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JERKER or THE HELPING HAND and MR. CHARLES, CURRENTLY OF PALM BEACH

ANDREWS LIVING ARTS continues its “edgy” season with the presentation of a Double Bill with two 1-act plays; the first, Robert Chesley’s controversial and ground-breaking play JERKER or THE HELPING HAND and Paul Rudnick’s satirical comedy MR. CHARLES, CURRENTLY OF PALM BEACH.  These two short plays depict differing views of Gay culture, ranging from poking fun at Gay stereotypes to a frank exploration of love and sex.

JERKER or THE HELPING HAND, is Chesley’s most performed play (although not in South Florida); notorious after a radio broadcast of excerpts on the Los Angeles Public Radio Station which caused the FCC to attempt broadcast censorship.  Set in 1980’s San Francisco when gay sex was both uninhibited and frightening, two men engage in frank and raw phone sex that excites them, while building a strong unseen bond between them.  JERKER is unflinching in its language and sensuality, yet compelling in depicting the search for love. It is graphic and not intended for shy or easily offended audiences.

The curtain-raiser MR. CHARLES, CURRENTLY OF PALM BEACH is one of four short plays that Rudnick included in a full work entitled, The New Century produced in 2008 at Lincoln Center.  Rudnick is highly regarded for his plays and screenplays, including JEFFREY, I HATE HAMLET and IN AND OUT.  In MR.CHARLES……the leading player is an old-style gay sophisticate, who has been “exiled” from NYC for his lack of political correctness. He is “semi-retired” in Palm Beach, and now hosts a late night cable show called “Too Gay”.  Accompanied by his exhibitionistic “boy toy” Shane, Mr. Charles hilariously expounds on “Gay Culture” while attempting to “change the World!”

Director Jerry Jenson, has assembled a very talented cast of South Florida actors for these two plays.  Will Smith and Brian Bloomer are the two gay men in JERKER.  Smith has been seen in several ALA shows, most recently, LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! & CUCKOO’S NEST. Bloomer, who also plays Shane in MR. CHARLES, had leading roles in Ohio, and recently moved to Florida debuting on stage in PARTY and worked backstage as stage manager for an ALA production of THE JACKIE MASON MUSICAL.  Jerry Marino is making his ALA debut as the flamboyant/extravagant Mr. Charles, and Leslie Erin, recently seen as Columbia in ALA’s ROCKY HORROR, supports Mr. Charles as receptionist, Joann.

The play will perform at Andrews Living Arts, February 3 through February 19 – Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday at 8 pm, Sundays at 5 pm, with a Preview on February 2nd at 8 pm. Groups can be arranged at a special rate upon request to the staff at 954-874-5084. Tickets are $40 gen adm; $35 seniors; and can be purchased online at andrewslivingarts.org / Brown Paper Tickets or by calling: 800-838-3006.