COCK ☆☆☆ & 1/2
The Beverley PLayhouse, Los Angeles
The Beverly Playhouse
was the perfect intimate space for an intriguing revival of Mike Bartlett’s award-winning play COCK that was first produced by The Royal Court Theatre in London in 2009
Cock involves a main character, John (Miles Cooper) one half of a gay couple who must navigate his back-and-forth feelings for two people of opposite genders. A rather charming John deals with the dilemma of meeting a bubbly and hilarious unnamed woman known as W (Caroline Gottlieb) while on a break from M (Gavin Lee) his somewhat controlling longtime boyfriend.
After his eyes were opened to not only the beauty of life but also the beauty within himself by W, a beautiful example of gentle femininity, a sometimes indecisive and immature John is faced with a stark choice. He must decide if its the comfort and stability of what he’s known for so long or the excitement of the unknown of what’s to come will win him over.
With a set that has a minimalist approach to design the viewer is given the opportunity to focus on the amazing cast that at some points were acting without using words.
The character of M’s aggressive style of acting seemed misaligned with his fellow characters and combined with the failed attempt at what we believe was meant to be comedy . . On a side note however, Gottlier as W was such a pleasure to watch. It made us very curious and eager to see her in other work in the future.
Directed by Michael Yavnieli
The Beverly Hills Playhouse
October 18th – November 17th
Reviewed by John Guillot & Juan Salas John Guillot & Juan Salas left the bright lights of Miami for the even brighter ones of L.A. As ‘virgins’ to the city they have joined the QUEERGURU team to bring a fresh perspective to everything queer that matters in their new home town
Labels: 2019, LA, theater review
