THE CORRESPONDENT at Rattlestick

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 3/10/14 at 10:59pm

I had the opportunity to see THE CORRESPONDENT this evening and really loved it. Initially I thought about skipping it entirely because I wasn't a big fan of the last Ken Urban play I saw, THE AWAKE. I'll admit that I'm a sucker for a show with graphic sexual situations because I'm intrigued to see how it's done on stage so that swayed me.

The play starts off a little ho-hum with scenes between the grieving husband and the dying woman he's contracted to send a message to his wife in the afterlife. I was growing a little tired of this relationship because it seemed very forced and unbelievable. Notes are being left by his dead wife and there is some intrigue as to how this is happening so my interest starts to come back. Things were kicked up a notch when the author of these letters are revealed and some interesting gender/sexuality dynamics are explored. I really didn't think I liked the play because it seemed a little expected…until the end. I absolutely LOVED the ending and it cemented my opinion of the show.

My one issue came from the audience. The first instance happened when two men are speaking and one says "I want you inside me again" (said NOT in a sexual way). Upon hearing this, the late 20-something girl behind me exclaimed "EW!" A few moments later when the two men kiss she says "EW!" again! I was becoming livid. My blood was boiling after the show when after the actors left the stage she says "that was so gross." I'm sorry honey but if you don't want to see gay stuff then maybe theatre isn't the best thing for you. I have a few other things to say about this wretched person but I'll keep those to myself because I wouldn't want to incur the wrath of those who love to jump all over certain statements.

I would highly recommend the show and hope that you're not forced to deal with simple-minded bigots.

[greatwhiteway72]

Posted: 3/11/14 at 12:13am

Just how "graphic" are the situations in this play? I'm thinking of seeing it with my family.

[brdway411]

Posted: 3/11/14 at 1:41am

Was thinking about seeing this, Thanks Clyde for the thumbs up. Going Thursday. :)

[hushpuppy]

Posted: 3/11/14 at 6:32am

I enjoyed the show as well. It does feature (male) nudity and simulated sex, so, depending on how comfortable you are with that, I'm not sure you'd want to bring the family

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 3/11/14 at 9:40am

Exactly what hushpuppy said. I don't think I would want to see the show with family unless it was like your brother/sister. Definitely don't go with a parent or grandparent. Awwwkward.

I hope you enjoy it, brdway411. I'm interested to hear yours and other's opinions.

[greatwhiteway72]

Posted: 3/11/14 at 4:44pm

I would be able to tolerate brief nudity, but extended frontal might be a bit awkward to experience with family...

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/11/14 at 4:46pm

I saw it with my brother. Do not see it with your brother.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 3/11/14 at 5:15pm

Sutton, I'm curious as to when you saw it.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 3/11/14 at 5:50pm

I saw it the last week of February. No weird people in the audience being bigots though. Glad you enjoyed it, despite that.

[brdway411]

Posted: 3/12/14 at 11:00am

Had a similar situation at F!!!ing Up Everything (I think that was the name of it). The people behind us were making rude comments when the 2 boys kissed. Very distracting.

[brdway411]

Posted: 3/13/14 at 11:26pm

Wow, As Clyde mentioned it starts out slow. But when it picks up steam it is quite enjoyable. One thing that comes to mind and a POSSIBLE SPOILER******so stop reading here.......++++++++It kind of reminds me of + SPOILER SPOILER Spoiler Venus in Fur at the end.
It's also sort of funny I saw this show in the 21st anniversary of my fiancee's suicide. So some of the story really hit home. Great acting. Catch this while you can. The audience was very well behaved, no noises during the nude scene.