Adam's Call: David Drake's The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me: Holds The Test Of Time

Cast, creatives and Larry Kramer, Photo Credit: Jenny AndersonTwenty years ago, David Drake won an OBIE Award for his one-man show The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, and twenty years later his show still holds the test of time. I was fortunate enough to attend the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS 20th Anniversary Benefit performance on Monday, May 20 at the Gerard W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College.

I was first introduced to The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me when I met David Drake in 1998 at the American Repertory Theatre. I had never seen the play live, but did read the script after meeting David. Then in 2000, David released a DVD of The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me and that was my first time seeing him perform the show. But it was something else to be at this benefit and get to see David perform his work on stage alongside these other extremely gifted actors.

Originally performed as a one-man show, David brilliantly re-imagined The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me as an ensemble cast for this special 20th Anniversary Benefit. Bringing David's timeless and moving words to life were the talents of Brandon Cordeiro, two-time Tony Award nominee Robin De Jesús, two-time Tony nominee André De Shields, Claybourne Elder, Tony nominee Rory O'Malley, Anthony Rapp, Chad Ryan, Donald C. Shorter, Jr., Wesley Taylor, Aaron Tone, Tony winner BD Wong, and of course, David himself.

The talents of these actors all blended together perfectly. The simplistic, yet powerful staging worked excellently with the ensemble cast. From coming out to the AIDS epidemic to fighting back through ACT UP, The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me is a touching story of one-man's journey through this time in our history. David's writing is so strong which is why it continues to ring true today. One exciting part of the evening was that David added an adendum to the show, which focused on how our past got us to today and beyond. 

I do hope after last night's benefit performance that The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me gets a bigger revival. While we have come a long way in our history, we do need to revisit the past to help us have a prosperous future.

That's Adam's Call and I Stand For Entertainment!

Adam's Call: The Weight of Water: Dive Into This Show

Geany MasaiRUN, RUN, RUN to Myra Slotnick's The Weight of Water, a brand new, original, poignant, rich, and beautiful play about survival, choices, pride, and finding home set in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Superbly directed by Obie Award winner David Drake, The Weight of Water will wisk you into the depths of this drama.

I have seen a lot of great original shows, but for me, The Weight of Water is one example of why I wanted to cover this aspect of entertainment. It's truly an original piece of work, not based upon a book, movie, or a catalog of songs. It's based upon a real event that affected a nation. It's spoken from the heart. 

Andrew Clemons and Jamie HeinleinLinda DanielsAs I walked into The Producers' Club, the wonderfully constructed set sucked me in from the start. With the dimming of the lights and the music quieted, the action quickly seduced me while the actors enamored me with their talent. Myra's honest and realistic writing was reinforced by this talented cast! Geany Masai, Linda Daniels, Andrew Clemons, Jamie Heinlein, Jimi Little, and Keith Amato, all of whom originated these roles in Provincetown, where the show premiered, really helped bring Myra's words and David's direction to life!

Jimi HeinleinCast of The Weight of Water (from left to right): Linda Daniels, Playwright Myra Slotnick, Andrew Clemons, Jamie Heinlein, Geany Masai, Jimi Little, and Director David DrakeWith many messages at its core, The Weight of Water will make you think, laugh, and maybe even cry. This is a show with many layers and secrets that will keep you enticed until the very end. So buy your tickets now and dive into The Weight of Water! Click here for tickets!

The Weight of Water will play at The Producers' Club - Crown Theatre (358 West 44th Street, between 8th & 9th Avenue) through May 16 only!

Click here for Call Me Adam's interview with Myra Slotnick and David Drake!

That's Adam's Call and I Stand For Entertainment!

Mr. IRRESISTIBLE: The Rocky Horror Show for a new generation

Adam's Call: Call Me Adam's "ON THE GO Review"...Mr. IRRESISTIBLE

US by Michelle Clunie: Powerful and Multi-layered

Michelle Clunie and Adam Rothenberg at "US" Opening Night PartyMichelle Clunie ("Melanie" from Showtime's "Queer As Folk") has made her New York theatrical mark with the debut of her play "US," a powerful and multi-layered show set against the year we elected President Obama. Michelle has written a sophisticated show that tackles love, sex, power, politics, and self-worth.

