The new piece is performed by its author, Steven Fales, March 4-May 11 at the Miami not-for-profit. The work is billed as a pre-New York show. X'd is directed by Jack Hofsiss, the director of the Broadway's original The Elephant Man. The play was previously seen under another director at San Francisco's New Conservatory Theatre in summer 2002.
According to the Coconut Grove announcement, X'd "will open the hearts and minds of theatregoers as writer and sole performer Steven Fales recounts his failed attempt to overcome his same-sex attraction, which resulted in his divorce and excommunication from the Mormon church. Told with warmth and humor, this autobiographical one-man play illuminates the dilemma of those struggling to reconcile their dreams of becoming straight with the realities of being gay and what it costs to accept or deny that truth."
Angels in America by Tony Kushner and the works of filmmaker-playwright Neil LaBute have featured Mormon characters who struggle with their true natures. For more information, visit www.mormonboy.info.
The historic Coconut Grove Playhouse was built as a movie house in 1926 and now houses two theatres, a 1,100-seat proscenium Mainstage Theater and the 135 seat cabaret-style Encore Room. The Playhouse has offered live theatre for the past 46 years. The not-for profit Playhouse is a member of the League of Resident Theaters.
For information about Coconut Grove's season, visit www.cgplayhouse.com.