Despite its enthusiasm, the musical premiere of ‘Gay Card’ delivers a losing hand
Gay Card debuted in 2017 with a studio recording featuring Broadway’s Derek Klena (Moulin Rouge, Jagged Little Pill). The musical premieres in Chicago with LGBTQ+ storefront company PrideArts, with artistic director Jay Españo at the helm, in a wildly ambitious production that misses the mark.Logan (Ben Ballmer) is an eager central Floridian who never fits in with the cool gay kids in high school.
He can’t wait for college, especially his placement in the Diversity House dorm with his best friend, the straight, studious Melanie (Sophie Murk, who stands out with powerful vocals and adorable sincerity).
But when Logan arrives, he’s once again mistaken for heterosexual. Enter the Gay Card Blog, an online step-by-step guide Logan vows to follow religiously.
But will Logan miss out on the intricacies of real queer life, as demonstrated by dormmate Graham (Freddy Mauricio)? And when Logan’s gayest dreams start coming true, will he leave loyal Melanie behind?Writers Korell and Keebler attempt to blend silliness and earnestness through danceable numbers mixed with belty ballads.
