It's the Intermission
A Creative Coffee Break

Last month, we saw Take Me Out put up by Pandora Productions, at the Thrust Theatre/University of Louisville, Pandora’s last stop before they open in their new home at the Bunbury Theatre.

My expectations were low, being new to town, and having seen the original Broadway production a couple of times.  J. Daniel Herring was the best Mason I’ve seen yet. How could that be? Imagine my ignorant surprise. I’ll watching for him again. Tim Kitchen was a wonderful Kippy, and Joseph Hatfield quite a believable Shane. Brett Gettefield’s performance as Darren was softer, not as arrogant as I expect Darren to be, and I was ambivalent about his performance. The house on a thursday night was full. Maybe the naked men had something to do with that. I like to think it was also Richard Greenberg’s fine writing. Pandora certainly did justice to it.

I have been largely disappointed by gay theatre companies in the West. The performances are often substandard, and the plays catering to men. (An exception to this is Diversionary Theatre in San Diego where the production values are outstanding, and they are trying to broaden their audience.) Pandora clearly sets a high standard for its company, and it is a welcome relief to be so pleased with a gay theatre.

Pandora’s upcoming season includes Jane Chambers’ Last Summer at Bluefish Cove. I’ve read every Chambers play I could get my hands on, and never seen a production of her plays. I’m looking forward to this particular production. (I did see an outstanding reading of this same play, last year in Chicago, by the wonderful About Face theatre company.)

Pandora is my new favorite theatre company. I can’t wait to see what they do in their new home.