Photo courtesy of Persiphere Theatre.
“Time is On Our Side,” by local playwright R. Eric Thomas and presented by Perisphere Theater, is currently playing at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre. The play is produced by Kevin O’Connell, the group’s artistic and executive director, and is directed by Gerrard Alex Taylor.
“Time is On Our Side” won the 2016 Barrymore Award (Philadelphia) for best new play. It follows two friends in the late 2010s — Annie (Emily Dalton) and Curtis (Jordan Brown), who are both gay and have a podcast called “Queer History.” Annie works for an historical society and the podcast focuses on Philadelphia’s history, especially in the LGBTQIA+ community. They get push back from their families including Curtis’ grandfather who is a well-known journalist. He cut off Curtis’ stipend due to his sexual orientation. Curtis has a husband who supports him, but he wants the podcast to be on a regular broadcast channel so he can be more financially successful on his own.
With Philadelphia as a microcosm, “Time is On Our Side” cleverly and realistically illustrates the history of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Annie lives in her grandparent’s old house which was part of her inheritance when they died. Much of the action takes place at the house which is where they do their podcast. Annie has a broken heart from a recent breakup with Fatima. Unfortunately Fatima is the key to Annie and Curtis getting a gig with NPR. While Fatima is still Curtis’ friend, but Annie wants to cut all ties. When another friend, Claudia (Pauline Lamb), comes to help with a podcast play, they accidentally find Annie’s grandmother’s diary in a hidden compartment of an old box made by her grandfather. In addition, Annie has notebooks of the day-to-day events her grandfather, Lawrence (Leo Delgado), recorded which appear to be only about what he ate and places he saw.
Annie and Curtis duel about exposing Annie’s family’s history on the podcast. Annie feels it is too personal to share but Curtis sees an interesting piece of journalism. Into their lives comes a flashy queen named Rene and Mr. Blankenship, an older gay man (both played by Delgado), and Mr. Ramondi (a neighbor of Blankenship and friend of Rene) who is also a queen (played by Lamb). Lamb also plays Gisella, Annie’s grandmother. The scenes with the grandparents are done as a series of poignant flashbacks.
This play also has a great deal of mystery as family secrets are slowly revealed to Annie and Curtis. There are very funny and tender moments but, at other times, you will be sitting on the edge of your seat in anticipation. Annie’s family history reflects the story of the LGBTQIA+ community in Philadelphia — from living in hiding to gradual, societal acceptance.
Dalton masterfully carries being the focal point of the plot. Annie is both extremely likable and empathetic. She invokes our compassion for her broken heart and brings insight into Annie’s need to protect her family and herself as Curtis pushes her to open up.
Brown also delivers a fine performance. He keeps Curtis from being a stereotype. His interactions with Delgado as Rene are unforgettable, especially in the scene when Rene teaches Curtis about “cruising,” one of the highlights of the production.
Delgado and Lamb have, perhaps, the hardest job as actors, switching characters often in back-to-back scenes. Lamb goes from the compassionate Claudia to the emotionally torn Gisella without a bump in the action. Her riotous portrayal of Mr. Ramondi is first class. Delgado also gives a sensational performance. He is hilarious as Rene, uptight as Lawrence, and wonderfully reveals the complexities of Mr. Blankenship.
Taylor’s direction creates magnificent visions for the audience — from the warm final scene between Annie and Mr. Blankenship to the above mentioned “cruising” scene with Rene and Curtis.
Greg Stevens’ set and costume designs are imaginative, especially the use of the photos on the wall as a visual montage that helps the story move along. Adam Mendelson’s lighting, photography, and projections designs integrate perfectly with the set and and plot. Lamb is also the properties designer. I particularly like the box with the hidden compartment but attention to the details, like the old TV in Mr. Blankenship’s home, add much to the production.
With Philadelphia as a microcosm, “Time is On Our Side” cleverly and realistically illustrates the history of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Running Time: Two hours and 10 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Mature language and subject matter may not be suitable for small children.
“Time is On Our Side” runs until August 28, 2021 with evening performances at 8 pm and matinees at 2 pm. It is performed by Perisphere Theater at the Silver Spring Black Box Theatre, 8461 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910. For more information, click here. For tickets, click here. NOTE: All patrons must wear masks and show proof of vaccination in order to attend a performance.
Read Susan Brall’s interview with R. Eric Thomas for MD Theatre Guide.
