For the final production of their 20th season, The Blank Theatre is presenting The Temperamentals by Jon Marans and directed by Michael Matthews. The story is based on the real life of notorious communist and gay activist, Harry Hay. Harry Hay was a married man who fell in love with Rudi Gernreich (Erich Bergen) the man who became a famous fashion designer (topless swimsuit!) later in life.

 

They called themselves homophiles and temperamentals (code word for homosexual) thus the title of the play. Each of these men is a seasoned performer. They not only play their character well, but also the roles of other characters involved in the story line.

 

Harry was controlling in his efforts to build the Mattachine Society, and by his tactics, he alienated many of the members. As the story progresses, things change and by its end, the audience is made aware of what happens to the men who were brave enough to go against conventional society and begin this gay movement. The Temperamentals plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 2 PM, through May 22, at The Blank Theatre Company's 2nd Stage Theatre, 6500 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood. Tickets are available online at www.TheBlank.com, or by calling (323) 661-9827.