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| Matrix Theatre 7657 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles 90046 (323) 852-1445 info@salemktheatreco.org |
REVIEWS & PRESS
LA WEEKLY
June 2, 2008
GO! Playwright Gene Franklin Smith’s character-driven drama about gay persecution in the ’
50s avoids politically correct preachiness, and instead conveys a powerful message through
crackling stagecraft. In 1955, Boise, Idaho, is on the brink of becoming a big city, complete
with all the urban troubles and crimes that come with it. Amid this atmosphere of civic
insecurity, 17-year-old hustler Eldon (Westley Thornton, nicely weasely) gets arrested for
lewd behavior — and to save his skin, he publicly names his many clients, sparking a witch
hunt. The subsequent prosecutions spread from child molesters to homosexuals to political
opponents of the town’s Machiavellian mayor (George McDaniel). Caught in the trap is
respected bank vice president Joe Moore (Kris Kamm), who watches as his happy family life
crashes and burns. Director Arturo Castillo’s energetic and taut staging fiercely renders the
ironic contrast between the era’s Norman Rockwell wholesomeness and the savagery of the
prosecutions for homosexuality. The play is remarkably well cast with performers who look
as though they are truly denizens of their era. In the role of an increasingly appalled
psychiatrist (imported to provide lip service to the clinical value of the mayor’s prosecutions),
understudy Scott Victor Nelson gives his introspective character a searingly haunted quality.
Other moving turns are offered by McDaniel as the oily and bigoted mayor, Kamm as the
destroyed banker, and Melissa Kite as the banker’s equally shattered wife.
-- Paul Birchall --
June 2, 2008
GO! Playwright Gene Franklin Smith’s character-driven drama about gay persecution in the ’
50s avoids politically correct preachiness, and instead conveys a powerful message through
crackling stagecraft. In 1955, Boise, Idaho, is on the brink of becoming a big city, complete
with all the urban troubles and crimes that come with it. Amid this atmosphere of civic
insecurity, 17-year-old hustler Eldon (Westley Thornton, nicely weasely) gets arrested for
lewd behavior — and to save his skin, he publicly names his many clients, sparking a witch
hunt. The subsequent prosecutions spread from child molesters to homosexuals to political
opponents of the town’s Machiavellian mayor (George McDaniel). Caught in the trap is
respected bank vice president Joe Moore (Kris Kamm), who watches as his happy family life
crashes and burns. Director Arturo Castillo’s energetic and taut staging fiercely renders the
ironic contrast between the era’s Norman Rockwell wholesomeness and the savagery of the
prosecutions for homosexuality. The play is remarkably well cast with performers who look
as though they are truly denizens of their era. In the role of an increasingly appalled
psychiatrist (imported to provide lip service to the clinical value of the mayor’s prosecutions),
understudy Scott Victor Nelson gives his introspective character a searingly haunted quality.
Other moving turns are offered by McDaniel as the oily and bigoted mayor, Kamm as the
destroyed banker, and Melissa Kite as the banker’s equally shattered wife.
-- Paul Birchall --
LOS ANGELES TIMES - THE GUIDE
May 19, 2008
America's Dark History Sees Light in 'Boise, U.S.A.'
"The people of Boise tried to 'stamp out' homosexuality. They discovered it couldn't be done. In the learning process, everybody suffered." - CBS
News, 1967
On November 2, 1955, the citizens of Boise, Idaho, woke to headlines screaming about the arrest of three men for infamous crimes against nature. This
marked the beginning of an anti-homosexual witch-hunt that saw dozens of local men jailed, their reputations and lives in tatters. The authorities,
determined to purge the city of "deviant" individuals, created a moral panic, encouraging families to feel threatened by a "ring of predators", and
engendering a climate of accusation and counter-accusation reminiscent of nothing less than Salem in 1692.
