STAGE REVIEWS / OPEN FESTIVAL : ‘Small Town’ Probes Anti-Gay Prejudice

“Small Town Confidential,” about a homosexual witch hunt that scandalized Boise, Ida., in the mid-’50s, is a theatricalized B-movie, staged film noir -style at Celebration Theatre.

The homophobia dramatized here (interrogations, arrests and prison “for those commiting violations against man’s natural state”) may seem like quaint social history--even Boise held its first gay and lesbian parade last June. But reports of homophobic prejudice and gay-bashing are still common.

Director John Callahan (who staged last year’s distinguished “Steel Kiss”) hasn’t overcome the choppiness associated with playwright Jim Phanner’s blackouts. The film noir design (by Robert Turturice and J. Kent Inasy) is artful but it does nothing to advance either the domestic or courtroom scenes.

The dark style works best when the moments are lurid: a park scene between the staunch Gene Momberger and the vicious Terry Kohl or a jailhouse seduction between Russ Anderson’s protagonist and Thomas DeLorenzo’s callow hustler.

It’s not easy to individualize a stereotypical gay character, but Michael Morrison’s chubby, fearful fall guy is a strong portrayal. Betty Murphy’s confused mother also impresses with her sweetness.

At 426 N. Hoover Ave., Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m., indefinitely. $12-$15. (213) 666-8669.