Review: Utah Repertory Theater Company - "Bare"

"I've never been this bare.  I've never felt such honesty."  To be honest and open can at times be terrifying but it is eventually liberating.  I was drawn to "Bare" when I first heard the cast recording several years ago mostly because the story is similar to mine.  Coming out of the closet is difficult regardless of where a person lives, but it can be even more confusing when shame and guilt are placed on us based on attractions and emotions.  I am pleased to see this show being produced in Utah where it is as pertinent as ever.  Utah Repertory Theater Company has put forth incredible effort to share this message and story in a way that is touching and fulfilling.

Set against the backdrop of a Catholic private school where the students are participating in a production of Romeo and Juliet, the parallels run deep as does the tragedy.  The "star-crossed lovers" of this story are Jason and Peter, who are at odds with their religious beliefs and their love for each other.  Jason is the star jock of the school and feels immense pressure and expectation from everyone around him, while Peter longs to be himself and love Jason openly.

Brock Dalgleish is incredibly charming and attractive with just the right balance of swagger and heart as Jason.  He portrays confidence while at the same time showing the pain that such lofty expectations cause. In the role of Peter, John Patrick McKenna soars while showcasing his incredible vocals and acting abilities.  I could absolutely FEEL what Peter was feeling and I found myself wishing I could console him.  McKenna's voice is incredibly strong but with a subtlety that brought me to tears multiple times throughout the show.  Every moment and duet between Jason and Peter felt so real and raw that their love, and pain, was palpable.  During the touching but heartbreaking "Role of a Lifetime", Peter wonders what will become of his secret love and if they will forever have to live a lie.  During "Best-Kept Secret" Peter pleads with Jason to live openly while Jason insists that the secret must remain.  Toward the end, the gorgeous duet "Bare" is an anthem about the freedom that honesty brings, with no shame.  This song encompasses the theme of the show and allows Jason and Peter to finally be "bare" and authentic.

The female leads are equally strong including Katie Evans as Nadia, Jason's sister who slays "Plane Jane Fat Ass" among other songs.  She adds much-needed humor to the proceedings with her wit and attitude.  Emilie Starr is also brilliant as Ivy, Nadia's roommate who eventually falls in love with Jason which brings about difficult consequences.  She has an opportunity to showcase her powerful vocals with the song, "All Grown Up" where she bares her soul and breaks the hearts of the audience members at the same time.

Other themes and conflicts are explored such as bullying, teen pregnancy, drugs, depression, and suicide.  There are necessary lessons in this show that have universal value.  This is a show about growing up, the consequences of our actions, and ultimately the desire for to be heard and seen.  I am sure that everyone can relate to the idea of wanting to be heard and seen authentically.

The show is not without flaws, of course.  Some of the writing drags a bit, and there are moments that feel unfinished.  I found myself wondering what changes the writers made when they recently revived and revised the show in New York City, and if those changes may have helped.  Additionally there were some lighting and sound issues during the performance, but nothing unforgivable.  Overall Director Johnny Hebda has created a space where the audience is fully engrossed in the story and is able to immediately feel connected.  The show is heart wrenching all throughout and difficult to watch at times, but this is such an important story to tell.  Thank you Mr. Hebda and Utah Repertory Theater for having the courage to bring this essential story and lesson to Utah.

"Bare" is playing through January 31 at the Sugar Space Warehouse Theater in Salt Lake City.    For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.utahrep.org.

A portion of the proceeds benefit OUTReach Resource Centers, which provide assistance and resources to LGBT youth: www.outreachresourcecenters.org.