One of many so-called "Lavender Scares" of the McCarthy era, which saw thousands of American men and women questioned as closely about their
sexuality as their politics, the situation in Idaho attracted national interest: That December, Time Magazine ran an article about the dangers of the
"homosexual underworld" in Boise. Moral panics, though intense, are usually short-lived. Less than a year later, prosecution cases crumbled through
lack of evidence, and the whole shameful scandal was swept under the carpet of history. But the damage... in terms of life sentences and suicides...
had already been done.
Gene Franklin Smith's new play, Boise, U.S.A., explores the emotional drama behind the headlines. While the Mayor, "Buck" Jones (George McDaniel),
fans the flames of the outcry in the hope of pleasing electors and taking out a couple of political rivals, other citizens, especially the state psychiatrist,
Dr Jack Butler (Seamus Dever), plead for caution and compassion. The lead accuser is a teenage rent boy, Eldon Halverson (Westley Thornton), a
conflicted, sleazy mess of a human being, torn between the desire to manipulate and the need to please. Coached into making accusation after
accusation by the black-hearted former FBI agent, Will Fairchild (Craig Robert Young), Eldon points his finger at some prominent men in town.
The county prosecutor, Blaine Evans (Nic D'Avirro) only needs the flimsiest of evidence to round up citizens on moral charges. One of the accused is
Joe Moore (Kris Kamm), kind-hearted family man and vice bank president. His gradual disintegration under the weight of the allegations forms the heart
of the drama. Eventually, inevitably, even his loyal wife, Doris (Melissa Kite) is forced to condemn her husband. The Mayor is powerless to stop the
conflagration he has created, even when it engulfs his West Point cadet son, Frank (Matty Ferraro), his brother Herbert (Cameron Mitchell, Jr.), and his
daughter, Marjorie (Audrey Moore).
Boise, U.S.A. shines a light on a very shady, but lesser known, aspect of recent history. Its central message, about the dangers of mindless
conformity, is chilling. Yet this is not merely soapbox drama. Arturo Castillo's fluid direction keeps the narrative flowing, and engages the audience in
the anguish of a whole community. Fine performances maintain the focus on the human tragedy at the heart of the scandal; this is not just about
homosexuality, but about the price we pay when we deny the rights and freedoms of others.
Boise, U.S.A provides the kind of thought-provoking live entertainment not usually on offer in LA. I say snap up your tickets now!
-- Sean Borg --
May 19, 2008
America's Dark History Sees Light in 'Boise, U.S.A.'
"The people of Boise tried to 'stamp out' homosexuality. They discovered it couldn't be done. In the learning process, everybody suffered." - CBS
News, 1967
On November 2, 1955, the citizens of Boise, Idaho, woke to headlines screaming about the arrest of three men for infamous crimes against nature. This
marked the beginning of an anti-homosexual witch-hunt that saw dozens of local men jailed, their reputations and lives in tatters. The authorities,
determined to purge the city of "deviant" individuals, created a moral panic, encouraging families to feel threatened by a "ring of predators", and
engendering a climate of accusation and counter-accusation reminiscent of nothing less than Salem in 1692.
One of many so-called "Lavender Scares" of the McCarthy era, which saw thousands of American men and women questioned as closely about their
sexuality as their politics, the situation in Idaho attracted national interest: That December, Time Magazine ran an article about the dangers of the
"homosexual underworld" in Boise. Moral panics, though intense, are usually short-lived. Less than a year later, prosecution cases crumbled through
lack of evidence, and the whole shameful scandal was swept under the carpet of history. But the damage... in terms of life sentences and suicides...
had already been done.
Gene Franklin Smith's new play, Boise, U.S.A., explores the emotional drama behind the headlines. While the Mayor, "Buck" Jones (George McDaniel),
fans the flames of the outcry in the hope of pleasing electors and taking out a couple of political rivals, other citizens, especially the state psychiatrist,
Dr Jack Butler (Seamus Dever), plead for caution and compassion. The lead accuser is a teenage rent boy, Eldon Halverson (Westley Thornton), a
conflicted, sleazy mess of a human being, torn between the desire to manipulate and the need to please. Coached into making accusation after
accusation by the black-hearted former FBI agent, Will Fairchild (Craig Robert Young), Eldon points his finger at some prominent men in town.
