In the new comedic drama Fear & Wonder, two teen boys meet at a Christian summer camp in Orlando, Florida. Ryan is an African American with dreams of becoming a Youth Minister. Jabez — whose name we learn means “he makes sorrowful” — is an amateur musician and Harry Potter fan whose feelings about the church are far murkier. Initially joking they’ve been thrown together as the two token non-whites males in the program, they strike up a friendship which leads to a genuine and alarming attraction. The year is 2003 when Anita Bryant and her kind are waging a particularly cruel war against anyone not on the far end of heterosexual on the Kinsey scale.
The simultaneously humorous and deeply sincere script is by queer, non-binary Chinese-American playwright, Jason Tseng, and inspired by their personal experience. Running on two tracks in time, Tseng’s work is laid out like a church Order of Service, with songs, testimonies, and blessings. Your participation is encouraged from the moment you arrive at the venue. Buckets of Pride flags and Love is Love bracelets are offered. There are five interactive stations in the small lobby including an altar with battery operated votive candles, a miniature clothesline on which you can pin a message of encouragement, and a Sacred Texts station with a collection of books that will be donated at the end of the run.
Neil Tyrone Pritchard and Brian Tong turn in fearless performances as Ryan and Jabez. With music among the binding forces of their relationship, the two also get to show off their singing abilities. They are warmly encircled by the performance of Tonia E. Anderson as the Transition Minister. Her character’s function seems to primarily be the creation of a place of safety and reassurance. (She also portrays Ryan’s mother and, for a few glorious minutes, the smooth jazz singer Sade.) Portions of the play’s “ceremony” are accompanied by Benjamin Balatbat on keyboards stage left.
Along with input from intimacy director Braxton Rae, director Emily Hartford also draws on her experience guiding vulnerable and emotional interaction to build the trepidatious intensity between the young men. The chapel shaped set by Will Lowry embellished with a rainbow of silks facilitates the slight of hand that moves the action between years. Well chosen props adorn each teen’s bedroom. Perhaps it was Izzy Fields’ experience on The Righteous Gemstones that inspired the dazzling and fanciful clerical robes that are among her costume designs. At points, the mostly-game audience is invited to engage with call and response and a sing-along of “Draw Me In” by Brendan J. Fox. Brian G. Murphy is the production’s Spiritual/Community Engagement Coordinator.
While Fear & Wonder is a perfect addition to the line-up of Pride entertainment, its celebration of love, self-worth, and private revolution are befitting the other 11 months of the year as well. Produced by Flux Theatre Ensemble, this World Premiere is an Equity approved Off-Off Broadway Showcase. Performances continue through June 27th at Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at A.R.T./New York Theatres, 502 West 53rd Street, third floor. Running time is two hours including a 10 minute intermission/communion. Note that the content includes religious trauma and sexual themes and is intended for mature audiences.
The wondrously diverse audience is at least in part driven by the company’s Living Ticket model. There is no financial barrier to entry, though there are suggested ticket prices of $26, $53, or $66. (Even the bottled water is being sold with a “suggested price” of $2.) To learn more and to purchase seats, visit https://www.fluxtheatre.org/productions/fear-wonder.
The Unforgettable Line 