BWW Reviews: Citilites Theatre's Production of SOUTHERN BAPTIST SISSIES

The idea of following the stories of four young gay men who are raised as members of a Baptist church in Texas is certainly fertile enough stuff for a play on its own. But, with Southern Baptist Sissies, playwright Del Shores muddies this basic premise with a non-linear, and at times illogical, presentation that generates a modicum of laughs, but misses the mark dramatically. Although I'm usually a fan of unconventionality, I think Shores pushes too hard here, and the opportunity to create something truly memorable is lost in the process. However, Citilites Theatre has put together a fitfully funny and heartfelt production that makes the most of this decidedly uneven material, and it benefits greatly from a number of strong performances as well.

Though mostly told through the eyes of Mark Lee Fuller, who guides the action and occasionally even interrupts the Preacher mid-sermon to offer his own point of view or contrary opinion, the story follows four homosexuals and how they deal with their sexuality in the face of their strict religious beliefs. Each goes their own separate way in life, and each deals with the choices they've made in different ways, but Mark is always front and center, struggling to find acceptance while trying to quell his ever-growing anger and heartache.

James Slover is a likable Mark, and though the character may seem a bit cynical and misanthropic at times, he's really just confused and frustrated at his core. Drew Pannebecker makes a good impression as T.J., who's in complete denial of his sexuality, something that's clearly evident when he becomes enraged at being embraced and kissed by Mark after a celebratory masturbation session. Benny, AKA Iona Traylor, is nicely essayed by Justin Ivan Brown, even though he's given little to do other than to dress up in drag and lip-sync country tunes. When he finally does get the opportunity to display some genuine emotion, he convinces. Tyler Whiteman is also good as the heavily-closeted and conflicted Andrew.

Alice Kinsella plays the various Mothers of the boys, at least those that are still living. Her best bit comes as Benny's mother when she consults the Preacher about her son's proclivities, all played as a seduction scene, complete with leopard skin outfit and indiscreet decolletage. P. Michael Murphy is properly animated and reverent as the Preacher, easily filling the space with the sound of his vocal exultations (the part will be played by Joshua Thomas beginning March 19, 2011).

Cindy Duggan has fun as a barfly named Odette, who hangs out in gay clubs because they're more accepting of her and she doesn't have to worry about being hit on. She's joined in her efforts as a sort of Greek chorus by the enthusiastic work of Michael Shreves as Peanut. Seth Ward Pyatt contributes nicely as Houston Chaffey, playing the piano accompaniment to the onstage hymns and doubling as Peanut and Odette's bartender. Devin Przygoda makes an appearance as a stripper.

Director GP Hunsaker tries hard to keep the actors and action reigned in and focused, but the play itself works against his best efforts. Hunsaker's scenic design transforms the interior of the Gaslight Theatre into a church in effective fashion, and it's all illuminated by Steven Miller's lighting scheme. Alexandra Scibetta Quigley's costumes are generally nice fits for the characters as well.

There's a lot to like in Citilites Theatre's well-performed and staged production of Southern Baptist Sissies, and you may certainly find its scattershot approach more appealing than I did. If so, check it out at the Gaslight Theatre through March 27, 2011.

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