Benjamin Sprunger and Patrick Andrews/Photo: Jonathan L. Green
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Working backwards in time from 2010 to 2000 in two-year increments bracketed by time-specific pop songs, this moving world premiere by Chicago playwright Philip Dawkins follows the evolution of a shy Iowan, Evan (Patrick Andrews), and the interrelationships between his tight-knit group of friends as he makes his way in the big city, learning what it means to be a homosexual in the twenty-first century. Dawkins’ characters are fully formed and the impeccable cast imbues them all with intricate and relatable personalities. Over the course of a decade, with equal parts laugh-out-loud comedy and unforced drama, Dawkins’ script (under careful direction by Bonnie Metzgar) openly examines a number of weighty gay themes. More importantly (and impressively), “The Homosexuals” actively seeks out the meaning of friendship, personal discovery and the transcending of stereotypes by fully embracing one’s own identity. In short, it’s a show everyone, even “breeders,” can (and should) enjoy. (Zach Freeman)
Not Without A Fight: A Review of "Relentless" at TimeLine Theatre Though the characters in "Relentless" are educated and well-to-do, they are far from reserved in world view—their rage seethes, hidden only by the comfort of their surroundings and the decorum of their lives.
