Modern Gentleman outdates a typical trans tale

About Face Theatre presents a world premiere production of Modern Gentleman at Raven Theatre in April. The story continues the mission of the theater troupe to advance LGBTQ+ equity in the world and follows a trans man's journey in navigating relationships.

Adam is evolving into his new life as a trans man and the process includes a breakup after five years with his partner Lily. The separation is complicated and Adam gets by with a little help from his friend to explore dating someone new.

He meets a girl named Alycia at a party and things take a romantic turn. Still unable to shake his ex, Lily, Adam must make hard decisions while learning lessons in love.

Set in present-day New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut, scenic designer Milo Blue went white with the decor. Moving from The Den Theatre's Bookspan Theatre to the Raven Theatre's Schwartz Stage for this production has allowed ABT to build a bold, sleek fixed stage in the space, rather than in a temporary black box.

Alec Phan plays Adam, the glue that holds the storyline together with a casual, yet emotional delivery of the material.

Adam's chosen and biological family are important to his survival in the dating world. Omer Abbas Salem is Adam's buddy, Samuel, a sometimes sarcastic clown who walks the tightrope of being smarmy and a truth teller at the same time. Ashlyn Lozano as Adam's sister Natalie, also delivers a few clever zingers to accompany her honest performance. This duo is the Jack McFarland and Karen Walker characters of the piece and deserve a spinoff.

Kaylah Marie Crospy as Lily and Emma Fulmer as Alycia don't fare as well, but it's not from lack of trying. Lily's dialogue is heavier with little humor and Alycia has some unlikable characteristics.

The play has a running time of 90 minutes with no intermission and the story is told in a concise way with smooth transitions from scene to scene.

Instead of being old-fashioned, Modern Gentleman feels fresh and timely while being geared toward younger theater goers.

It's a production that was created for queer audiences and doesn't try to appease straight viewers. The tale could resonate with anyone in some way, but if this Modern Gentleman doesn't speak to you, then mind your manners and continue down Clark Street.

To see Modern Gentleman before April 18, fly over to the Raven Theatre, 6154 North Clark Street. April 4 is a mask-required performance and tickets for all dates are on sale now at aboutfacetheatre.com.