Review: NOT IN FRONT OF THE CHILDREN at Revolution Stage Company

According to Gnostic philosopher Samael Aun Weor, the Age of Aquarius began on February 4, 1962 and in 1967 the song about it, “Aquarius”, from the musical Hair became the anthem for what would surely be the beginning of an age that heralded harmony and understanding. Right?

What we got was JFK, MLK, Malcolm X and RFK assassinations, and the VietNam “conflict” that took almost 60,000 of our young men. 

But we also got Betty Friedan’s 1963 book The Feminine Mystique, a follow up to Mary Wollstonecraft’s 1792 A Vindication of the Rights of Women, and Mart Crowley’s 1968 play Boys in the Band, a caustic look at self loathing in the gay community. Both enterprises elicited needlessly volatile reactions to basic human rights that are still being punched around the head today.

And that is where Gary Powers’ new one-man musical, Not in Front of the Children, begins, in times of turmoil, rolling through more decades of turmoil as he unfolds Danny’s journey to self-acceptance through song and storytelling. 

Not in Front of the Children features a three piece orchestra of piano, cello and flute. Those three instruments never out-play Powers’ lovely voice (aka the sound was mesmerizing). A truly delicious space for performers. 

The story, told in two acts, tells Danny’s (Powers) journey to becoming a confident Gay man, from childhood confusion over who he is - working to fit into a world that denies the right to his existence - and how he learns to “play the game” of hiding himself, until the chaos that reigns in his psyche finally causes him to see his breakfast cereal talking to him from his bowl. Powers keeps it light-hearted when he’s not digging down to the crux of the matter - accepting and loving who you are.

Powers also takes on other roles in the show such as young Danny (a little bit Pee Wee Herman), and the tough talking Ivy, who gives good advice in spite of her severe malapropism. 

The lyrics, also crafted by Powers, are quite clever with surprising rhymes; the music was melodic, and did not skimp on moments for Power’s strong vocals to shine.

James Owens’ direction keeps Powers apace, utilizing a mostly naked stage and a few pieces to a good end.  Production values were top notch with Mariah Pryor on light design, costumes by Emma Bibi, and the sound (!!) by Alex Danson and Kelly Maguire.

The orchestra gets its own shout out with musical director and arranger Denis Moreen on piano, Lonny Smith on flute, and Teresa DiPietro on cello.

The musical premiered last Saturday in the gorgeous new Revolution Stage Company space, redesigned in a spectacular manner by producing partners Powers and Owens. With 128 theater seats, the space can fit around 145 if you include the high tops that can be added for overflow. There’s a full bar, and an ice cream stand, featuring Haagen Das, for those who prefer their sugar in an edible form. The crowd enjoyed cocktails before the show, during intermission, and for an after show nightcap.

Revolution Stage Company is a 501c3 whose mission is presenting multiple forms of first rate entertainment at the space. Their current offerings include last year’s hit jukebox musical Mid Century Moderns, the premiere of another new musical Off the Streets, as well as Cabaret6: Desert Stars featuring local entertainers Keisha D, Francesca Amari, Tod Macofsky, Brian Scott and Rose Mallett in November.

Not in Front of the Children plays through October 29. Check the Revolution’s website for dates and times.

Revolution Stage Company

611 S. Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92264

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