True Love
"True Love" tells the story of vainglorious John Patrick Goggin, writer of stage and screen, and Bill, his lover of forty some odd years. Mr. Goggin's writings include "High Society" and "The Teahouse of the August Moon."
Bill and Pat have lived together for many years, and it's gotten to the time in their lives where truths are revealed and old wounds are revisited, leading to the question, "Are we too old to love?"
Pat's abandonment issues lead him to puerile manipulation, such as controlling Bill with the threat of scribing about "the tall man" in his writings in less than flattering ways. Amidst their constant witty bickering, we learn of Pat's many former lovers (including his wife, Mildred, Marlon Brando, and Charles MacArthur). At one point, Bill proclaims, "We're beginning to look like a couple of lesbians." Later, Bill confesses that he is dying and has a few months to live. His death prompts Goggin to take his own life soon after.
Robert S. Telford thoughtfully moves the actors, showing us how deeply they care for one another so that, by the end, this talented director plants in our minds the image of a red fern between the two old dogs.
Walter Williamson and Larry Thomlinson not only star in "True Love" but also co-wrote the clever 90-minute play.
Without even shedding a tear, Williamson expresses his deep-rooted and pleasantly projected anguish. Larry Thomlinson, with fear in his eyes, patiently awaits the end of Pat's selfish rants before he begins punching hurtful antidotes toward his best friend.
Hollywood's Dorie Theatre in The Complex houses a set of the most comfortable theatre seats in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the management (after all of these years) continues its refusal to soundproof their walls, disrespectfully entrusting the audience to ignore the sounds of other productions.
Although True Love is not about homosexuality but relationships, a gay community, young and old, will hold this story as a classic. Older men can relate, and young men can learn.
On a grading scale - A
Scenic Design and Lighting Design by Burris Jackes
Stage Manager - Matt Sanderson
Associate Stage Manager - Craig Mitchell