There's a fabulous event happening this weekend that Washington, DC-area readers may want to check out. The wonderful Miss Frenchie Davis is performing Sunday evening in a fundraiser to benefit the new musical play, The Truth (Welcome to the Down Low). The play is being presented by Restoration Stage, written by Steven A. Butler and features music and lyrics by Christopher John and Courtney Baker-Oliver. "Courtney and I have been friends for a long time," Frenchie says. "Anything he needs I am there."
"The 'down low' has become this catch-all phrase," Courtney Baker-Oliver tells Rod 2.0. "It's getting so much recent attention, but there's nothing new. As long as there has been homophobia, there's been a down low—especially in our community. The down low may be bad but homophobia is much worst."
Deciding to take a proactive step, Baker-Oliver (right) developed the material through his new theater company. It's the first production by the company, which was founded last summer by Baker-Oliver and his longtime friend Steven A. Butler, Jr. "There are so many stereotypes out there," Butler says. "We are lawyers, doctors, teachers, athletes, nurses ... but too many people within the black community know us as the hairdresser sidekick. We're fighting that stereotype."
The Truth (Welcome to the Down Low) takes place at the home of the Suttons, a black middle class family in suburban Maryland. After being away at grad school, Tiffany Sutton (Juwauna Lindsey) returns home with "the perfect man." Her fiance Donnie Harrison (Isaiah Johnson) is a tall n' strappin' piece of chocolate, a former pro football player turned physician. He becomes extra friendly with Tiffany's younger brother Chris (Marlon Anthony Russ), a star running back that is headed to college. Both men have secrets: For years, Donnie has messed around with the boyz and Chris is involved with his schoolmate AJ (LC Harden Jr), who is as loud and proud as Chris is rugged and athletic. Chris and Donnie share a night of hot, passionate jock loving. Chris becomes concerned after Tiffany announces that she and Donnie are engaged. Will Chris continue hooking up with Donnie? Or will he tell Tiffany the truth?
"What it is going to take to preserve our family?" asks Baker-Oliver, who is a theater teacher at the Duke Ellington School for the Arts. "That’s what Chris has to decide. That's the mission of our company, to restore the black family, one story at a time."
As problematic as Donnie's character may be—and he's played expertly by Isaiah Johnson, who also has a wonderful solo, "The Truth Is"—one cannot help but sympathize with his character. "He’s not a bad guy. He’s also a victim," Baker-Oliver tells Rod 2.0. "He's been thrust into a role by a society that says it's wrong for masculine men—especially athletes—to be involved with other men. We all know men who are grappling with their sexuality."
Thankfully, this play avoids the specter of HIV/AIDS, which always seems to accompany any discussion of the down low. Baker-Oliver was very adamant that it was not to be included in this production. "The down low is about deception and what that can do to the family or one person. It's not about HIV. That's a whole different story."
Courtney Baker-Oliver and Steven Butler say that the musical has been received quite well—with just one or two notable exceptions. They say the pairing of two rugged, athletic men—including substantial affection and a same-sex kiss—upset several theater patrons, all black woman in their 30s. "They appeared middle-class and educated," says Butler, the playwright. "But were outraged that two men kissed onstage, two "real men", they said. But these women knew what the play was about before they bought their tickets. Obviously, seeing two masculine men together must have upset them."
AJ's character is remarkable. He's the high school kid involved with Chris who is later pushed aside for Donnie. AJ may only be a high school senior but he reveals much more maturity and self-esteem than Chris or Donnie's character. LC Harden Jr plays him like a fiddle and reveals the voice of angel in his two solos, especially with "More" in Act 2, where he sings about wanting more from life than "A dream every day that I have seen watching Oprah on tv." It's a beautiful song. (Download the Windows Media Player file here.)
"That one brought the house," Baker-Oliver agrees. "The focus may be on the two other men but everyone sees that AJ is also a man and very determined to become someone. And he will."
The music of The Truth (Welcome to the Down Low) is wonderful. LC Harden is a Howard alum and veteran of many productions, including Godspell and Seussical. His voice is powerful and probably the stand out of the production, followed by Isaiah Johnson's two solos and Tracie Jade, who plays Olivia. In addition, young hottie Marlon Anthony Russ makes his star-turn as Chris. He's a good actor and very comfortable with the material. You may remember him as the co-star of Multitude of Mercies, the recent winner of BET's RapItUp competition on HIV/AIDS. Something also to keep in mind: These are straight actors stepping up to plate and taking roles that many television or film actors would not. Bravo.
This is much more than expected for a local production. The play ended its run in January and is returning in May for Pride. And then ...? "That's why we're doing this fundraiser," Courtney Baker-Oliver laughs. "Who knows. We may mount another production, tour, make a movie ... Only we can challenge stereotypes."
The Truth (Welcome to the Down Low) and Gallery
Download WMP version of "More".
Sunday, April 16 @ 8PM AQUA 1818 New York Avenue NE, Washington DC $25
This looks good. I'm so glad to see two young brothers doing their thing. Go on, Courtney Bakr OLiver!
And that Marlon boy is hott!
Posted by: Carl | 15 April 2006 at 16:09
I'm glad to see that as gay black men some of us are tryng to respond to the inaccuracies presented by the JL Kings of the world.
Congrtaulations.
Great review, Rod, as always.
Posted by: greg | 15 April 2006 at 16:10
It's great to see someone positive doing something. Thanks.
Posted by: patrick s | 15 April 2006 at 16:22
its about time, this is what i'm talking about.finally something positive and right for a change. i hope it goes national or becomes a movie because its long over due
Posted by: algie | 15 April 2006 at 16:37
ROD!
Another brilliant job. Leave it to you to get exclusive photos and access again!
My only concern here is the same with THE DL CHRONICLES...BROTHER AND SISTER'S MAN! THAT'S SOME CRUEL, CRUEL SET-UP THAT WE KEEP "SYMPATHIZING" BUT IT'S STILL ADULTERY!
How can we say we love our family and our siblings and keep sitting THIS as a "twist?"
I'M JUST SAYING....
Posted by: TheRevKev | 15 April 2006 at 19:28
if this is brought to Chicago, I will buy a ticket.
Posted by: Waddie G. | 16 April 2006 at 09:54
If you ask me, one of the most honest real and balanced portrayals of the issues surrounding the whole closeted cheating male issue (and thats all the "DL" is) was carried out on the Sopranos last night
Posted by: DFS | 17 April 2006 at 02:56
I wish these guys great luck with their production. I think the characterizations being presented are those that black gay/sgl men have desired for a long time. It still bothers me that when talk about presenting more masculine images of black gay men comes up it always includes the bashing of those of us who "fit the stereotype", those with feminine traits and mannerisms since we were born. I too want to break the stereotype of the "hairdresser sidekick", break the notion that we are empty headed buffoons. Femininity does not equal stupidity and a lack of character.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 17 April 2006 at 08:50
dang! now i'm mad i missed this play. how they do it again.
Posted by: seanndc | 17 April 2006 at 11:36