Center Players’ ‘Avow’ examines relationships BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer FREEHOLD — The Board of Trustees of the Center Playhouse have always made an effort to produce theater that is socially relevant to theater-goers, and their current production is no different. “Avow” is a two-act production shown in 27 short scenes, according to director David Sorin. The theme of “Avow” is relationships and the difficulties people of all generations have with them. It is being produced by the Center Players at the playhouse on South Street through March 6. “Avow” focuses on relationships that many people still have difficulty accepting. Two young men have fallen in love with each other. One man’s sister has had a child out of wedlock and wants the male couple to adopt her baby. A young priest trying to help the couple finds himself beginning to have feelings about the young mother. Real feelings, real relationships, modern day problems many people can relate to. The play, written by Bill C. Davis, first came to Sorin’s attention a couple of years ago when he saw excerpts from it performed at a George Street Playhouse workshop series in New Brunswick. Davis, who lives in Connecticut, is the author of a large body of acclaimed works. His play, “Mass Appeal,” was adapted as a screenplay and made into a movie starring Jack Lemmon and Charles During, according to Sorin. Sorin, of Howell, is the co-founder and past-president of the Center Players. He said the arts have an impact on society and vice-versa. “This has always been our philosophy,” Sorin said, speaking about the Center Players. Sorin said he was quite impressed by the material and the play’s message. “It eloquently weaves social issues together that are in the forefront of the media and society today,” he said. The issues portrayed in “Avow” are those that pull people together and push people apart, according to the director. Sorin said “Avow” follows five separate, yet related spiritual journeys. He was particularly drawn to the play because of the plight of the characters Brian and Tom, who were seeking the affirmation of their relationship in the eyes of the Catholic church. Sorin said while today’s headlines are filled with the political ramifications of gay marriage, seldom are the religious implications for gay people ever fully explored. “Modern culture tends to paint a black and white, right and wrong picture of same-sex unions,” Sorin said, adding that this play “eloquently depicts the gray areas of the issues that are, in fact, found throughout society.” During a Sunday matinee performance of “Avow,” the actors were the impetus that propelled the play through to its conclusion. From the tender displays of affection from Brian, played by New York actor Jeffrey Michael Deglow, to the fiery, passionate display of emotion by Dinh Q. Doan, also of New York, in his role as Tom, the cast members brought the play’s message to the audience. Actress Jennifer Natoli played the sassy, pregnant, modern young woman Irene, complete with conflict and chaos, as she addressed her own confused feelings, trying to remain steady and strong in the face of all those around her. Bernadette Gill played Brian’s mother Rose and was alternately charming and funny, frustrated and sad. Actor Christopher Chandonnet played Father Raymond, the confidante and mentor. As the play progresses, the audience sees that although he cannot affirm the male couple’s marriage vows, he also cannot understand the depth of feeling he has reached for Irene. Wayne Gattis was quite believable as Rose’s confessor, Father Nash, as was Patricia Seligman as the rectory’s housekeeper, Julie. Sorin noted that the Center Players had staged a special rehearsal followed by a discussion group prior to the opening of the play in early February. The audience consisted of members of the clergy, members of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gay children), college professors, counselors and others. According to Sorin, the guests came to help the actors deepen their understanding of the experiences and perspectives of the characters they are portraying in this play about family, love, spirituality and commitment. “Avow” will be performed on Friday evening, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon through March 6. The play is recommended for mature audiences. For further information call (732) 462-9093.