Love in All the Wrong Places

A COMEDIC DEBATE IN A CLOSET IN TEXAS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF COMING OUT OF IT

Texas Homos by Jan Buttram, and directed by Jason A. England, is Readers Theatre Repertory’s February offering, with a theme of love in all the wrong places.

It seems Cecil Ray Bonner has been arrested for sexual improprieties at the park restroom. Arrested with him is Rev. Jim Bob Mason. The popular doctor and the respected local minister face a big challenge in the judge presiding over their case: this is his chance to upend the recently overturned states’ sodomy laws, and put them right back where they belong: in the closet. Which if we’re talking about the closet in the offices of the lawyer representing the arrested men, it’s pretty full at the moment – that’s where Cecil and Jim Bob are hiding, and debating what to do next.

“This is a very, very funny show that takes on some incredibly serious topics, still topical today,” says director England. “Two clearly gay men, each with a prominent civic profile in their small town – how are they supposed to find satisfaction, happiness, even love under the circumstances?” Love and loyalty are what’s debated in that small closet in Texas, says England. “Who do we owe our allegiance to? Our families? Our town? Our fellowship or faith? Or do we owe something larger to the liberation of love?