Four characters, three scenes, two actors and one big issue. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents “Iron Kisses” on its upperstage.
Written by the IRT’s playwright-in-residence, James Still, the show is about family relationships. On the surface the show is about love, both hetero and homosexual and it would be easy to focus solely on that element. Gay marriage is a hot topic and one which is divisive in almost all circles. But this show reaches much deeper than that subject. It revolves around one family and its struggles to accept and love each other despite the countless flaws that get in the way.
Using only two actors, the production tells the story of Billy and Barbara, siblings who were raised in a small Midwest town. After growing up, Billy moves to San Francisco and Barbara marries and stays in her hometown. During the course of the play Billy and Barbara’s parents are invited to their gay son’s wedding and learn that their daughter is getting divorced.
The parents’ thoughts and fears are the same ones that most audience members will relate to; simple questions and concerns that all parents have for their children.
Ryan Artzberger and Constance Macy play Billy, Barbara and both parents. They each take a turn mimicking the mannerism of a fussy mother and gruff father with careful accuracy. Their performances make the show come alive and elicited a standing ovation the second they took a bow.
There is some adult language and subject matter and so it’s not an appropriate production for children.
The show is a reflection of our current society, for good or for bad, but the point is not to push an agenda on the audience. The purpose of the play is to highlight universal family dynamics and unconditional love; through loss, extreme differences in views and all of the other issues life throws at us.
Don't Miss the Show
Performances: The show runs until Sunday May 11 on IRT's Upperstage. Times for performances can be found at www.irtlive.com or by calling the IRT box office at (317) 635-5252.
Tickets: To purchase tickets call (317) 635-5252 or order online at www.irtlive.com Prices begin at $32.
The Indiana Repertory Theatre is located at 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, one-half block west of the Circle Center Mall between northbound Illinois Street and southbound Capitol Avenue.
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