by Paul Friswold
Riverfront Times
Presidents, kings and clergy have all attempted to broker some sort of lasting peace in the Middle East, but it never takes. Lydia thinks a musical comedy about a Palestinian man and an Israeli man trying to find love in each other’s arms can address the issues of peace and understanding in a difference-making way.
Crazy, right? But Lydia believes Green Fence to be a masterpiece. Her professional rival, Todd, has a “gay play” of his own, a hetero-safe comedy that’s fun for the whole family.
The two plays are conflated onstage through a dramaturgical nightmare, creating a rap-´n’-klezmer gay comedy that hits all the stereotypical buttons with a healthy dose of political and sociological insight. Confused? Just give in to the music and wait for the punch line, and you’ll be fine.
Ragged Blade presents Jerry Rabushka’s Green Fence at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday (April 20 through 29) at the Theatre at St. John’s (5000 Washington Place; 314-276-8693 or www.raggedblade.com). Tickets are $12 to $15.
