Review: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Taut MOTHERS AND SONS

Few playwrights tackle the subject of HIV/AIDS like Terrence McNally. Watching a generation wither away before his eyes has led him to explore the impact it has had in a number of works. One is ANDRE'S MOTHER, a short play which he was asked to expand. But, McNally opted to continue the story into the present day, and that choice acts to remind us that those left behind still suffer the pain of having lost a loved one, no matter how much time has passed, or how much things have changed medically and culturally. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis opens their Studio Theatre season with an intimate and moving production of MOTHERS AND SONS, and it's driven by an exceptional cast and thoughtfully conceived direction.

Cal, whose partner, Andre, passed away some twenty years ago, is unexpectedly visited by Andre's Mother, Katharine. Cal moved on with his life, though it took him several years before he settled into a new relationship. He's married now and happy in his new life with his husband, Will, and young son, Bud. Katharine disrupts this harmony as she deals with her own prejudices and presumptions. She's actually there to drop off Andre's diary, which she could never bring herself to read. But, what she really needs is a true sense of closure, and only Cal can provide that, even if he's beside himself with the naive and hurtful comments that Katharine delivers.

Harry Bouvy does wonderful work as Cal, trying to deal with Katharine's sudden appearance while also attempting to come to grips with the feelings she stirs up. It's a brilliant balancing act, and Bouvy handles it with aplomb. Darrie Lawrence is a formidable presence as Katharine, and though she may be clueless in regards to homosexuality and AIDS, she's not beyond redemption. Lawrence, too, walks a fine line as she seeks answers which Cal cannot provide. Michael Keyloun gives a great performance as Will, Cal's husband. He brings energy and enthusiasm to a a role that finds his character in the shadow of someone he never met, but is nonetheless slightly jealous of. Simon Desilets neatly rounds out the cast as Cal and Will's son, Bud. Desilets charms with his youthful exuberance.

Michael Evan Haney's sensitive direction is very well done, and his staging places the audience in the round and inside of James Wolk's superbly classy scenic design, adding to the intimacy already present in the Studio Theatre. John Wylie's lighting scheme is appropriate and Elizabeth Eisloeffel's costumes are nice character fits.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's presentation of MOTHERS AND SONS is superior entertainment that provokes an emotional response. It plays through November 13, 2016.