The Crumple Zone, the comedy about gay friends and partners who face life changes over the holidays, ends its residency at the Rattlestick Theatre in New York City Oct. 29, but producers are hoping to move the Mario Cantone vehicle to another theatre, a spokesman said.
Comic actor Cantone got rave reviews as one of four New York City friends kvetching in the New York premiere of the play by Buddy Thomas. Producer Marcus Kettles presents the new work by Miami native Thomas at Rattlestick (formerly Theatre Off Park).
The title is the term used to describe the section of a car designed to compress during an accident to absorb the energy of an impact. Roommates Terry, Alex and Matt experience turbulence when Matt returns from a national tour of Salem's Lot, the Musical, to find boyfriend Alex has been cheating on him.
Opening was June 28, following previews that began June 23. Good word of mouth led to three extensions, through to Oct. 29. The previous extensions were to Aug. 27 and Sept. 10, and there is now hope for a longer commercial run if another house becomes available.
* The play, which follows five very different gay men as they confront questions of love and fidelity over Christmas, was previously staged in Pensacola, FL, and had an Equity showcase run Jan. 22-26, 2000, in New York City. Performances were originally announced to continue to Aug. 13.
In addition to Cantone (Broadway's Love! Valour! Compassion!, TV's "Steampipe Alley"), who plays Terry, the cast includes Joshua Biton (Alex), Gerald Downey (Buck), Steve Mateo (Roger) and Paul Pecorino (Matt). Jason Moore, an associate director of Les Miserables, helms the production, which has choreography by Peter Kapetan and fight direction by BH Barry.
Designers are Dawn Robyn Petrlik (set), David Mills (costume), Ed McCarthy (lighting) and Laura Brown (sound).
Tickets are $39-$45. Rattlestick Theatre is at 224 Waverly Place (off Seventh Avenue between 11th and Perry) in Greenwich Village. For information, call (212) 206-1515 or try www.smarttix.com.
— By Kenneth Jones
