GAYLETTER

Meeting your new boyfriend’s family is never a particularly thrilling prospect. But at worst most of us have to deal with an awkward dinner, an inescapable holiday or maybe accidental drunkenness (yours or theirs). Spare a thought, then, for Peter in Jake Jeppson’s new play The Clearing, whose boyfriend’s family unravels before him amidst tragic secrets, fiery resentment and unhealthy brotherly love.

The boyfriend in question in Les (Brian McManamon), a nervous twentysomething, and their sweet courtship is revealed to us through a series of reverse-chronological scenes which open the play. We’re also given clues to a dark history between Les and his wildly emotional brother Chris (Brian P. Murphy), who have experienced some unspoken tragedy which bonded them together and left Chris with horrifying ghostly visions. In his growing relationship with Peter (Gene Gallerano), Les begins to detach himself from the needy familial triangle of Chris and their mother Ella (Allison Daugherty). Meanwhile Peter, perplexed by the strange behaviour of the family, begins to pry and finds himself caught up in the secret events involving “Daniel” some 18 years ago.

 
From left: Gene Gallerano (Peter), Brian McManamon (Les) & Brian P. Murphy (Chris).

This brave play from Jeppson grapples with some interesting questions, and some that feel completely out of place (ie. the nature of prayer). The actors all have their moments, and the gay love story feels real and affecting. But the character you’ll fall for is the self-described “sad, old lady” Ella, portrayed with candour and courage (you’ll see why) by Allison Daugherty. There are some clever lines here, but dialogue is often delivered in a jarringly unnatural and hurried fashion, perhaps to add energy to a slow-burn story which ultimately outstays its welcome. Regardless, it’s always great to see new work Off-Broadway, and it’s certain to make you feel relieved (or perhaps terrified) about the next time you have to meet the family.

The Clearing plays until 9 February at Theatre at St. Clements. For more information and for tickets, click here.