Yesterday, David and I did everything that we could to stay out of the balmy NYC humidity … that is, until we had to venture out into the world to attend the opening night performance of a new off-Broadway musical called Bash’d. Actually, Bash’d is described as a “gay rap opera” … so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. In the end, it was exactly what you might guess a gay rap opera to be like — funny, clever, poignant and surprisingly serious in tone:
BASH’d! chronicles the tale of Jack and Dillon; two star-crossed lovers who must cope with the reality of hatred when one is brutally beaten. It is told entirely through rap, spoken word and poetry, turning the often-homophobic musical genre on its ear. Even though the topic is serious, the musical is high energy, irreverent, and provocative.
As the show got started and I realized that the entire show would be performed in verse, I feared that the writing might suffer and that I would lose interest in what was going on … nothing could’ve been further from the truth. The raps were totally non-stop and the actors, Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow, deftly delivered their lines with impressive speed and enunciation. I was sure that one or both of them would fumble a line somewhere along the way but neither one did … it was very, very impressive. The story starts out cute and humorous and then turns serious, sad and ends very powerfully. The performers did an excellent job of connecting with the audience … I know I was left with my mouth agape by the performance. Because the story deals with a gay bashing in Canada, the show ends with a litany of some of the gay victims who lost their lives due to violent assault. It was very sobering to hear how long the list of names was. I should also mention that Bash’d proudly supports the Anti-Violence Project, which is the largest LGBT community-based anti-violence program in the US and is the coordinator of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Projects. The show turned out not to be at all what I expected … I’m very glad that David and I got to see it. Much love goes out to Shane and The Zipper Factory (where the show is having its run) for taking such great care of us last night.
After the show, David and I grabbed a quick bit to eat at Alta and then called it a night. I think we’re lying low tonight as well … it’s nice just being able to spend time together :)
[Photo credit: David Morgan]
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