Displaying items by tag: The Den

Perhaps it was the pandemic, or maybe it’s the cultural divide between the left and the right, but it seems like small town gay bars are vanishing. Playwright Samantha Mueller sets out to commemorate these safe spaces in their new play “Laced” making its world premiere at About Face Theatre. Directed by Lexi Saunders, “Laced” is a unique backstage look at LGBTQ nightlife and those who help create that world.

In the aftermath of the Pulse Nightclub shooting and before the 2016 election, three bartenders at a small town Florida gay bar come to work to find the bar has been vandalized. Minnow (Daniela Martinez), Audra (Mariah Copeland) and Cat (Collin Quinn Rice) are close coworkers and the incident leaves them rattled. Minnow becomes obsessed with figuring out who did this. The three work to piece together the previous evening. In the telling, each share intimate thoughts and experiences.

There’ some heavy content here, but overall this is a play that celebrates queer spaces and those who work tirelessly to ensure everyone feels welcome. The staging by Sydney Lynne immediately sets “Laced” in a specific atmosphere. Local queer scene DJ Ariel Zetina creates a hot soundscape with tracks by Charli XCX and Robyn peppered in. About Face directly borrows from the Chicago queer nightlife scene and it lends a real sense of authenticity to “Laced” that is somewhat missing on the page.

Mueller makes some relatable observations about queer life in their 90 minute one-act. Mueller digs in deep on the idea of what makes queer relationships; romantic or otherwise, different from the heteronormative standard. In doing so, they build a compelling case for why queer spaces need to be defended.

There’s a lot of chemistry between the three leads. While some of the dialogue sounds like it was taken from internet memes, Daniela Martinez keeps it sounding fresh and cool. Mueller’s well-intentioned dialogue does beg the question, who is the audience for this show? The plot never quite builds but “Laced” seems more about the journey than the destination.

As more exclusionary laws are introduced around the country, theatre companies like About Face become even more essential. Much like the bar in “Laced” About Face is a safe space for LGBTQ stories and perhaps through storytelling can bring awareness to an epidemic of small-town gay bar closures.

Through April 16 at About Face Theatre at The Den. 1331 N Milkwaukee. www.AboutFaceTheatre.com