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'Girlfriend' opens season for Diversionary Theater

A jewel box of a theater resides in the tidy neighborhood known as University Heights. Entering its 34th season, Diversionary Theater is upstairs above the lobby; guests can just ascend the pink staircase to find it.

The fact this theater still survives is a testament to capitalism. The founding premise was to "celebrate the identity and diversity of our LGBT community." It took a brave group of thespians to stand front and center and play to a different reality. All the more demonstrating the basis for the economy, they found a need and filled it.

Keeping to its mission statement, this year's season opener is a musical called "Girlfriend."

It is based on a story developed by a trio from Berkeley Rep in northern California. This show reverberates with truth. After all, it is set in the Midwest in 1993 in Nebraska, Alliance, Nebraska.

Yes, it is a real place. Situated in the northwest part of the state, it is in the heart of the Great Plains, which makes it primarily an agricultural area.

Alliance, Nebraska, is the home of Carhenge, a replica of Stonehenge, made of old junk cars.

The population in 2010 was under 8,500, suggesting it was even smaller in June 1993.

Today is graduation day at Alliance High School, or as Will announces it "Happy New Year!"

Will, played by Shaun Tuazon, is not only excited to graduate; he is doubly excited to have been acknowledged by Mike, the most popular star athlete at school, on his way out the door. Mike spoke to Will for the first time ever. Later when Mike calls Will, he is beside himself. After all, popular students like Mike always snubbed him in the halls at school.

Tuazon claims his character Will. He is affable, tender and scared. It shows. He earns high praise for a job well done.

On the other side of the popularity poll is Mike, played by Michael Louis Cusimano. He is that guy. Every class has one. The guy voted most popular and most likely to succeed. He can throw a ball like lightning. He is handsome and good natured. He is going to college in the fall in Lincoln. Go Huskers. He is that guy.

Cusimano's confidence rings true. He really is "that guy." He plays a regular guy, a man's man. Yet, Mike openly shows tenderness toward Will. Cusimano gives a remarkable performance.

The swinging-onstage band features Krysten Hafso Koppman as musical director, keyboards and lead singer. Rounding out the quartet is Melanie Medina on guitar, Nobuko Kemmotsu on drums and Christian Reeves on bass.

Director Stephen Brotebeck's vision recreated a time long past from today's digital age with cordless telephones, drive-in movies and tape cassettes. It feels like a time warp.

Scenic designer Yi-Chien Lee builds on the decade by incorporating the lighting set by Curtis Mueller. The sound is spot on. Stephen Jensen got it right. Brooke Nicole Kesler's costume choices work, though I thought Nebraska more of a Levi's 501 zone.

The real question is shouldn't love flourish regardless of its origins? The rating for this show has nothing to do with the subject matter or the actors. It is based more on the overall experience of attending the theater. The small production conveys a big message. Next up is "The Santaland Diaries" opening Nov. 21.

P.S. Another sound reason for going to this show is The Pie Shop, just down the street. It's yummy.

"Girlfriend" plays at the Diversionary Theatre at 4545 Park Blvd. until Oct. 13. For tickets or more information, contact the box office at (619) 478-6942 or visit http://www.diversionary.org. This show is rated 8 out of 10.

Elizabeth Youngman-Westphal can be reached by email at [email protected].

 

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