Customer Reviews

The Last Sunday in June and Other Plays: Including If Memory Serves and The Twilight of the Golds

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Last Sunday in June was my favorite theater experience of whatever year I saw it in! And Twilight of the Golds was truly searing and thought-provoking! This man is a writer we'll be hearing more about. Comparisons to Neal Simon are obvious but don't do justice to this writer whose heart is as big as his sense of humour and his compassion for his characters reminds me more of Checkov than Neal Simon. (So if he's so good, why no 5 stars? Simple: I'm an honest man and I haven't read this book yet, and am reviewing it only on the basis of the two productions I SAW. So, when I read If Memory Serves I'll re-check in on this review if it's a warranted 5th star.) But buy this book! You won't be disappointed! This man's one liners and characters are as good as they get.

When I found out this author was a writer on Showtime's series "Queer As Folk" it came as no surprise, as his fictional work is just a continuation of gay stereotypes. As a gay man with a lover of nine years, I find this material lacking in talent, wit and authenticity. It is sadly typical of how many gay TV writers with marginal talent portray gay life. If Tolins actually had true writing talent, he might choose to look at the multi-layered aspects of gay lives in America, rather than his one-dimensional cartoon versions of gay life.

All of Tolins' work here is relatable, but brave. The characters, gay and straight, are recognizable without being the usual cliches found in some other gay-themed books, TV shows, movies, etc. Best of all, his plays are richly entertaining. I highly recommend.