The road to love can be such a strange path. Haven’t we all wondered how some prickly personalities propel themselves, in and out, of multiple relationships while the nicest among us remain forever single? Is it timing? A profound sense of independence? Light Switch, the latest acclaimed production at Open Space Arts, throws another curve into the mix: What if the hopeful romantic in question is also on the spectrum?
Here, Dave Osmundsen, a playwright living with autism, answers that supposition with the tale of Henry (Phillip Andrew Monnett), a young gay man whose neurodivergent tendencies have afforded him a brilliant academic career. His dating life, though, has been a bit tougher to navigate, as his obsessions and specific needs always seem to get in the way of romance.
Henry gets encouragement from Rogie (Henry DelBello), his enthusiastically loyal roommate, to attend a variety of parties at a lakeside retreat one summer. There, Henry meets Joseph (Peter Manuel Young), the seemingly sensitive host of those freewheeling events. After a night of passion, Joseph agrees to read Henry’s favorite book, Wuthering Heights.
This occurrence convinces Henry, a Victorian Era scholar, that they are meant to be together. But, as Marian (Hillary Hensler), his caring yet stern mother fears in the show’s effective flashback sequences, Henry’s focused individualism may be too much for the very ordinary Joseph to handle.
Director Michael D. Graham guides these proceedings along with a smooth energy and a strong comprehension for the many details of the plot. He is aided, greatly, by costumer Adie Sutherland and set designer Rick Paul. Both stylistically conjure up the perfect accentuations for Henry’s bookish world.
The cast here is the superlative ingredient in this potent, word-dense exploration, though. As Henry, Monnett is a revelation, perfectly articulating the character’s often singular paths of interest. He also expertly plays the moment when Henry clues Joseph into what it is like to deal with autism firsthand, allowing the audience a huge measure of understanding and emotional clarity. As Rogie, DelBello is Monnett’s equal in every way. DelBello creates a truly believable person here, one that becomes easy to love—especially as Rogie’s true devotion to Henry allows him to grow and pivot from a boy crazy player into a nuanced and caring man.
The rest of the cast, including Dylan McCumber in a variety of supporting roles, also excels, especially in the individualized moments that Osmundsen’s smart script provides them. All involved, ultimately, strike a perfect balance, allowing this heartfelt, informative show to attain a true sense of beauty and a significant societal importance.
Light Switch runs through October 13th at Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson. More information is available at Open Space Arts.