Bright Colors and Bold Patterns

for a previous production "As played with devastatingly funny panache by Mr. Droege himself, Gerry would probably be overwhelming in real life...But at a safe distance onstage, he’s a delight — a slightly exhausting one (10 minutes less would be more), but still a delight...Plays do not get much gayer than 'Bright Colors,' which opened in a spiffy production directed by Michael Urie...This 80-minute evening is essentially an audience with Gerry...I believe the clinical term is 'hot mess.'" Full Review

for a previous production "This riotous solo play luxuriates in that favorite homosexual pastime: throwing shade. As performed by the witty and articulate Droege, it occasionally has the feeling of a high-concept stand-up comedy routine...Director Michael Urie smartly helps Droege maintain a balance between sassiness and nastiness. He slowly and deliberately pushes the boundaries, testing what he can get away with. He's an undoubtedly messy queen, but one that we can't stop watching." Full Review

for a previous production "Gerry is the richly tragicomic creation of Drew Droege, the masterful solo writer-performer...Gerry is, he admits, 'a lot,' and Droege draws his multitudes in a sharply observed and lovingly brutal portrait...Gerry guards old wounds of exclusion and heartbreak, dating back decades, that have made him the spiny puffer he is today, inflated with prickly defenses. That's what gives Droege’s show a poignancy beyond its hilarity." Full Review

for a previous production "Droege turns his modest, amusing solo turn into something of a bold argument for immodest behavior in an increasingly conventional society. 'Bright Colors and Bold Patterns' is too long...Perhaps as the run reaches its final week, the actor, like the character, is getting carried away. But the turn it eventually takes is worth the wait, helped along by the direction of Michael Urie...Gerry is fleshy, campy, catty, jokey, and, yes, bright and bold, and we’re better off for having met him." Full Review

for a previous production "In real life, you'd flee the minute you saw him coming, but, as impersonated by Drew Droege, this blitzkrieg of a monologue makes for a pretty hilarious hour and a quarter…Although Droege clearly knows this character inside and out, surely Michael Urie's direction is at least in part responsible for the assured pacing, not to mention the seamless transition to the sadder, more thoughtful final passages…As for Droege, he is definitely a talent whom we'll be seeing again." Full Review

for a previous production "It is clear that Droege knows from storytelling (as does his director Michael Urie). He is a skillful performer as well as writer and rarely makes a misstep…In between the fun, the funny lines, and the gut-splitting laughs, there are sprinkled some facts…'Bright Colors' is still in its growing stages, and there are a few tweaks to make: clarify a few plot points, snip a bit of text, and sharpen some blocking...Please include me in the next unveiling. Because it will be fabulous and then some." Full Review

for a previous production "Gerry goes on to ramble on about trivial topic after trivial subject..'Bright Colors' is a character study. That’s to say that about 10 minutes before Droege’s 70 minutes end and after Gerry has sniffed cocaine, drunk any number of margaritas, urinated against a wall and regurgitated, he sobers up and reveals what’s really on his mind...Sure, his exposing a lonely, loveless side is something, but it transpires after many spectators may have long since dismissed the giddily prolix fellow." Full Review

for a previous production "Droege varies his writing well, keeping Gerry on a constant if unpredictable track from skepticism to acceptance, and acting-wise imbues him with a delicious flamboyance that's always rooted in the realistic...Urie's staging is simple and stark, and keeps your attention riveted where it belongs...Despite its momentary weak spots, the play surrounding him does an excellent, entertaining job at rendering him in exactly the adventurous palettes and textures that invitation so openly decries." Full Review

for a previous production "Loud, sarcastic, and very, very gay, and Droege is magnificently on-point throughout...As written by Droege, it’s a marvelously funny piece of gay writing: a thesis in gay culture referencing, condemnation, and contemplation. Challenging all kinds of stereotypes with every jab and twist...The writing and performance are hysterical, and skillfully have an undercurrent of sadness, desperation and longing camouflaged with all of his witticisms and judgment." Full Review

for a previous production "A remarkable piece of theater, brilliantly written and performed by Drew Droege, and crisply directed by Michael Urie...Lest you think this is simply a bitch-fest, let me tell you there’s some (ahem) meat on the bone here too. Droege the writer, wants to explore another side of marriage equality, and he does so quite successfully...Funny, fast, acerbic, but also thoughtful...If you’re interested in seeing the best of what independent theater can offer, don’t hesitate, go see it." Full Review

for a previous production "'Bright Colors and Bold Patterns' tickles your funny bone and shakes you with uproarious laughter. This is a production that offers a peerless evening of entertainment with some interesting, thoughtful twists...Droege is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind performer and Urie is a directing treasure. Both make this production sizzle and pop. I loved 'Bright Colors and Bold Patterns' for the laughs and revelatory themes. It is a must-see." Full Review

for a previous production "You may discover some surprising truths about yourself and your world views thanks to Droege’s beautifully crafted script and Urie’s wise direction...Gerry’s quips are razor-sharp and Droege’s mannerisms and expressions are single-handedly worth the price of a ticket. I’ve always believed that the term 'tour de force' to describe a performance is pretentious and, perhaps, it is. Yet there seems to be no better phrase to define Droege’s capacity to captivate and keep his audience fully engaged." Full Review

for a previous production "The upshot is a celebration of non cookie cutter gays who try to avoid the price tag attached to assimilation, while never downplaying their gayness, and Droege performs the piece with brilliant verve and timing, Urie’s direction helping it come off syllable-perfect. The crowd of proud, single gays screamed with appreciation throughout." Full Review

for a previous production "Our man is a bold-patterns type of individual, and the play he inhabits works most effectively when it's showing its plumes...Much of the early part of 'Bold Patterns' feels like Droege riffing...Droege is trying to take us somewhere...In the end, Gerry's protective walls finally come down, and with his faith ever so slightly restored, he faces a new day. As much as we loved the angry reveling goofball, we'll take the hopeful optimist he has become." Full Review

for a previous production "None of these other characters Gerry is talking to ever fully emerge as people, in colorful detail (to possibly make for an interesting story), nor is there any secret we learn about Gerry or any self-realization that brings purpose to his ramblings....Instead, the comedy is invested in his unapologetic self-infatuation, his outrageous acting out, rather than any cleverness in words or ideas...Some people did laugh....Two men a couple of seats down from me watched with poker faces, as I did." Full Review