The Attic Ensemble presents their latest production, Jeffrey, a comedy that examines not only the landscape of single gay men, but all the adjustments that go with it.
As any single person living in an urban area could tell you – it’s tough out there. And it’s even tougher for the lead character Jeffrey (played by Stephen Donovan) who has met the love of his life – just when he’s sworn off love for good. Of course, nothing good will come of that pronouncement. Jeffrey is equal parts comedy and a moving story about the pitfalls of love.
This modern play, written by Paul Rudnick, opens Friday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Barrow Mansion in Jersey City. The play, which is presented by the Attic Ensemble, runs through Nov. 18.
Love is in the air
Tired of heartbreak and complications, Jeffrey decides to throw himself into working out when he happens to meet handsome Steve (played by the charismatic Dustin J. Harder) at the gym.
If that weren’t enough, Steve happens to be perfect for him yet also happens to be HIV positive. When Jeffrey hears that Steve is sick he decides that it’s too much to deal with and gives him the brush off.
Yet two of Jeffrey’s good friends – sophisticated Sterling (played by Kenneth Ruth) and enthusiastic Darius (played by Eddie Capuano) are convinced that what he really needs is love. The pair think that Steve would be perfect for Jeffrey too.
But Jeffrey doesn’t share their enthusiasm and turns further away from his heart and his friends as he tries to protect himself from the joys and sadness of living.
As Jeffrey struggles with his choices, we also get a glimpse of his dreams (in the hilarious fantasy sequences played with aplomb by the cast).
Stellar cast
This production, which was directed by Billy Mitchell from Jersey City, has a level of commitment from all the actors that theater groups should strive for. Mitchell, (Design For Murder, Hudson County One-Act Festival) who has worked with the Attic for three seasons, has again managed to direct his actors into giving believable and inspired performances in a fast-paced romp of a comedy that bares it all. The show loses nothing with the minimal set and props; it instead allows the viewer to see all that the talented actors can produce with voice, movement and character work.
With only eight actors, many of which are playing multiple roles, they manage to engage with the material and the audience playing with simple truths.
The cast is fantastic even in some of the zanier parts – like the fantasy game show. This is due in large part to the talented supporting actors like Brendan Wahlers (who plays a casting director, Angelique, others) who does more with hand gestures than some actors can do with lines. Yet that should be no surprise to anyone who saw him in a dramatic role in the Hudson County One-Act festival last September in a production by the Attic Ensemble that was also directed by Mitchell.
Ruth (Sterling) and Capuano (Darius) are terrific. The pair have several scene stealing moments throughout the play. Capuano has been in several productions with the Attic, but perhaps none where he’s been as free. Bill Graber, who plays multiple roles, has a great time with his very cheeky Father Dan and as Jeffrey’s dad.
Also fine is Dionisio Flores Garcia, who plays a variety of roles including the boss, Sean and others. M. Kerry Campbell stands out – and not because she is the only woman in the cast, but because of her tremendous skill with dialects and character work.
The Attic
The Attic Ensemble is Jersey City’s longest running theater group. The theater is located in the heart of downtown in the historic Barrow Mansion, at 83 Wayne St. in Jersey City.
Jeffrey runs from Nov. 9 through Nov. 18 with performances at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
There will be a special performance on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. That performance will feature a special “meet the cast” talk back, after which there will be a post-show celebration at the Star Bar on Wayne Street. The Attic Ensemble is working with Hudson Diversity, Hudson Pride, JCGLO to fundraise money for HIV/AIDS Awareness week. A portion of the ticket price will be donated to that cause.
Tickets are: $20/adults, and $15/students & seniors. Discounts for groups are available. For ticket information, visit: www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, call (201) 413-9200 or visit: www.atticensemble.org.
Comments on this story can be sent to: DSchwaeble@hudsonreporter.com.