The county prosecutor, Blaine Evans (Nic D'Avirro) only needs the flimsiest of evidence to round up citizens on moral charges. One of the accused is
Joe Moore (Kris Kamm), kind-hearted family man and vice bank president. His gradual disintegration under the weight of the allegations forms the heart
of the drama. Eventually, inevitably, even his loyal wife, Doris (Melissa Kite) is forced to condemn her husband. The Mayor is powerless to stop the
conflagration he has created, even when it engulfs his West Point cadet son, Frank (Matty Ferraro), his brother Herbert (Cameron Mitchell, Jr.), and his
daughter, Marjorie (Audrey Moore).
Boise, U.S.A. shines a light on a very shady, but lesser known, aspect of recent history. Its central message, about the dangers of mindless
conformity, is chilling. Yet this is not merely soapbox drama. Arturo Castillo's fluid direction keeps the narrative flowing, and engages the audience in
the anguish of a whole community. Fine performances maintain the focus on the human tragedy at the heart of the scandal; this is not just about
homosexuality, but about the price we pay when we deny the rights and freedoms of others.
Boise, U.S.A provides the kind of thought-provoking live entertainment not usually on offer in LA. I say snap up your tickets now!
-- Sean Borg --
REVIEW PLAYS.COM
June 21, 2008
Near the end of its run, the Matrix enjoyed almost a full house on a Saturday night, proof positive that Boise U.S.A. presented by Salem K Theatre
Company has captured the imagination of the theatre audience.
Let’s begin by giving kudos to the troupe, who performs wonderfully. Especially the two women, who adopt the mentality of the fifties and pull it off in
grand style. Audrey Moore as Marjorie Jones, the wife of Dr. Butler, has a bit more oomph in her attitude, being that Marjorie is the daughter of the
powerful Mayor “Buck” Jones and feels a little more empowered to stand up to her husband. Melissa Kite as Doris, the abnegated wife of Joe Moore
nails the role of a woman caught between her vows of matrimony and the unsettling truth she suddenly faces. Neither woman has easy choices – but
both rise above the circumstances to emerge with dignity.
The story deals with homosexuality. Some would say “perversion”, but a careful line is drawn by playwright Gene Franklin Smith and director Arturo
Castillo, where the character of Dr. Jack Butler, played with some temerity by Scott Victor Nelson, attempts to define the actions of the accused as
anomalies rather than immoralities. It’s Halloween and the police arrest a youth in a dark alley promptly accusing him of “lewd and lascivious” conduct
with another man. Under pressure (perhaps torture?) the youth quickly names names and soon other young men are arrested as Mayor “Buck” Jones
promises to clean up the city. George McDaniel does one of the best blustery fat cat politicians we’ve seen in awhile, and even his charisma can’t
cover up the Mayor’s lust for power. His sidekick Blaine Evans is no better as played by Nic d”Avirro.
In comes Will Fairchild, an FBI man who has a reputation for busting homosexuals (a little like McCarthy and Communists). Fairchild has some unique
ideas and his cigarette theory is a marvel of misplaced logic. Josh T. Ryan captures the essence of the FBI man who is truly a legend in his own mind
and finds it easy to push the boundaries of propriety to prove his case.
Joe Moore, a YMCA coach is among the first men to be arrested and his story becomes the pivot from which all other events flow. Kris Kamm plays
Joe with a mix of courage, guilt, confusion and despair, making the character one of the most heart rendering and poignant in the piece. The questions
that he poses can be asked by some today – the answers will probably still be as muddy, and the misconceptions will continue as long as there are
those who are unable or unwilling to accept the feelings of others.
