MotherSON
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Inside Out Theatre Company presented a short engagement of a unique one-man show entitled, MotherSON, this past September 10th thru the 13th at the Museum of Art in downtown Ft. Lauderdale.
Those fortunate enough to catch this brief run were treated to an extremely clever evening of showmanship by the sole author and performer, Jeffery Solomon.
The semi-autobiographical show focuses on a fictional Bradley Levy’s difficult decision to finally come out to his overbearing Jewish mother, a task he eventually musters the courage to tackle only after he has moved several thousand miles away to Los Angeles to begin work as a writer on a new television series.
The distance certainly acts as a shield from the relentless guilt thrust upon Bradley by a woman who at first is more concerned about how people might treat her should this news leak out amongst relatives and the community at home, rather than consider Bradley’s own plight.
Fortunately, the mother endures a coming out of her own when she garners the strength to shut down attempted prejudicial gay slurs by family friends at an evening dinner party. The mother’s growth of character is a remarkable journey indeed.
With amazing savvy, Solomon infuses his script with genuine reality. Both characters are at once credible figures, aided by Solomon’s authentic written words.
Bradley’s defensive answer, for example, to a derisive inquisition by his mother, "You can be gay and happy at the same time, Ma. That’s why they call it ’gay’" abounds with hilarity while ringing with truthfulness.
As an actor, Solomon comfortably takes the stage and easily maintains interest throughout the eighty minute intermission-free performance. With only the lifting of his voice and a change in body posture, a completely new character emerges as Bradley morphs into his mother.
Fortunately, Solomon feels no need to don a campy wig or hackneyed housecoat. His talented actions suffice, and the wise use of different colored props (white phone for the mother, black phone for Bradley) further accents his keen decision making.
The original production, directed by David L. Carson, premiered Off Broadway at the HERE Art Center in New York City. The show has since continued to tour nationally, including engagements in Provincetown, Washington D.C., and Chicago, where the actor was nominated for a prestigious Jefferson Award as Best Actor. It is easy to see why.
If the tour should luckily befall South Florida again in the future, this captivating entertainment piece should not be missed.
Watch the first eight-minutes of MotherSON below:
