By Charlene Baldridge | SDUN Theater Critic 
Diversionary Theatre currently presents a fine production of British playwright Alexi Kaye Campbell’s 2008 work, “The Pride.” The primary reason to see the play before it closes May 6 is to catch some of the city’s finest actors ? Francis Gercke, Jessica John and Brian Mackey ? on the same stage, sensitively directed by Glenn Paris.
The play presents characters – Philip, Sylvia and Oliver, respectively – in two eras, 1958 and 2008, which alternate scenes throughout the play. One would think that sexual attitudes might change over 50 years. Indeed, that hope is expressed; however, these are people of a country and a class accustomed to hiding sexual feelings and liaisons under layers of decency and decorum.
In 1958 Philip (Gercke) and Sylvia (John) portray a married couple, he a stuffy estate agent and she, a former actor now a children’s book illustrator. She seems fragile, and he is paternal in his attitude towards her. Sylvia works with Oliver (Mackey), illustrating his book, and since they get along so splendidly, she invites him over for cocktails and dinner.
At Sylvia’s insistence, Oliver tells Philip of an epiphany he had at Delphi, where a voice told him that 50 years hence there would be greater understanding and fewer sleepless nights. Philip is intensely attracted to Oliver and at the same time repelled. Evidently, Philip endures many sleepless nights.
In the 2008 settings Oliver and Philip are a gay couple. They break up because of Oliver’s numerous affairs. Sylvia is Oliver’s best friend. Other than identical names, there is no connection between the eras. These are not the same people. Even though 50 years have passed, nothing has really changed. There is no epiphany.
Dangerfield G. Moore portrays ancillary characters in both eras. The doctor, who runs an aversion therapy clinic, is especially adept and chilling.
Paris, the producing artistic director of Hillcrest’s award-winning ion theatre company, has an exceptional ability to elicit breakthrough performances from his actors, and thus the primary attraction of this Olivier Award-winning play is the acting. The characters and their situations are fascinating and just inscrutable enough that logical conclusions are elusive.
Matt Scott’s scenic design is beautiful and gracious and in the first act detailed. The second act is more spare, taking place as it does in numerous locales. Trista Roland’s costume designs enhance character, Michelle Caron is lighting designer; Omar Ramos, sound designer.
“The Pride” continues at 8pm Thursdays-Saturdays and 2pm Sundays through May 6 at Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., Normal Heights, $31-$33, www.diversionary.org or (619) 220-0097.
