A Saucy Trans Rom Com

Modern Gentleman

Lily, Adam’s attractive and strong-willed fiancee, has just broken off their engagement of five years. Adam’s heartbroken and kind of lost and emotionally shattered. Lily says she still loves Adam and the feeling is mutual. But the problem stems from the fact that Lily, a sharp-as-tacks schoolteacher, is a proud lesbian. When she first met Adam, he was still physically a woman, just beginning his transition to becoming a man. But over the years, as their ardent love for each other flourished, Adam no longer enjoyed the physical expression. Since he was just beginning his transition, Adam always enjoyed giving pleasure to Lily, but he wasn’t comfortable yet with being on the receiving end. And thus begins the conflict in this saucy trans rom com.

Written by the greatly respected, much loved and highly accoladed Chicago playwright, Preston Max Allen (NEVER BETTER at Theo Ubique; CARRIE 2 THE RAGE at Underscore), About Face Theatre proudly presents this new World Premiere. An exciting and engaging dramatic comedy, this play is as audacious and au courant as any of today’s social events. While Allen’s script wisely steers clear of current controversial politics, his rom com realistically sheds light on the mental, physical and emotional challenges faced by those individuals who’ve discovered a need for personal change. These are the brave men and women who have acknowledged that their gender identity is at odds with the sex they were assigned at birth. And for most of the audience, Preston Max Allen has created a new, eye-opening, empathetic exploration of what it feels like to be in transition. But this educational vehicle is disguised as an appealing and entertaining romantic comedy meant for everyone.

When Lily and Adam reluctantly decide to split up, each must once again navigate their way through today’s complicated and difficult dating scene. Since this is Adam’s story we share how this twenty-something “Modern Gentleman” attempts to re-enter the world of love and romance. During his journey, we meet Samuel, Adam’s gay coworker and cheeky chum, who’s in an open relationship. He may, or may not, be the right match for Adam. Then there’s Alycia, a bold and brassy young woman who Adam meets at his sister’s baby shower. She and Adam are immediately drawn to each other. Then there’s Natalie, Adam’s liberal, witty and worldly-wise sister. She’s hired a surrogate to have her baby, but is now riding a roller coaster of doubt and fear as the baby’s being born. While Natalie has always been the stronger sibling, Adam shelves his own emotional problems to help his distraught sister through this traumatic moment. And finally, there’s Lily. With conflicting feelings, she keeps turning up to tell Adam how much she still loves him, but reminding him that she firmly sees herself as an out lesbian. What’s a trans fella to do?

Exquisitely staged and compassionately guided by director Landree Fleming (FUN HOME at Paramount; BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS at Theo Ubique), the multitalented theatre artist once again brings to life a play that’s not only entertaining, but is also a vehicle for change and social justice. Ms. Fleming will be remembered for her terrific theatrical collaboration with Mr. Allen on NEVER BETTER at Theo Ubique. Here, she once again draws from her gifted cast an array of performances that feel both realistic and recognizable. Audiences will empathize with each character and see something of themselves, especially in Adam.

Painted with genuine likability, and laced with confusion and self doubts, accomplished actor Alec Phan injects an abundance of realism, honesty and love into his portrayal of Adam. They passionately create a character who must come out, all over again, as a trans man. Adam is a vulnerable person looking for love and a fresh start. The dating scene has changed a great deal, but then so has Adam. With all his insecurities, hopes and dreams, Adam is amiable and sympathetic. And Alec Phan does a wonderful job of breathing life into this wonderful, warmhearted character. 

The supporting cast is unbelievably peerless and powerful. Talented Kayla Marie Crosby, making her About Face debut, is layered and lovely as Lily. She was last seen in THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND at Invictus and MARY JANE at Northlight. As Adam’s sister Natalie, Ashlyn Lozano is penetrating and perceptive. A proud company member of Steep Theatre, Ms. Lozano is sharp, witty and really knows how to deliver a punchline. But she’s also a skilled and captivating dramatic actress, as well. Omer Abbas Salem is excellent as Adam’s coworker and friend, Samuel. Salty and smart-alecky, Adam’s flamboyant friend doles out sarcastic and sagely advice like a fountain. He’s so much fun and simply owns the stage with every appearance. And Emma Fulmer’s portrayal of Alycia, Adam’s new sweetheart, is a firebrand of sassiness and sensuality. Comfortable living in the skin of this unconstrained extrovert, Ms. Fulmer is both captivating and comical as Adam’s new sexy romantic interest.

Milo Bue’s splendid scenic design is at once simple, serviceable and stunning. He’s depicted Adam’s studio apartment as a monochromatic masterpiece. Not only is the entire space painted light gray, including every piece of furniture; every prop that lives in the space is also the same color. Adam’s life is kind of gray, as well. It’s neither black or white; it’s in-between and totally gray. Notice, for instance, the bedding, the books and the healthy philodendron on the shelf. They’re gray, just like all the throw pillows, the record albums, the coffee mugs—everything! And Paloma Locsin’s prop design mirrors the detail created by Milo Bue’s pleasing scenic design. Only the objects brought into the apartment by other characters—baskets, bottles of wine, a baby toy to be assembled—have some color, other than gray. And Conchita Avitia’s playful lighting design illuminates and focuses our attention precisely where it needs to be directed. And while Adam is costumed in black, with a little gray floral flair, Jazmin Aurora Medina has designed a wardrobe for the other characters that bring some appropriate and welcome color into the production.

About Face Theatre’s appealing production of Preston Max Allen’s enjoyable and enlightening new play is a saucy and seductive trans rom com that will appeal to everyone: gay, straight, bi, trans and everything in between. Directed with artistic authority, and a dash of vim, vigor and verve, Landree Fleming leaves her indelible mark on yet another Allen play. With an extraordinarily talented cast bringing Allen’s characters to life in MODERN GENTLEMAN, there’s a lot to unpack and take home after the performance. This is one educational, engaging and encouraging story for all of us that no one should miss.   

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented March 19-April 18 by About Face Theatre at the Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago. 

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-338-2177 or by going to www.raventheatre.com or www.ci.ovationtix.com.