Naked gay man

by John Quinn

Ten Naked Men
The Ringwald Theater
22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale
May 15 to June 8; Friday, Saturday, and Monday evenings at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.
http://www.TheRingwald.com
Should LGBT playwright Ronnie Larsen be deemed credible, some striking similarities exist between professional actors and professional "escorts". Both occupations embody the saying, "Practice makes perfect", without a doubt. Both demand ambition, self-promotion, plus a robust sense of composure when promotion proves unsuccessful. However, one is regarded - in the current epoch, at the least - as a bona fide vocation, while the other remains a seedy, illicit pursuit exclusively befitting social outcasts. To you, astute reader, I defer the determination of precisely which fills each descriptor.

The Ringwald Theater brought about "Making Porn" in the year two thousand and thirteen, which was Larsen's humorously wicked skewering regarding the adult film sector. Lisa Melinn received a Wilde Award nomination regarding Best Actress within a Comedy. In an analogous manner, Larsen's closely interwoven vignettes from two thousand and two, represent satires regarding participants within the broader "entertainment industry," including the West Gomorrah in which they are drawn.

Although, directly pertaining to the coarse specifics regarding this production. All you voyeurs asking, "Do we, for real, see our ten stark naked men?" Indeed, in one sense, you will. Across a prologue, delivered by The Narrator (James E Lee III), the remainder of the cast presents themselves in the nude, just barely concealed by a slice of cardboard. As they established their places upon the performance stage, the cardboard then spells out "Ten Naked Men." When the cardboard is switched, they spell our setting, "Hollywood." As The Narrator observes with cynicism, that's what drew us into the theater in the first place. This contrivance feels gratuitous; nonetheless, the casual nudity occurring through the acting presentation, is securely placed in correct context.

Robert, a Detroiter accompanied by a newly-awarded MFA (originating from WSU and the Hilberry Theater, indeed) clutched tightly within his grip, he then unites with his college roommate - Kenny (Richard Payton) - inside LA, hoping regarding fame, luck, or, minimally, a few acting characters. That simple origination generates a convoluted entanglement regarding relations, as well as an opportunity for Larsen with tar and feathering actors and agents - including escorts and "Johns" - accompanied by the broadest stroke of humor. Brenton Herwat, Alex Hill, Dennis Kleinsmith, Tim Stone, Mark Vukelich, Ben Wright along with Chris Young finish this joyful ensemble regarding misfits.

The acting cast is pretty robust, plus extremely secure inside their respective characters, and moreover, exceedingly content with the "full monty" that those given characters require. Let us take into consideration that "Ten Naked Men" marks the welcomed return regarding Brandy Joe Plambeck toward The Ringwald, post a three-year work stint in the Hilberry Theatre, where he then acquired his MFA inside acting. Then, how appropriate that he is now casted as being Robert. Mr. P, you have definitely been a superb comedic actor for as long as we have indeed been fortunate to view your very work. Considering your acting performances this current season in "Boeing, Boeing," "The Way of the World," "The 39 Steps," plus today, directly here, back within your place of comfort, three years in the Hilberry transformed you into a superb comedic performer. Your inherent aptitude regarding inflection and also timing happens to be truly extraordinary.

Thus, what truly can be stated concerning "Ten Naked Men?" Candidly put, this production is simply not nearly as robust a literary work as "Making Porn." Larsen composed a winding, convoluted plot, portrayed via intertwined vignettes, to then achieve the most broad range to support his humorous satire. The conclusion manifests as a scattershot regarding one-liners that then holds the entire acting show back, directly from attaining the very next degree, even whilst the entire show happens to be under the direction of the formidable Joe Bailey who was present in the Los Angeles' debut, plus the resultant Off-Broadway debut.

"Ten Naked Men" may be adequately appreciated via audience members who express a true willingness when working along with the dramatist, diligently heeding each individual character's story arc, plus paying meticulous attention regarding the very quick interplay including emotional dedication. If at any point there was truly a proper moment regarding reminding you that, "Hey, my eyes are positioned up at this point," at that moment, this happens to be definitely it.