We all make mistakes. Most are inconsequential and private. Some, however, are life changing; especially in 1982. In the case of Michael (Douglas Myers), an indiscretion in a gay restroom ends his budding film career and makes him question his sexuality. Thus begins Ira Bateman-Gold's Bad Night in a Men's Room Off Sunset Boulevard, currently running at Compass Theater.
In much of the opening scene, he is basically catatonic as his mother, Esther (Marilyn Wolfe), rants, trying to break through his stoic façade. The action takes place in the little theater where she has directed for more than 30 years. She, too, has frustrations. We meet her estranged husband Jake (Dale Morris), his father, only to find that he was raised by totally dysfunctional parents. Both have their own problems concerning relationships and sexuality rooted in their past.
For a very short time we meet Morty (O.P. Hadlock), Michael's ex-manager. It is understandable why he is dropping his client, just very, very sad. It is the entrance of Jamie (Eduard Cao) into Michael's life that creates a permanent change.
Jamie is charming and aggressively gay. Jamie is irresistible to Michael. It is lust and love at first sight. With mom and dad out of the way, the two take only moments to strip each other. Their embrace is long and sensual. They retire to a room behind the main set. A dark screen and low lighting barely (pun intended) illuminate the action taking place. As they say, the rest is history.
Esther, meanwhile, has an Irish play to direct. She admits that Jake, an
accomplished actor, is ideal for the role. Mixing the two, though, is very dangerous. They begin reading lines and move into a serious argument. The argument is spiced by slipping in and out of a heavy Irish accent. It is one of the best scenes in the play.
Bad Night in a Men's Room Off Sunset Boulevard will not appeal to everyone. The nudity and profanity may upset some. However, the power of the acting is excellent. Director J. Marcus Newman wrings every ounce of emotion out of his cast. O.P. Hadlock is also responsible for lighting, sound and set design, all of which work well for this production. The pre-show sound effects set the scene well. Lisa Burgess, responsible for costume design and props, does her usual highly professional job.