Michelle Clunie and Jeff LeBeau in "US", Photo Credit: Russ RowlandProduced by Kef Productions and directed by Jennifer Gelfer, "US" is not only written by Michelle, but she stars in it as well along with Jeff Lebeau. From the moment the show began, I was enticed until the very end. This emotionally drama filled show was aided by its comedic moments and intertwining of video projections.

Michelle Clunie and Jeff LeBeau in "US", Photo Credit: Russ RowlandAs a playwright, it was evident that Michelle carefully chose her words, and an actress, she delivered those words brillliantly. Jeff's performance was equally as spot on, really helping bring Michelle's dialogue to life. Both performers have great comedic talents in physical comedy and doing impersonations, but it was their emotional moments that captured me.

Traveling between present day and the road that got them to where they are now, it was very interesting to see the build up of events, even though there were a few moments I had a little trouble following the sequence of events, overall, they were displayed well.

Michelle Clunie and Jeff LeBeau in "US", Photo Credit: Russ RowlandOne of my favorite parts of the show was when each character came to a realization either about himself or herself about the situation and they didn't necessarily know how to change it, but continued on, learning from it. My other favorite part of the show was the true moment of self-empowerment, an action, I hope everyone is able to discover for themselves.

Michelle Clunie and Jeff LeBeau in "US", Photo Credit: Russ Rowland"US" is a must see show whether you are looking for a new playwright with strong writing skills or if you are a fan of Michelle Clunie and want to see a different kind of emotion from her.

"US" plays at The Lion Theatre at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th & 10th Avenue) through September 29! Click here for tickets!

Steven Strafford's Methacular!: Touched my heart and tickled my funny bone

Masked behind the comedy was a moving and heartbreaking, yet uplifting and inspirational story about one man's addiction to crystal meth. That man was Steven Strafford and his play "Methtacular!" just began its limited run at The Playroom Theatre in NYC. "Methtacular!" is presented by Kef Theatrical Productions, directed by Adam Fitzgerald, and has musical supervision and arrangements by Grammy and two-time Emmy Award winner John McDaniel.

Steven Strafford in "Methacular!", Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas GarciaSteven Strafford in "Methacular!", Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas GarciaTo write any show is an accomplishment, but to write a show that exposes your inner most demons, is a real feat! Steven has dug down deep inside himself to bring out a production that touched my heart and tickled my funny bone. With friends, a few audience members, and the casts of "The Facts of Life" and "The Golden Girls," Steven took the audience on his journey of heading down that dark road towards an addictioin to crystal meth.

Similar to Eva Peron, Steven found lovers who supported him on many levels and when the using was over, he moved on. While Steven seemed to be having a blast during these drug induced days, there were many lost opportunities that resulted from his drug use. From jobs to lovers, crystal meth englufed Steven, making him feel amazing, but it also abandoned him, leaving him confused and unsure of where to go. Then on a vacation with one of his many lovers, Steven gets some of the best advice I've ever heard, "There are many roads. You must take the steps." Upon hearing that, it was interesting to see which route Steven took.

Steven Strafford in "Methacular!", Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas GarciaSteven Strafford in "Methacular!", Photo Credit: Kevin Thomas GarciaThroughout the 90 mintue intermissionless show, Steven told many poignant and funny stories about being addicted to crystal meth. While I enjoyed these stories, I thought maybe one or two could have been shortened or cut as my mind started to wander a bit, but just as that was beginning to happen, Steven reeled it in and brought the show home.

Being addicted to drugs is no laughing matter, however, Steven has found a way to bring humor into this serious topic. From audience interaction to a few theatrical songs, Steven made his story of crystal meth addiction a little easier to take in. "Methacular!" runs through Septmeber 23 at The Playroom Theater in NYC (151 West 46th Street, 8th Floor, between 6th & 7th Avenue). Click here for tickets and follow the show on Facebook and Twitter!