Review written by Erin Ryan.
Light Switch, written by Dave Osmundsen and directed by Michael D. Graham, is the nonlinear journey of an autistic gay man, Henry, on his quest for the kind of love, passion, and acceptance he has found in some of his favorite novels. Henry is a young man who has been intensely captivated by early 19th century British literature, adoring stories from the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens, so much so that these tales become his central way to connect with others.
Open Space Arts is a hyper-intimate theater space that puts you up close and personal with the actors. The set, designed by Rick Paul, is simple and creative using chalk to mirror the magical and ever-changing moors from Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights, which just so happens to be Henry’s favorite book. This play emulates the themes and language of the original Bronte novel. The dialogue is dense, wickedly smart, and paints an extravagant picture of passion that Henry may not otherwise be able to communicate as clearly.
Light Switch dives deep into the many complicated relationships Henry faces throughout his life, including with his mother, childhood friends, love interests, and his best friend and roommate, Roggie. Roggie helps Henry break out of his shell in the dating scene, pushing him to go out and meet people, and how to best handle Henry’s new excitement towards a man named Joseph (Peter Manuel Young). The dialogue paints no character in a perfect or pure light, similar to how Bronte paints her own characters in Wuthering Heights. It highlights impatience, thoughtlessness, dismissiveness, and unconscious cruelty.
Henry, played by Phillip Andrew Monnett, is honest and curious. He portrays Henry in various stages of his life, and it is beautiful and fascinating to see the actor explore this character as a child, a teenager, and a young adult. The scenes bounce back and forth between the present day and the past. There is a stark contrast from how we see Henry as an adult compared to Henry as a child, but the heart of the character never waivers. A particularly heart-wrenching scene between Henry as a young boy and his mother in the first act provides much insight into this character and his development.
Henry DelBello’s portrayal of Roggie is grounded with excellent comedic timing. The characters of Roggie and Henry are a stark contrast, Roggie being a laid back, sexually open, social butterfly, but they complement each other beautifully. These two characters accept each other for exactly who they are, never forcing the other to change, only nudging one another to be better. You can’t help but smile while watching these two actors interact. The friendship and chemistry between Monnett and DelBello is pure and heartwarming.
Lighting design is by Jason Matthew Palmer, sound design and original music by Alex Kingsley. Costumes are by Adie Sutherland. Stage manager is Joey Bluhm.
Light Switch is an intense and beautiful story that sheds some light on the difficulties of romantic relationships for a young gay autistic male. It’s a story about the full and complete acceptance of another person. Playwright Osmundsen is a gay autistic writer.
Light Switch runs through September 29 with performances every Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. Open Space Arts, a company dedicated to plays and films combating antisemitism and homophobia, is located at 1411 W Wilson Ave. The space seats about 20, so get your tickets in advance. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for students and seniors, and $15 for OSA members. Light Switch is a two-act play that runs for approximately two hours, including an intermission. This show is intended for audience members 16+ because of mature content.
Erin Ryan is a Chicago-based writer and comedian. Ryan graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in theater and is excited to meld the two worlds that excite her most: theater and writing. In her free time, you can find Ryan traveling, hiking, hanging out with friends, or asking a stranger if she can pet their dog.
For more information on this and other plays, see theatreinchicago.com.
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