Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – Pride Performances, Roundup 1: CAMP MORNING WOOD & MADE FOR EACH OTHER

• By drediman
• June 18, 2021
• No Comments

Pride in New York means the opportunity to sample an array of eclectic LGBTQ-themed performances. This week, I made it to two of them. Read on for my thoughts.

CAMP MORNING WOOD
Asylum Theatre
Through July 1

First up at the Asylum Theatre in Chelsea was Marc Eardley and Jay Falzone’s Camp Morning Wood (RECOMMENDED), which returns Off-Broadway in a somewhat updated form after having played the city during Pride two years ago. The musical comedy – which features book and lyrics by Mr. Falzone, as well as music from an army of composers – tells the story of the madcap adventures of a group of gay men at a nudist camp. Suffice to say, the main draw for many is likely the opportunity to see a gaggle of men perform in the buff. The hardworking cast comes in all shapes in sizes (ahem, in all respects), which underlines the main themes of the show – that of body positivity and acceptance. For a show of this ilk, the tuneful score is surprisingly witty as it amusingly parodies gay stereotypes, as well as musical genres across pop and Broadway show tunes. Throughout the show’s two acts (in my opinion, the intermission could have been nixed), each performer is given ample time in the spotlight, some seizing the moment more effectively than others. Despite some minor qualms – namely, the awkward sight lines and muddy sound design – a fun time was had by all.

MADE FOR EACH OTHER
Central Park
Through June 24

Later in the week, I trekked up to Central Park to attend a performance of Monica Bauer’s solo show Made for Each Other (RECOMMENDED). Actor John Fico, who has been associated with the play for more than a decade now and has performed in it across the globe, returns to the piece for a brief run (the show is only performed on Thursdays) especially for New York Pride. Ms. Bauer’s play – which tells the sweet story of a budding relationship between two gay men (Vincent, a high school science teacher; and Jerry, a nurse), and features amusing appearances by their respective deceased forebears – is wise and tender, although ultimately laced with a tinge of melancholy. Although the play lasts just about an hour, I left satisfied, thanks largely to the strength of the performance by Mr. Fico, who has an intimate grasp of each of the four characters and handles the play’s transitions smoothly. The play is performed outdoors, and if the weather cooperates, you can do much worse than spend a little time in Mr. Fico’s capable hands.