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Bouquets in New York for Edmonton actors' gay hip-hop opera

24.06.2008 21:02 Arts - Source: cbc.ca

Nathan Cuckow, left, and Chris Craddock, as Feminem and T-Bag, are creators and stars of the gay hip hop opera Bash'd.

Bash'd!: A Gay Rap Opera, the fast-moving show created by Edmonton actors Chris Craddock and Nathan Cuckow is getting a warm welcome in New York.

Critics had more bouquets than brickbats for the show as it opened at the Zipper Factory Theatre, an off-Broadway venue, on Monday.

Bash'd has been honed at the Toronto Fringe Festival, appeared at the New York Fringe last year and received a 2008 GLAAD Media Award for outstanding theatre.

Theatre Mania says Bash'd is an "even stronger and more enjoyable show than it was at the Fringe."

The combination of hip hop, opera and a gay love story may seem unlikely, but critics seem to agree that Craddock and Cuckow pull off the role of "gay celestial rappers."

"And while it may initially seem strange to see two white boys performing gay rap, any misgivings soon give way thanks largely to the duo's high-energy performance, which is oftentimes simply explosive," wrote Theatre Mania reviewer Dan Balcazo.

The story is of small-town guy, Dillon, who meets big-city guy Jack and falls in love. They marry — a detail that firmly sets the story in Canada — but their domestic bliss is ruined when Jack is attacked on the street.

Associated Press reviewer Michael Kuchwara says the opera manages to avoid polemics, despite its powerful anti-violence message.

"As one of the lyrics proclaims, 'it's Romeo meets Romeo,' complete with an ample supply of scatological language, swaggering attitude and a keen, often hilarious sense of observation about gay life," Kuchwara says.

"If this sounds depressing, it's not, despite the occasional twinges of sermonizing," he says.

"That's because Craddock (the shorter, more stocky one) and Cuckow (taller, a little more angular) possess undeniable energy. Their physicality is relentless and their linguistic dexterity amazing. Rap, after all, is about the words. And the lyrics, while often profane, are surprisingly unforced. But even then, they are pressed into service to tell the story."

Variety admired the actors' skills as songwriters and rappers.

The show "not only puts a smart spin on gay rights but also delivers some radio-worthy hip hop," said reviewer Mark Blankenship.

Craddock and Cuckow portray gay rappers, dressed all in white, called T-Bag and Feminem, but also play the gay lovers and all the small parts — including assorted family and the homophobic attackers.

"Sharp acting choices turn secondary characters like a timid support group leader and Dillon's conservative father into more than political signposts," Blankenship writes.

"Each facet of the gay rights debate is taken seriously, and no one — not even Jack and Dillon — is portrayed as perfect. When consequences erupt in the final scene, the script insists everyone share the blame."

Bash'd is playing in New York now to coincide with Pride Week, and the run is scheduled to continue until the end of August.

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Canadian gay hip hop opera heads to New York

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