City College News

Jozsef & Lucas from The Show So Gay

Chris Durant's The Show So Gay saw a world premiere in the historic Suburban World theater, stage and screen for "Be Our Valentine".

The event served a dual purpose, honoring the memory of Lawrence King. Fifteen year old King was murdered by a fourteen year old classmate Brandon McInereny -almost a year to the day of the event- for giving McInerny a valentine. McInerny was charged with a hate crime on top of murder and firearm possession.

Durant, an MCTC student, said of his forward title, "The phrase 'That's So Gay' is used frequently to convey dislike, but I thought well...why not use the phrase to an advantage...I had already cultivated many life experiences around the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Allied subject matter, and decided to go to Film Making & Screenwriting school to help turn those ideas into something visual."

To this end, Durant put his degrees in those fields to good use. "I set about writing a show which could appeal to many communities while [addressing issues] relevant to the GLBTA community...humor would be the thread used to bind as well as attract a wider audience," said Durant. What I witnessed on the chilly night of February 11 is best described by Shakespeare; "Here is much to do with hate, but more with love."

The lobby bustled with chatty men and women in dress ranging from casual to formal; tuxes and denim, high heels and sneakers. From beyond the double doors of the theater, a cavalcade of cast, crew, and queens moved through a crowd that filled the space to near capacity. Entering the Spanish facade, "stars" shimmered in the ceiling above items in the silent auction and a table laden with food.

The two episodes that ran featured the talents of Jozef Szathmary and Lucas Westby, best friends and roommates in a mock-reality format exploring their day-to-day misadventures from a shopping spree at the Smitten Kitten, to dealing with closeted, hostile neighbors. All the while these two flamboyant personalities go toe to toe with one another-around issues of body image in to hostile, closeted neighbors and the absurdity of conventional gender norms.

Co-hosted by "Sarah Palin" and featuring the formidable talents of Lady Patra, Teri Homan, Mr. Fun and Hipnotic Heather and Dragmanity it's safe to say the event was a success, utilizing every available resource to the fullest. Already there are twelve episodes in the works, and with a dedicated team to work with, "Be My Valentine" will only be the beginning.

No small feat, to be sure, a feather in the cap of Durant, who has put his academic pursuits to good use as Executive Producer of The Show So Gay, working, "in all the areas of the production: writing, directing, editing, music, casting, promotions..." He was to be found this evening in a crisp tuxedo, a boa of pink and black feathers about his neck, and a glittering, red heart painted over his eyes. Durant's event volunteers complemented his pro bono production staff of twenty-five, organized via www.craigslist.com and hard work for the past six months. To get involved with The Show So Gay, you can email the production at: info@theshowsogay.com

The support from Durant's fellow students was clearly welcomed; Student Senate President James Askew delivered a stirring address to fix the context firmly in front of the audience:

"Tolerance, acceptance, approval, disapproval: these words are all used interchangeably when considering weight, ethnicity, culture, sex, age, sexual orientation and what-have-you. In a few days, America will celebrate its annual day of love... let it be a day of compassion, unconditional love, forgiveness... seek out those around you and remind them that no matter who they are, they are loved. After all, that's the only thing Lawrence King ever sought to do. Despite the judgment and horrible consequences he faced from his peers, he never ran to hide his soul. Instead, he reached out to his community and unlocked the key to his heart.

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