Love and Literature

Light Switch

In this, only my second visit to the secret gem that is the intimate Open Space Arts theatre, I once again became impressed with the consistent high quality of this company. I’m not just talking about the talented casting of their shows, although that’s a big part of my admiration for this theatre. It’s also about the excellence of the scripts, the consistency of the direction and this company’s ability to present captivating productions in such a modest setting. The venue, which can become stuffy, is about the size of small studio apartment. Add to this a couple of annoying pillars that become challenging for both the actors and the audience. But the sparse scenic design for each production always works around these problems and provides just the right suggestion of locale to make each play work.

And LIGHT SWITCH does, indeed, work beautifully. This unique, relatively new script is by gay, Autistic playwright, Dave Osmundsen. It premiered in 2022 with Rhode Island’s neurodiverse company, Spectrum Theatre Ensemble. Chicago’s excellent production is sensitively Directed by Michael D. Graham, who returns to Open Space Arts after directing last year’s production of ROSENBERG. Mr. Graham not only impressively stages and guides his actors, but he’s smoothly choreographed the simple set changes that, employing the theatergoer’s imagination, transform each scene. The theater’s intimate space may be challenging, but Michael and his cast have mastered the demands.

The somewhat autobiographical play jumps around a little bit through time. It’s a sweetly sincere story that focuses on an Autistic young man named Henry. We observe moments in the life of this intellectual and highly verbal millennial as a grade school kid, as a college student and then a few years beyond. Henry is also openly gay. His passion is reading and he values his books almost more than the people in his life. Henry’s particularly obsessed with early 19th century English literature, like those written by Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens and, most especially, Anne, Charlotte and Emily Bronte.  

Marian, Henry’s loving and supportive mother, has always gently helped her grown son navigate the demands and challenges of his life. She’s an admirable parent, so supportive of Henry’s homosexuality and concerned that, as her son grows older, he eventually finds someone who understands his challenges and with whom he can share his life.

Every member of this five-member cast is magnificent. Phillip Monnett absolutely holds the audience in the palm of his hand as Henry. The actor is likable and absolutely believable, both as a young boy, a teenager and as a grown man. As the leading character, Phillip has impressive stamina, creating a strong character who’s on stage for just about every scene. Equally impressive is the young actor’s command of language, his mastery of so much dialogue, as well as his character’s  portrayal of Henry’s guarded emotional journey.

The supporting cast is led by Hilary Hensler, as Marian, Henry’s loving mother. Sporting an extensive resume of fine performances, Hilary was particularly impressive as Mary Wood in CityLit Theatre’s THE VIRGINIAN. As Marian Ms. Hensler is patient, compassionate and caring. She a model parent for Henry and perfectly understands her son’s simple wants and needs. As Roggie, Henry’s college roommate and longtime friend, handsome Henry DelBello is quite wonderful. Through their seven-year relationship, the audience observes Roggie’s journey, from a gay horn-dog who simply likes to sleep around, to a caring young man who grows to appreciate, learn from and eventually love Henry. 

Joseph, as portrayed by Peter Manuel Young, is a hunky young gay young player. Mr. Young plays this character as smarmy and seductive. His only goal in life is to get laid as often as possible. Henry meets Joseph at a party, where the unprincipled rogue uses his wealthy uncle’s country house to host weekly gay orgies. He’s surprised to discover Henry in his uncle’s home library—and that he’s actually reading a book. Soon he starts putting the make on Henry and the innocent young man, whose sexual experience is very limited, immediately falls in love with the cad. Additionally, newcomer Dylan McCumber makes his professional Chicago acting debut in three similar gay roles. He’s especially strong as Ken, Henry’s first college roommate.

Open Space Arts continues to present excellent and exciting plays in modest productions within an intimate space. Dave Osmundsen’ LIGHT SWITCH, now enjoying its Chicago debut, will shed light on individuals, especially gay men, who are considered to be on the spectrum. The play never condescends or patronizes, but is honest and empathetic. Henry is a gay character who just happens to be Autistic. This production, so beautifully directed by Michael D. Graham, presents a very different kind of love story that lives within the shadows of 19th century gothic romance literature. Don’t miss this wonderful production, if at all possible.        

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 13-29 by Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson, Chicago.

Tickets are available at the door or by calling 773-773-7837 or by going to https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/COCK, or go www.openspacearts.org.

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