Stagecrafters’ ‘Perfect Arrangement’ Comes at the Perfect Time!
So many people talk about the American dream and their desire to achieve it by any means necessary. A good-paying job, a house, and a healthy relationship are just some pieces that American society has been buying into for decades, if not centuries. However, that dream isn’t promised to everyone; it is a reality that those within minority populations face daily. It’s this pursuit of the American Dream and the reality faced by members of the LGBTQ+ during McCarthyism that lies at the center of Stagecrafter’s latest production, Perfect Arrangement.
Inspired by the real experiences of couples at the beginning of the Gay Rights movement in America, Perfect Arrangement is written by Topher Payne. It premiered Off-Broadway and won the M. Elizabeth Osborn Award for best new play. Payne highlights one of the darkest moments in LGBTQ history, as the desire for happiness and freedom confronts the need to be safe in a world that refuses to adapt.
With the state of the world being what it is, Perfect Arrangement’s arrival at Stagecrafters at the right time, hoping to stop history from repeating itself. Want to know more about what you can expect from this timely play? Then continue on to learn more about Stagecrafter’s Perfect Arrangement.
[Warning: spoilers from Stagecrafters’ Perfect Arrangement are below!]
Two couples rely on the Perfect Arrangement for safety
It’s interesting how idyllic the 1950s are portrayed so commonly in media. Blame it on the sitcoms from that decade that show a loving family living their perfect life. However, for the Martindales and Baxters in Perfect Arrangement, their lives are anything but ideal. To the world, both couples seem incredibly happy, with Millie (Andrea Crowe) being a fantastic stay-at-home wife for her husband Bob (Mike Sullivan) while Norma (Crystal Nemchak) and Jim (Zack Coates) chase that American dream with wonderful jobs. However, there’s a secret that all four people share that would throw their lives into a tailspin if it ever got out.
You see, within the confines of their homes, Norma and Millie are in a relationship, as are Jim and Bob. Two queer couples that can exist happily in their own little world, however have to live a lie each time they step outside the house. The reality of their perfect arrangement begins to weigh on them, especially with both Norma and Bob working for the State Department at the height of the deviant witch hunt.
As the reality of the situation closes in on the Martindales and Baxters and secrets are threatened to be exposed, these four queer people have a big decision to make. Continue to live a lie with their lavender marriages, or finally unshackle themselves from the need to be seen as straight, and finally embrace their real identities. What they decide will fundamentally change their lives and begs the question, is there such a thing as a Perfect Arrangement?
Stagecrafters builds an immersive world for this timely tale
It’s not every day that a show completely takes my breath away, but Stagecrafters managed to do so with Perfect Arrangement. Topher Payne’s story balances humor incredibly well with the darkness of the situation it explores. However, Payne managed to utilize the humor in a unique and self-referential way, playing more into the 1950s story at the beginning than the end. It truly reflects the American Dream idea that is often paired with this decade; however, as the Martindales and Baxters become disillusioned with their lifestyle, the humor fades away.
It reminds me so much of Marvel Studios’ WandaVision, with sitcom-focused humor that eventually fades as the situation becomes more serious. Director Leta Chrisman has a clear vision of how to bring Payne’s story to life. As a member of the LGBTQ community, Chrisman understands the plight that we’ve faced, which is seen in every aspect of this show. From the brilliant set that transported audiences to yesteryear and the costumes that perfectly captured life in the 50s, Chrisman and her creative team made something special that audiences will be discussing for a long time.
The show would also not be anything without the spectacular cast that made Perfect Arrangement…well, perfect. Mike Sullivan was a standout of the production as the stoic Bob Martindale. Watching Sullivan volley between stern and soft depending on who’s around him was a testament to his acting abilities. There are moments when I was frightened by his intensity and warmed by his interactions with Jim, giving me chills many times.
Andrea Crowe’s Millie is similar in many aspects to Bob, although lacks the scary intensity in many ways. Millie is good at playing the game, being both the perfect wife to Bob and an amazing partner to Norma. However, she is torn between the world she knows and wanting to be true to herself. She’s become complacent and settled, but being able to go out holding the hand of her love is so appealing. Crowe brings so much sincerity to the role, making Millie a highlight.
Zack Coates was a great comedic relief as the flamboyant Jim throughout the production. He’s “manly” and straight-laced to the world, but around the others in this arrangement, he’s his true self. Coates frequently made me laugh out loud with his portrayal, as he was hilarious in nearly every scene he’s in. However, Coates also brings a softer side to the role, showing that a person can be funny and heartfelt. You can actively watch his heart break on stage as Perfect Arrangement progresses, bringing tears to my eyes. Bravo to Zack Coates for making me tear up from both ends of the spectrum.
And finally, where would this perfect arrangement be without Crystal Nemchak’s Norma Baxter? Norma is the catalyst for this story in many ways, as her rose colored glasses fade sooner than the rest. Nemchak’s performance is filled with nuance, showcasing the sadness and anger that comes with change. Torn between wanting a child and wanting to be free, she’s conflicted, and Nemchak conveys that with just a look on her face.
Don’t miss the Perfect Arrangement at Stagecrafters
As a gay man, I can say that Perfect Arrangement spoke volumes to me about the current world we live in. I think everyone needs a reminder that we are not that far away from the story this play is telling. If we don’t learn from our past, we’re doomed to repeat it. Perfect Arrangement made me feel the gamut of emotions, leaving me feeling lighter but also reminding me that every day we have to work hard for this minority population and all others who face oppression.
Stagecrafters’ Perfect Arrangement only has two more performances, so get your tickets now! Have you seen Perfect Arrangement before? Let us know on social media @boxseatbabes!
Exclusive Interview: Leta Chrisman & Lisa Hanes of Perfect Arrangement
