Daniel's Husband

C+

It would be easy to dismiss Michael McKeever’s (Clark Gable Slept Here) play as the theatrical equivalent of a gay Lifetime movie, but it was sufficiently well-received during its recent run at Primary Stages that it has been brought back for an encore run at the Westside Theatre. Architect Daniel (Ryan Spahn; Summer and Smoke, Gloria) and gay pulp fiction author Mitchell (Matthew Montelongo; A View from the Bridge, The Ritz) are entertaining Mitchell’s older literary agent Barry (Lou Liberatore; Burn This, As Is) and his latest boy-toy Trip (Leland Wheeler), a home health care aide. Over after-dinner drinks, Trip innocently asks why Daniel and Mitchell, who have been together seven years, have not married. His question sets off a vehement tirade by Mitchell against marriage, gay assimilation and conformity. Daniel would like to marry, but Mitchell is adamant and their disagreement is a sore spot in their otherwise harmonious relationship. Another source of unease is the impending arrival of Daniel’s overbearing mother Lydia (Anna Holbrook; Raising Jo), whose visits are a cross for Daniel to bear. When catastrophe strikes, Mitchell has to pay a high price for his choices. Montelongo makes the most of this climactic moment. Brian Prather’s (Freud’s Last Session) midcentury modern living room set befits an architect. Gregory Gale’s (Rock of Ages) costumes suit their characters well. Joe Brancato’s (The Life & Blues of Bessie Smith) direction is unobtrusive. While this cautionary tale is both manipulative and predictable, it is elevated by good actors who make the characters and relationships convincing and by high production values. Running time: 95 minutes, no intermission.