REVIEW: "Love! Valour! Compassion!"

      It's only a weekend in the country.
      But it's all that is needed for Terrence McNally to paint a rich landscape of gay culture.
      "Love! Valour! Compassion!" is a well-written play. McNally explores love and friendship, struggle and peace. But most importantly his work reveals the incongruities always found in human beings.
      And that is what good theater is about.
      Actors Repertory Theatre builds on McNally's fine craftsmanship with a production that emphasizes emotional interaction rather than shock techniques. Yes, there is nudity in the work and gay sexuality plays an important role. However, director Ken Steven keeps the nudity discreet and uses the sexual advances to only further describe his characters.
      Peter Toren gives a phenomenal performance as Gregory, host for the weekend fun. Toren reveals the complexities of his character through intense emotional commitment to both his lover and his audience. He is shy but very kind, driven yet afraid, and the pain of his lover's infidelity sears his heart and ours.
      Ray Favero tackles two roles as twins John and James Jeckyll. James is the nice one and John is his opposite. Favero truly shines in the darker role as he shows the conflict between James' desire to be loved and his need to control.
      Buzz (Bryan Harris) offers comic relief. Harris delightfully flits about regaling anyone within listening distance with Broadway musical trivia and the sexual identity of historical figures. (They're all gay).
      Ernesto Perdomo is the beauty who keeps the weekend getaway close to the boiling point. They all want a taste. And it is the conflicts of fidelity and desire that fuels the energy of this work.
      Longtime lovers Perry and Arthur both find themselves attracted to the young dancer. Paul Hansel and James Hansen show a comfortable ease together even when their desires for excitement rock the commitment they are most proud of.
      Yet, it is a blind man who finally succumbs to Perdomo's charm. Eric Lemler displays an innocence of one protected, who hopes to provide the same for those around him. But in the end he cannot do it and leaves his loving cocoon in search of another.