Soon other arrests are made, with the help of Eldon, the cynical youth who was first arrested. He cooperates with the authorities not just for money
but for the apparent pleasure of bringing others down. The fact that the lawmen go along with him speaks volumes about their integrity. It soon
becomes apparent that many of the men who are being arrested for supposedly participating in sex acts with the teenage boys are the political
enemies of Mayor Jones, and the truth begins to unravel in an uncertain path that is more about personal gain than sexual immorality.
One of the best characters is Uncle Herbert Jones, the Mayor’s brother. Cameron Mitchell Jr. is wonderful in the role of the wealthy black sheep of the
family whose not so secret life has kept him distant from his brother. His connections lead him to discover some important overlooked facts about the
case. It is telling that when serious adversity faces the Mayor, Herbert is the first to rally to the aid of the family as he is willing to forget past
animosities.
In an unexpected plot twist, Frank Jones, the Mayor’s son who is a cadet at West Point, brings a lamentable closure to the sad course of events. Matty
Ferraro gives a brief but gripping portrayal of a troubled youth waging a private war with his feelings and emotions.
More a study in homophobia than a look at child abuse or male prostitution, the overall story provides a fascinating time tunnel to an era where America
feared things that it did not understand and where morality was measured by a yardstick often designed by those who had the most to gain by its
definition. Maybe the ending is a little conventional and the events fold neatly like an origami figure, but it is the kind of play that opens as many
questions as it answers and definitely grabs the attention of even the most discerning theatre patrons.
-- Jose Ruiz --
June 21, 2008
Near the end of its run, the Matrix enjoyed almost a full house on a Saturday night, proof positive that Boise U.S.A. presented by Salem K Theatre
Company has captured the imagination of the theatre audience.
Let’s begin by giving kudos to the troupe, who performs wonderfully. Especially the two women, who adopt the mentality of the fifties and pull it off in
grand style. Audrey Moore as Marjorie Jones, the wife of Dr. Butler, has a bit more oomph in her attitude, being that Marjorie is the daughter of the
powerful Mayor “Buck” Jones and feels a little more empowered to stand up to her husband. Melissa Kite as Doris, the abnegated wife of Joe Moore
nails the role of a woman caught between her vows of matrimony and the unsettling truth she suddenly faces. Neither woman has easy choices – but
both rise above the circumstances to emerge with dignity.
The story deals with homosexuality. Some would say “perversion”, but a careful line is drawn by playwright Gene Franklin Smith and director Arturo
Castillo, where the character of Dr. Jack Butler, played with some temerity by Scott Victor Nelson, attempts to define the actions of the accused as
anomalies rather than immoralities. It’s Halloween and the police arrest a youth in a dark alley promptly accusing him of “lewd and lascivious” conduct
with another man. Under pressure (perhaps torture?) the youth quickly names names and soon other young men are arrested as Mayor “Buck” Jones
promises to clean up the city. George McDaniel does one of the best blustery fat cat politicians we’ve seen in awhile, and even his charisma can’t
cover up the Mayor’s lust for power. His sidekick Blaine Evans is no better as played by Nic d”Avirro.
In comes Will Fairchild, an FBI man who has a reputation for busting homosexuals (a little like McCarthy and Communists). Fairchild has some unique
ideas and his cigarette theory is a marvel of misplaced logic. Josh T. Ryan captures the essence of the FBI man who is truly a legend in his own mind
and finds it easy to push the boundaries of propriety to prove his case.
Joe Moore, a YMCA coach is among the first men to be arrested and his story becomes the pivot from which all other events flow. Kris Kamm plays
Joe with a mix of courage, guilt, confusion and despair, making the character one of the most heart rendering and poignant in the piece. The questions
that he poses can be asked by some today – the answers will probably still be as muddy, and the misconceptions will continue as long as there are
those who are unable or unwilling to accept the feelings of others.
Soon other arrests are made, with the help of Eldon, the cynical youth who was first arrested. He cooperates with the authorities not just for money
but for the apparent pleasure of bringing others down. The fact that the lawmen go along with him speaks volumes about their integrity. It soon
becomes apparent that many of the men who are being arrested for supposedly participating in sex acts with the teenage boys are the political
enemies of Mayor Jones, and the truth begins to unravel in an uncertain path that is more about personal gain than sexual immorality.
