Celebration (Ron Jones, artistic director) is proud to present the Houston premiere of the 2010 off -Broadway hit, The Temperamentals at Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex from January 18 through February 11, 2012.
Jon Maran’s The Temperamentals is the true story of two men, the communist, Harry Hay, and the Viennese refuge and costume designer, Rudi Gerneich, as they fall in love while creating the Mattachine Society, the first gay rights organization in pre- Stonewall America. Set in the early 1950’s in Los Angeles, the play is an intimate portrayal of two men who created history and the epic struggle they overcame.
The characters consist of the two brave men who formed The Mattachine Society, as well as other prominent individuals of the era. As such, three additional actors play a number of different characters in the play. The story weaves together the personal and political to reveal a relatively unknown chapter in history. It explores the love between two complex men as their seemingly impossible dream of forming a gay organization unfolds as a reality.
“Temperamental” was code for homosexual in the 1950’s, part of a created language of secret words that gay men and women used to communicate. Through heated scenes, spirited comedy, and music, The Temperamentals gives a glimpse of these social innovators as they form a brotherhood of like-minded men, hide from a homophobic government and society, and fight a judicial system that forces their very beliefs to be put on trial.
The Temperamentals enjoyed sold out runs in New York City at the Barrow Group Theatre and New World Stages. It was nominated for the Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, and GLAAD awards for Outstanding New Play.
Celebration is Houston’s newest semiprofessional theatre company. Its mission is to present quality theatre to reflect the life experiences of diverse sections of the community through contemporary and alternative lifestyle themes and subjects. Our productions will explore such complex and varied concepts as relationships, family, prejudice, and values. We strive to present productions of plays and musicals that challenge audiences artistically, create cultural bonds, and encourage positive awareness, acceptance, and tolerance through the performing arts
Celebration’s production of The Temperamentals is directed by veteran Houston director, Jimmy Philips. It features Steve Bullitt as Harry Hay and Mitchell Greco as Rudi Gerneich. Rob Flebbe, John Dunn, and Jeff Dorman play a variety of roles. Period costumes are being designed by Clare Marie Verheyen, sets by Craig Allen, and lights and sound by Matt Albrecht. The Temperamentals is presented in conjunction with Freedom Productions.
The Temperamentals previews on January 18 and opens on January 19, 2012. Performances are every Friday and Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. until February 11. All tickets are $30. The January 19 performance benefits the GLBT Community Center, while the January 20 performance benefits Bayou City Performing Arts. There will be a special “industry” performance on January 23 for artists and performers. Tickets for this performance are pay as you like when accompanied by a résumé and photo. Performances will be held at Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex, 2201 Preston, Houston, Texas, 77003. Tickets can be purchased online at celebrationtheatrehouston.com. For more information, call 832-303-4758.
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