ArtSavant - reviews - Southern Baptist Sissies

August 4, 2001

Southern Baptist Sissies

reviewed by
Tracy Ballas
and
Jeanna Smith

For more information about the Southern Baptist Sissies, please visit www.southernbaptistsissies.com.

"The Baptist Church is where I learned to hate myself," said Mark Lee Fuller, the lead character of Del Shores' play Southern Baptist Sissies. From the moment I sat down in the theater, I was taken back to my Southern Baptist roots. The set was immaculately designed to mirror 98% of all Southern Baptist churches. On one wall was posted the collection amount for the week and the attendance level for the last two Sundays. I could almost smell the mustiness of the hymnals, and found myself craving potluck dinner. Audience members were encouraged to sit in the last couple of pews, for a touch of realism.

This is a heart rending and controversial play, with characters Mark, TJ, Andrew, and Benny: four young men battling between their fear of damnation and their true sense of sexual identity. Each character follows a different path (not always so picture perfect) to find self-acceptance. Mark, played by Robert Lewis Stephenson, spoke mainly to the audience in monolog form. He was very sarcastic about the scripture passages quoted that rejected homosexuality, and poignant in his first crush / love of T.J. Mark dealt honestly with his conflict between the church that rejected him and his homosexuality. He wanted to be accepted but not to be a hypocrite. T.J. (Ted Detwiler) dismissed his homosexuality by becoming born again and explaining his adolescent feelings as the temptations talked about in scripture. Benny, played by Michael Taylor Gray, was fabulous in his role as a transvestite. He turned his back on the Baptist religion, declaring "f--- the church". And while exploring his feelings in private, Andrew (Sam A. McConkey) was mortified by the thought of anyone actually finding out about him.

This story explores the need for society and religion to accept the differences we all possess. The actors gave very truthful performances, and perhaps foremost of these were the comic relief lead by Peanut (Leslie Jordan) and Odette (Ann Walker). Both of these characters were audacious and bittersweet. Odette was the perfect alcoholic "fag hag" whose life seemed to have gotten away from her. Peanut, her drinking companion for a time, was hysterical as an aging queen.

I found a one scene a little difficult to watch. The culmination of the relationship between Mark and T.J. was performed under the shadow of a huge cross. This scene was filled with raw emotion, but I found it almost blasphemous. I was also disturbed by Mark's admission to always having a crush on Jesus.

The play is based in Dallas. There were several references to local bars that delighted the audience. The play was very well received by the Bible Belt crowd, ending with a well-deserved standing ovation. This Baptist girl recognized the hometown characters, but the portrayals will speak to audiences everywhere who care about religion and tolerance.

Tracy Ballas and Jeanna Smith, August 4, 2001