Bright Colors and Bold Patterns
Form Theatricals presents Drew Droege's solo comedy about what might get left behind as homosexuality moves into the mainstream. Directed by Michael Urie ('Ugly Betty,' 'Buyer & Cellar').
Josh and Brennan are about to get married in Palm Springs on a lovely Saturday afternoon. However, the night before turns into a drunken, drug-fueled scream riot because their friend Gerry has arrived, furious that their invitation says, "Please refrain from wearing bright colors or bold patterns." In the struggle for equality, what do we really want? What do we lose? And is there any cocaine left? Written by and starring Outfest award winner Drew Droege, who is best known for his online videos as Chloë Sevigny.
- Official Site
- 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Already closed
- Barrow Street Theatre (West Village)
Cast & Creatives (6)
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Reviews (42)
15 Critics' Reviews
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"'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
"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 "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 "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
27 Members' Reviews
See it if u like old school gay stereotypical humor
Don't see it if u don't like gay theme shows
See it if you love a gay gay gay show. he's amazing in this one man show. but lots of gay pop references.
Don't see it if you aren't connected at all to the gay and/or pop world. you won't get the references.
See it if you can stand a loud-mouthed gay persona on stage with 90s gay jokes and references
Don't see it if you like a more dynamic theatrical conventions.
See it if Incredible acting job in a one man show. Very funny. Lots and lots of laughs.
Don't see it if Some might find his conversation annoying -- the unseen characters in the show certainly do!!
Also Unlike most one person shows, he never speaks directly to the audience... Read more Read less
See it if You want to see a one man show that makes you feel as if there were multiple people on the stage, if you want to LOL.
Don't see it if Hell...no reason NOT to see it unless you are homophobic!!
Also Drew is brilliant. He drew us all in and after a while I swear I could... Read more Read less
See it if you like one man shows with a high energy performer talking to various characters non stop for 70 minutes.
Don't see it if you are not a fan of one man shows talking back and forth to various characters at a gay wedding.
See it if you want a great time with a bitchy queen who can't keep his mouth shut. Missed opportunity to scratch below the surface but fun.
Don't see it if you don't like bitchy humor.
See it if You think there's nothing more to be said about marriage equality. If you loved Buyer & Cellar and The Cleaning Guy, this is for you. Go!
Don't see it if You've had your fill of gay humor and need a longer play to satisfy you.
See it if You want to see a great one man performance. I could truly believed that there were other people in the room with him, - Great Actor.
Don't see it if you want an uplifting show. The character's severely flawed, and bitches about new gay rights and if marriage is what gays really want.
See it if You enjoy solo shows that are side splitting funny and totally engaging.
Don't see it if You want to see a show with more than one person and want a play with more traditional storytelling
See it if If you'd like a play about a tour de force in stream of consciousness out loud.
Don't see it if You're offended by an overtly and broadly played homosexual portrayal.
See it if You like gay hipster humor delivered with panache.
Don't see it if You are looking for something deep and profound.
See it if You want to laugh yourself silly and like gay humor without restraint!
Don't see it if You don't like bright patterns, bold colors and frank language.
See it if You love watching one person command a stage with a deeply subtextual & nuanced performance. This is hysterically real & poignant A MUST SEE
Don't see it if You don't like gay themes and overly flamboyant performance, but seriously EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS
See it if A gay extravaganza about whether equal rights are all they're cracked up to be and then some! Droege throws shade like nobody's business!
Don't see it if Gay slang & sexual innuendo not to all taste. The 90's pop references come fast & furious with difficulty keeping up. But poignant underside
See it if Strong acting, but the piece itself is shrill and mostly exists in one note of frenzy. Good moments embedded in 90 minutes, though.
Don't see it if You're not open to campy, caustic humor (and some pathos) rooted in the gay male experience re: the cultural shifts from marriage equality.
See it if A personal story that plays for the easy laughs- drugs, swearing, gay cultural references - for 60 minutes and only gets to the critical...
Don't see it if ...and difficult issue in the last 10 minutes. Needs editing/refocusing because this real and deeper hurt is worthy of better examination,
See it if you like watching a talented actor play a rounded, interesting, and funnyyyy character.
Don't see it if you're uptight and boring.
See it if you enjoy over-the-top, gay satire, that isn't remotely funny to most people. It's for a very specific crowd.
Don't see it if you have a basic sense of humor. This play does not deserve to be seen, as it brings gays way back, and glorifies gay stereotypes. Not funny
See it if you enjoy a one man show, he makes you believe other other unseen characters are there. can watch an effeminate Fire Island type character.
Don't see it if You don't have a little patience. I was put off at the beginning but the entire piece picks up as it goes along.
See it if You're either gay or gay friendly.
Don't see it if You're homophobic.
See it if I wanted to like this :) Saw 2 shows with the word Bright in the title. One was great, this wasn't. Slow and predictable. Not so bright.
Don't see it if You're hungry and would rather grab something to eat.
See it if you love to laugh, and don't mind salty humor. it's a one man show, and he is all the way entertaining.
Don't see it if you're homophobic or up-tight.
See it if you enjoy strong character one-man shows with some truly witty moments.
Don't see it if you can't stand when shows end with a pretty bow on top.