Daddy, currently playing at Hudson Mainstage, is Dan Via's superbly crafted and touching play about the convergent complexities of defining love, friendship, and family in an anti-equaity political arena. Daddy examines a plethora of finely intertwined themes, but what what makes Via's play so engaging is the acknowledgment of the painful uncertainty and emergent joys that accompany the transition to an era of legal mainstreaming and rapidly changing social expectations, both for and from the American gay diaspora. Under the direction of Rick Sparks, Daddy offers unexpected plot twists, well-timed laughs, relevancy, and fluid transitions. Believability is a defining factor that draws the audience deeply into the lives of the characters. The cast is realistic and delivers a natural performance without reliance on stereotypes and coded slang -- a gay glossary for straight folks is not needed to understand the play's jokes or sub-context.
Via not only wrote Daddy, but gives an impressive performance full of warmth, refinement, and perfectly timed nuance in the role of Stewart. Gerald McCullouch renders central character Colin with intensity, grace, and an incredible range of emotional force in a role that is as dynamic as it is demanding. Ian Verdun gives a disturbingly expressive and intuitive performance with aptly applied restraint and simmering energy.
Daddy is playing at Hudson Mainstage in Hollywood through February 13, 2011. Tickets can be obtained online or via phone at 323-960-7738.
