The idea behind Romantic Trapezoid is
interesting - it is an updated take on a 1930s sex comedy, complete with gender
role reversal. The lead male character, Dave, teaches film, so the call backs
make sense. Unfortunately the show never takes off.
The trapezoid is thus: Melissa
(Elizabeth Inghram) is a sexy confident writer who enjoys the company of Dave,
three nights a week, and other men other times. Dave (Zack Calhoon) is a love-struck
mensch who wants to marry and settle down with Melissa. He has the Miriam
Hopkins role here, hopelessly in love with Melissa and unable to force the her
into marriage. Beth is the final part of the Trapezoid (all the other men are
in one corner). Beth (Joy Donze) is Dave’s graduate assistant, who states she
wants to marry Dave so Melissa better decide to take him or leave him. It isn’t clear if
Beth is actually in love with Dave or if this is a ruse of Dave’s to force
Melissa’s hand. You see, Melissa has the Clark Gable role here: handsome, suave and sure
of herself and her sex appeal. But just like poor dumb Clark Gable, she falls for the ruse, even though she knows it
might be a ruse and all is wrapped up by the final reel.
 |
| Elizabeth Inghram and Joy Donze |
But... a 1930s sex romp can be
excused for not showing any sex. Romantic
Trapezoid is surprisingly lacking in romance or sex. And, in the
black and white movies, it is funny to see a man get played by a woman. However, in
person, it is a little creepy seeing a woman being manipulated by a man into
marriage.
Wedging Dave into the role of impotent
love toy is both unrealistic and unappealing. Poor Mr. Calhoon is called on to
be a wimp, a stud, fun and a killjoy almost concurrently. Then, he is called on
to give old movie dialog with a wink and a nod. It does not work. Melissa has
an easier time of being a sexy but ungrateful louche. But her transition to
jealousy is too generic to be fun.
Joy Donze is the only cast member
with a believable story and she makes the most of it. Ms. Donze luxuriates in a
role that might have been a throw away. She is hilarious.
Romantic Trapezoid tries to pull off
a high wire act of witty banter winning out, just like in the movies. When it
works it sparkles, but it doesn’t work enough.
Romantic Trapezoid | Playwright:
Victor L. Cahn | Director: Alberto
Bonilla | Cast: Zack Calhoon, Joy Donze, Elizabeth Inghram | website
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