Under a Rainbow Flag
Book, Music and Lyrics by Leo Schwartz
Directed by David Zak
at The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway (map)
thru April 21 | tickets: $10-$25 | more info
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“Hell of a war!” – and hell of a story
Pride Films and Plays presents
Under a Rainbow Flag
Review by Clint May
One of the little niceties of being a critic is that, should any special guests be coming to view a show, it’s likely the same night as your review. It was with no small amount of relish that I was able to learn at intermission that the very same Jon Philips, whose memoirs provided the inspiration for the world premiere Under A Rainbow Flag, was sitting two rows ahead of me. That this WWII vet would be able to see a world in which our first black president not once but twice mentions LGBT issues in an interview, or see his own story told with such obvious affection, warms the heart on these cold winter nights. Looking back in time to be timely, Leo Schwartz’s musical distillation of the events surrounding a “Band of Sisters” (technically men, yes, but given that female names are their codespeak, this seems more appropriate) in and after WWII is a bittersweet valentine to the brave people who broke barriers of all types at a time when even speaking certain things aloud was taboo. Blending warm wit and pathos in equal measure, Flag is poignant reminder of struggles past and the powerful bonds of friendship.
While the events of the war encompass the first act and are engrossing in and of themselves, it’s the second act’s exploration of the years after that is most heartbreaking. Some will hold vigils for love lost to war or societal pressures, while others forge their own paths. Throughout, their friendship provides much needed sanctuary. It’s a sense of community that has regrettably diminished with increased acceptance.
What Flag does that some other biopics don’t is to remember that it wasn’t all fear and fervency then—there were moments of great fun and just downright fabulousness too. The uptempo energy of “Put On Your Hat and Heels” and “Queens” mingles with the more forlorn “Alone, with Love” and “Hold Him Close To Your Heart” melodies. The song-booky numbers often have a jazzy/bluesy feel appropriate to the era, and a cast with a homely—if not extremely remarkable—ability. While everyone has their heart fully invested (what the characters lack in depth they make up for in cheeky likeability) it’s Nedrud’s Russell that steals the show, playing a vivacious queen thrilled to get a medal for excellence in grease monkeying and even happier to find love despite his insecurities. And, because I’m an artist and designer myself, I’m compelled to give a shout out to Ashley Ann Woods for some very nicely painted scenic backdrops of WWII posters.
Despite being a few shades of overlong (always a problem when the source material is so loved), director David Zak keeps the pace zipping along and thus it’s hard to notice the time. By show’s end, you truly care about these people and their lives, all their flaws, their compromises, and their bravery on more than one kind of battlefield. Under a Rainbow Flag is a fitting tribute to an era that – while we may be grateful has passed for the most part – deserves remembrance for the kind of remarkable people it forged.
Rating: ★★★
Under a Rainbow Flag continues through April 21st at The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway (map), with performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays 2:30pm. Tickets are $10-$25, and are available by phone (773-250-3112) or online through BrownPaperTickets.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at PrideFilmsAndPlays.com. (Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes, includes an intermission)
Photos by David Zak
artists
cast
Nick Stockwell (Gibbs), Sam Button-Harrison (Phillips), Kyrie Anderson (Donna), Jordan Phelps (Stefano), James Nedrud (Russell), Kevin Webb (Martin), David Besky (Colonel), Luis Herrera (Bender), Donterrio Johnson (Owens), Bobby Arnold (Jacobs)
behind the scenes
David Zak (director, photographer), Tracy Strimple (choreography), Ryan Flynn (asst. director), Jessica Forella (production stage manager), Garvin Jellison (lighting), John Nasca (costumes), Robert Ollis (music director, conductor, keyboard), R&D Choreography (violence design), Alexander St. John (sound design), Ashley Ann Woods (set design)
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