Arts & Entertainment

Theatrical Milli Vanilli

Playwright switcheroo subject of provocative ‘Submission’

Published

13 years ago

May 16, 2013

Ari Butler, left, and Frank De Julio in ‘The Submission,’ on the boards now at Olney Theatre Center in Maryland. (Photo by Stan Barouh; courtesy Olney)

‘The Submission’
Through June 9
Olney Theatre Center
2001 Olney Sandy Spring Rd.
Olney, MD
$32.50-$65
301-924-3400
olneytheatre.org

It’s as if the play wrote itself. An admittedly cliché thing to say, acknowledges Danny Larson, a young gay playwright and the protagonist of Jeff Talbott’s new comic drama “The Submission” (now at the Olney Theatre Center).

But after a disturbing exchange with some African-American kids on the New York City subway, Danny says he returned to his apartment and the words just seemed to flow. The result was an astonishingly authentic play about an alcoholic black mother and her young card shark son trying to get out of the projects — a story totally opposite from Danny’s own comfortable, white upbringing. But despite the improbability of his ability to inform the work, it’s the best thing he’s ever written. And that’s when things start to get tricky.

Despite sensible protestations from his financial adviser boyfriend Pete (Ari Butler) and best friend Trevor (Craig Dolezel), Danny (Frank DeJulio) sends his new play out under the pen name Shaleeha G’ntamobi. His thought is a play about ghetto life titled “Call A Spade” will do better if its author is perceived to be a black woman. When the play is selected for production by the important Humana Festival in Louisville, Ky., Danny perilously takes his risky stratagem to a higher level. He hires underemployed African-American actress Emilie (Kellee Knighten Hough) to pose as Shaleeha.

Touted as the new Lorraine Hansberry, Shaleeha is a rising star and energetic Emilie loves the attention and heady process of collaborating on the play with a top notch team. She also sincerely loves Danny’s play and is mystified how this guy who describes himself as really white and really gay wrote it. Along the way there are funny moments like when Danny loiters outside the audition room texting opinions on entering and exiting actors to Emilie who’s inside making choices with the director. But mostly Danny’s frustration palpably mounts as he’s kept away from rehearsals.

From the start, the cockamamie plan feels doomed. During Danny and Emilie’s initial meeting, he asserts that they’re both oppressed people. Emilie resents the comparison, insisting that gay white men have no idea what it feels like to be a black woman in America. Issues of use of words and ownership of experience become increasingly discussed. Danny vulgarly describes African-American plays and theatrical performances as substandard — decreeing all black theatrical achievement the result of affirmative action. Danny is not only white and gay, he’s a racist too. And Emilie isn’t super fond of the gays.

Not surprisingly, Danny and Emilie come to verbal blows. It’s a great fight — one of those blindingly angry bouts when each combatant is hell-bent on having the last word no matter how hurtful it might be, and the actors give it all they’ve got.

And while some things about Talbott’s play are likable, there’s too much that isn’t. So much of the race discussion feels like retread. And the idea that a jerk like Danny could have written such an authentic and inspiringly insightful piece is wholly doubtful.

Snappily staged David Elliott and performed by an appealing and committed young cast, Olney’s production is mostly good, however Danny’s relationship with boyfriend Pete comes off way too precious. On the other hand there’s chemistry to spare bubbling between DeJulio’s Danny and Dolezel as his endearingly dopey straight pal Trevor. But alas, that’s for yet another play.

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Books

Curl up with a good book this fall

New releases include mysteries, biographies, religion, and more

Published

14 hours ago

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(Book cover image courtesy Amazon)

The fall books season offers lots of options so curl up and get ready to read.

FICTION

For the mystery fan who likes a sprinkle of thriller, look for “The Longest Death” by Kevin Jagernauth (Soho Crime, December). Richard Cobson hates his small town, he’s bored and desperate to get away. Stealing from his employer is the only thing that makes life bearable. That all changes when Marlon Montgomery comes to town and the two fall in love because if one guy can steal so easily, what can two do?

If you like graphic novels, try the “Tripping Over You” trilogy by Suzana Harcum and Owena White. Milo and Liam are finally able to be open about their relationship, no more hiding their love. They’re living together now, but can it last? “Tripping Over You Book 3” (First Second Books) is in stores in early November.

Also try “Diana: The Punk Singer Who Ripped Through Time” by Nate Powell (Abrams ComicArts, October). It’s about a young woman who’s trying desperately to escape her past, until a mysterious murder sidetracks her plans.

So you say you’re a romantic at heart? Then look for “Unspeakable Things: A Novel” by Elizabeth Hand (Little, Brown & Company, October). It’s a story set in the 1920s, when two young women arrive in the English Countryside to a dark and ancient manor. But, of course, nothing in a Gothic novel is easy, right? And you’ll love this tale.

NONFICTION

So this upcoming year is going to be one of exploration, right? Then look for “Free Love: Adventures in Marriage and Polyamory” by Michelle Tea (HarperOne, November). It’s a well-researched, personal, and interesting look at the lives of polyamorous couples and what it’s like to live what used to be called an “alternative” lifestyle.

If “fall” says “biography” to you, then look for “Showbiz! My Life as a Middle-Aged Man” by Murray Hill (Gallery Books, October). For decades, Hill has been making audiences laugh with his signature humor, but getting laughs hides his past all too well. He grew up in an abusive family and learning to hone his talents took some ingenuity. If you’re not a Hill fan yet, you will be, once you read this book.

For the reader who’s searching for a spiritual place, “Reading the Bible Through Queer Eyes: Good News for LGBTQ+ People from Genesis to Revelation” by podcasters Brian G. Murphy and Shannon T.L. Kearns (HarperOne, December) might help. Here, the authors look deeply at Scripture to find the queerness that’s there, proving to readers that the Word is not always what it seems.

Young readers may want to check out “Bitter Pill: Randy Shilts and the Dawn of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic” by Clement Xavier, illustrated by Heloise Cochois, foreword by Michael Lee (Abrams ComicArts, November). It’s a highly researched true story of activist Shilts, but also of Harvey Milk, and the earliest days of the AIDS crisis, when gay men needed a loud voice to advocate for them.

And finally, if you want a fun book for your kids or a child you love, look for “Good Night, Break a Leg: Life with Broadway Dads” by Bret Shuford, illustrated by Elena Hager (Penguin Workshop). What do parents do when they go to work? A little boy learns that his dads have very special jobs by day – and by night! It’s a cute book for kids, but a special tale for lovers of Broadway.

Be aware that publication dates change, titles change, books can be canceled, and your librarian or favorite bookseller can help you find what you need. Season’s readings!