Review: Blithe approach to middle-aged gay angst in 'Steve'

New York (AP) — If you want a lighthearted play about sex and death, with some talented singing thrown in, then The New Group's production of "Steve" will provide a pleasant diversion.

Under Cynthia Nixon's direction, the new comedy by Mark Gerrard opened Wednesday night off-Broadway at the Pershing Square Signature Center.

"Steve" contains entertaining if generally predictable situations, as a group of middle-aged gay men deal with terminal illness, friendships, family and undiminished sex drives that may require betraying their partners.

Similar topics are handled with much more depth in Peter Parnell's "Dada Woof Papa Hot," but "Steve" is not without its own quippy charm.

An accomplished cast plows through snappy, sitcom-like dialogue and familiar scenes, creating characters we may like but don't necessarily believe in. Nixon, who previously directed the chilling "Rasheeda Speaks," starring Tonya Pinkins and Dianne Wiest, capably stages the lighter fare on display in "Steve."

The play opens with the cast merrily singing show tunes around an upright piano, and we learn that the characters once bonded over jobs as singing wait staff. Ashlie Atkinson is solid as Carrie, the lesbian-best-friend-with-cancer of a longtime gay couple, Steven (Matt McGrath, angry yet quite likable), and insecure Stephen (Malcolm Gets, sensitive and nuanced).

Along with Matt, (Mario Cantone, remarkably restrained and dignified), and Matt's partner, Brian (Jerry Dixon, easy on the eyes but with not much to do), the five friends deal with midlife remorse, Carrie's possible mortality, and the men's desire to remain attractive and sexually active. Very active.

A little bit of parenting humor is thrown in, as Stephen and Steven have an 8-year-old son, but fatherhood isn't really the focus here. The play centers around Steven's reactions to major life events, and features a couple of eloquent rants by McGrath in scenes that may or may not be imaginary. Atkinson has some tender moments, too, as Carrie bravely faces her fate after being dumped by her lover and gives wise, motherly advice to her gay friends.

There's a mildly kinky subplot regarding a handsome young physical trainer named Steve, who is never seen, although the play's title apparently refers to him. A running gag involves a young Argentine waiter, Esteban (gamely portrayed by Francisco Pryor Garat), who tempts Steven by popping up everywhere. Despite the feeling that we've seen a lot of this before, there are plenty of laughs in "Steve," along with a few genuinely poignant moments.

The final scene at Fire Island, which ought to be one of Steven's flights of fancy, is both annoying and sweet. Gerrard's attempt to deal with midlife changes through biting humor conveys his understanding that growing older is a bittersweet proposition at best, although the alternative is worse.

By Jennifer Farrar, Associated Press. Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – November 19, 2015 @ 8 a.m.