One of the best characters is Uncle Herbert Jones, the Mayor’s brother. Cameron Mitchell Jr. is wonderful in the role of the wealthy black sheep of the
family whose not so secret life has kept him distant from his brother. His connections lead him to discover some important overlooked facts about the
case. It is telling that when serious adversity faces the Mayor, Herbert is the first to rally to the aid of the family as he is willing to forget past
animosities.
In an unexpected plot twist, Frank Jones, the Mayor’s son who is a cadet at West Point, brings a lamentable closure to the sad course of events. Matty
Ferraro gives a brief but gripping portrayal of a troubled youth waging a private war with his feelings and emotions.
More a study in homophobia than a look at child abuse or male prostitution, the overall story provides a fascinating time tunnel to an era where America
feared things that it did not understand and where morality was measured by a yardstick often designed by those who had the most to gain by its
definition. Maybe the ending is a little conventional and the events fold neatly like an origami figure, but it is the kind of play that opens as many
questions as it answers and definitely grabs the attention of even the most discerning theatre patrons.
-- Jose Ruiz --
THE TOLUCAN TIMES
May 21, 2008
A powerfully thought-provoking script, written with true grit by Gene Franklin Smith, this is a very good play! Directed with gut-wrenching reality by
Arturo Castillo, and performed by a remarkably strong cast, the audience is transfixed throughout! The harsh story, inspired by actual events in 1955
in Boise, Idaho, takes us along on that city’s “witch hunt” against homosexuals. When three men are arrested for “lewd and lascivious” conduct in a
park, with under aged boys, a massive attempt to free the city of all homosexuals explodes! The effort is headed by the Mayor, an “anti-gay”
attorney, and an F.B.I. agent…powerfully portrayed by George McDaniel, Nick d’Avirro, and Craig Robert Young, respectively, lives and families are
torn apart by their actions. As the psychiatrist on the case, Seamus Dever is spellbinding, and Cameron Mitchell Jr. is flamboyantly flawless as the
Mayor’s gay brother. Kris Kamm and Melissa Kite passionately share some of the play’s most heartbreaking moments, as a couple in crisis, and
Westley Thornton is excitingly edgy as a gay teen “hustler.” Rounding out the stellar cast are Matty Ferraro and Audrey Moore, as the Mayor’s adult
siblings. Many shocking secrets are revealed as the story plays out. To share them with you here would spoil your enjoyment of this intriguing
journey. Let me just say that “same sex” attraction is, and always has been, more common than you’d think. Fortunately, acceptance and
understanding on the issue of homosexuality in 2008, has come a long way since 1955 (…just this week, California has approved the right for gays
to marry) as society catches up with reality. Kudos to May Routh for her lovely period costumes, and Laura Fine Hawkes, for her starkly effective
set design. A worthy theatrical effort all round…try to catch this one!
-- Pat Taylor --
May 21, 2008
A powerfully thought-provoking script, written with true grit by Gene Franklin Smith, this is a very good play! Directed with gut-wrenching reality by
Arturo Castillo, and performed by a remarkably strong cast, the audience is transfixed throughout! The harsh story, inspired by actual events in 1955
in Boise, Idaho, takes us along on that city’s “witch hunt” against homosexuals. When three men are arrested for “lewd and lascivious” conduct in a
park, with under aged boys, a massive attempt to free the city of all homosexuals explodes! The effort is headed by the Mayor, an “anti-gay”
attorney, and an F.B.I. agent…powerfully portrayed by George McDaniel, Nick d’Avirro, and Craig Robert Young, respectively, lives and families are
torn apart by their actions. As the psychiatrist on the case, Seamus Dever is spellbinding, and Cameron Mitchell Jr. is flamboyantly flawless as the
Mayor’s gay brother. Kris Kamm and Melissa Kite passionately share some of the play’s most heartbreaking moments, as a couple in crisis, and
Westley Thornton is excitingly edgy as a gay teen “hustler.” Rounding out the stellar cast are Matty Ferraro and Audrey Moore, as the Mayor’s adult
siblings. Many shocking secrets are revealed as the story plays out. To share them with you here would spoil your enjoyment of this intriguing
journey. Let me just say that “same sex” attraction is, and always has been, more common than you’d think. Fortunately, acceptance and
understanding on the issue of homosexuality in 2008, has come a long way since 1955 (…just this week, California has approved the right for gays
to marry) as society catches up with reality. Kudos to May Routh for her lovely period costumes, and Laura Fine Hawkes, for her starkly effective
set design. A worthy theatrical effort all round…try to catch this one!
