With a modest but versatile set and a remarkably cohesive, powerful cast, ‘s of examines the emotional shrapnel and confusion in the wake of California’s .
The story begins with the court reporter (Julie Wolf Butters) trying to sort out what she’s heard as she transcribes testimony for the 2010 court challenge to , which denied same-sex couples the right to a legal marriage before it was ruled unconstitutional.
Her partner (Tom Auclair) is firm in his belief that marriage shouldn’t be for gay couples — or even for some straight couples, including his own live-in relationship.
“UNMarried in America” addresses the arguments familiar to Colorado residents who followed the heated debates about , the ballot initiative opposing legal protection for gays approved in 1992 by voters, and overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1995. Remember these?
Pro: Gay marriage threatens the sanctity of straight marriage. Con: Like Larry King (on his ) or Britney Spears (three, counting her to a childhood pal)?
Pro: The Bible says . Con: The wearing
“UNMarried in America” represents both viewpoints, but the pro-Prop 8’ers are portrayed as small-minded cads protesting, “I like things the way they are.”
There aren’t Boo/Hiss cards prompting a reaction to a prissy bank manager who turns down a gay couple (Christian Munck and Jeff Jesmer) applying for a joint bank account, but it’s pretty clear where playwright K.D. Carlson’s sympathies lay.
Is it bigoted or tolerant to say “They can do what they want at home, but we have to draw the line somewhere”? How about this joke? “What’s the difference between murderers and gays?” “Murderers can get married.”
There’s a lesbian couple (Missy Moore and Kelly Uhlenhopp) shunned by other soccer moms (and dads), and whose children are bullied at school because they have “two mommies.”
And there’s a Christian couple (Dan Kopper and Suzanna Wellens) who unsuccessfully tries to in their son (Zack Nick).
At the intimate Vintage Theatre and the other venues where “UNMarried in America” has played, audiences tend to support civil rights, including same-sex marriage.
But “UNMarried in America” would be far powerful if it tackled more nuances. For example, it could build on the scene in which That’s a scenario according to the , and it’s a disclosure that has far more impact than suggested on stage.
That’s a flaw of the script, not the production. The cast, each playing multiple roles that require actors to be onstage for most of the show, is exceptional.
Wendy Moore, who also directed “UNMarried” when it Spring Valley campus in 2012, and then in the following year, supervises a talented cast and split-second scene transitions. The simple but effective costumes are by Susan Rahmsdorff.
Claire Martin: 303-954-1477, cmartin@denverpost.com or twitter.com/byclairemartin
UNMARRIED IN AMERICA Written by K.D. Carlson, directed by Wendy Moore. With Tom Auclair, Julie Wolf Butters, Jeff Jesmer, Missy Moore, Christian Munck, Kelly Dwyer, Dan Kopper, Suzanna Wellens, Zack Nick and Kelly Uhlenhopp. Through June 21 at the Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora. Tickets at 303-856-7830 or online at vintagetheatre.org
Vintage Theatre introduces this play in its global debut to examine the arguments for and against same-sex marriage through stories and statistics.
