen on stages all over the Chicago area. His lovely, expressive voice has been heard singing the leading roles of several major musicals. Lewis is magnificent in his solos and he adds harmonic depth while blending with his acting partner. As Mike, handsome Peter Stielstra is a treasure. Not only does he sing beautifully, but he skillfully accompanies himself on the guitar, as well. Peter is a recent, welcome transplant from the West Coast. His highly expressive face, and articulate, empathetic acting make his portrait of a conflicted young man especially realistic. He and Lewis use everything from their vast arsenal of skills and talents to make their roles honest and believable in this excellent production.

I cannot give this production a stronger endorsement. It may be a love story about two gay young men, but the story and emotions are the very same as in straight relationships, especially among adolescents. This is a universal tale that effectively depicts the agony and ecstasy of first love. The production especially captures the angst of a forbidden relationship, particularly in a small, rural town during the 1990’s, when gay bashing was at its height. But Matthew Sweet says it perfectly through his songs: for every audience, “We’re All the Same.”       

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented August 25-September 25 by PrideArts at their Center at 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the theatre, by calling 773-857-0222 or by going to www.pridearts.org.

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