-- Pat Taylor --
GERRI GARNER'S ENTERTAINMENT FILE
AMERICAN RADIO NETWORK
May 22, 2008
The Salem K Theatre Company at the Matrix Theatre has batted a thousand percent this theatrical season. Their third production Boise, USA once
again strikes a hit with the compelling true story of Halloween night in 1955. Three men are arrested for "lewd and lascivious" conduct with three
teenage boys. This started a gay witch hunt that destroyed lives and divided families. When police arrest Eldon (Westley Thornton), three prominent
citizens are also taken into custody. the banker, Joe Moore (Kris Kamm) and his wife, Doris (Melissa Kite), have such a sterile marriage, the wife
yearns for intimacy, only to be ignored. Poor thing doesn't have a clue. To find out who is committing these vile acts and purge the city of all
suspected homosexuals, the Mayor calls in an FBI agent, Will Fairchild (Craig Robert Young). Marjorie Jones Butler (Audrey Moore) who is married to
Dr. Jack Butler (Seamus Dever) both have returned to her home town. Her father, Buck (George McDaniel) is the Mayor, a mountain of a man,
wealthy and notably influential in this small community. He asked his son-in-law to head up the mental hospital. He is so proud of his son Frank (Matty
Ferraro) who is a West Point cadet. Frank also has sexual identity issues unbeknownst to his father. Buck has a wealthy brother, Herbert (Cameron
Mitchell Jr.) who is openly a homosexual, a la Noel Coward, smoking jacket and all. Arturo Castillo directs this fine cast. It is a worthy effort, and
certainly important in this era of legal gay marriage.
AMERICAN RADIO NETWORK
May 22, 2008
The Salem K Theatre Company at the Matrix Theatre has batted a thousand percent this theatrical season. Their third production Boise, USA once
again strikes a hit with the compelling true story of Halloween night in 1955. Three men are arrested for "lewd and lascivious" conduct with three
teenage boys. This started a gay witch hunt that destroyed lives and divided families. When police arrest Eldon (Westley Thornton), three prominent
citizens are also taken into custody. the banker, Joe Moore (Kris Kamm) and his wife, Doris (Melissa Kite), have such a sterile marriage, the wife
yearns for intimacy, only to be ignored. Poor thing doesn't have a clue. To find out who is committing these vile acts and purge the city of all
suspected homosexuals, the Mayor calls in an FBI agent, Will Fairchild (Craig Robert Young). Marjorie Jones Butler (Audrey Moore) who is married to
Dr. Jack Butler (Seamus Dever) both have returned to her home town. Her father, Buck (George McDaniel) is the Mayor, a mountain of a man,
wealthy and notably influential in this small community. He asked his son-in-law to head up the mental hospital. He is so proud of his son Frank (Matty
Ferraro) who is a West Point cadet. Frank also has sexual identity issues unbeknownst to his father. Buck has a wealthy brother, Herbert (Cameron
Mitchell Jr.) who is openly a homosexual, a la Noel Coward, smoking jacket and all. Arturo Castillo directs this fine cast. It is a worthy effort, and
certainly important in this era of legal gay marriage.
| BOISE, USA |