Jon Marans' The Temperamentals is a fascinating historical examination of the start of the gay movement to fight for acceptance in the 1950's by the designer Rudy Gernreich and his partner Harry Hay. The five-member cast features a powerful Thomas Jay Ryan as Harry, an elegant Michael Urie as Rudy, and the versatile trio of Arnie Burton, Matthew Schneck and Sam Breslin Wright playing many parts each. The acting is first rate, the dialogue crisp, and, as directed by Jonathan Silverstein, this biodoc is a captivating theatrical experience. Sure, we learn things about the era and the lives of these people and their struggles, but basically it's a personalized drama, filled with humor, about some flesh-and-blood men with a consciousness about injustice - their lives, loves, foibles and an early triumph.
Designed by Clint Ramos (Urie wears the best-cut suit on Broadway), with lighting by Josh Bradford, this production is an engaging evening of really good theater.
