THEATER REVIEW : ‘Funny Gay Males’ Lacks Togetherness

Truth in advertising is alive and well at Highways. “Funny Gay Males,” the latest comedy act to occupy the Santa Monica alternative theater’s stage, delivers as promised. The New York-based trio is funny, gay and male. But what’s implied in the title--collective creation by an ensemble operating for a common cause--never materializes.

These three guys claim to have been on the road together for five years. But they’re not on stage as a troupe more than five minutes. The evening is divided into thirds. Each comic performs a solo turn showcasing his talent. We could be in any comedy club, witnessing more stand-up shtick.

Danny McWilliams has an impish size and elastic face. He describes a childhood in Queens, N.Y., as an Irish Catholic homosexual avoiding grim nuns. He brilliantly impersonates heavy-set, elderly women, but his cliched sketches on the “Wizard of Oz” belong in a comedy museum.

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Bob Smith is tall, austere and literary. He outlines a childhood in Buffalo, N.Y., as “a gay kid who wasn’t afraid of the dark, but was afraid of unflattering light.” An inspired ploy occurs when Smith reads from actual grade-school report cards. The teacher’s comments suggest that even in elementary school, Smith’s sexual orientation was obvious. But his family denied it, and a gay comic was born.

Jaffe Cohen’s Jewish Angst humor provides slight variations on familiar themes. Being gay has little to do with his modest jokes. But his routine about high school gym class is hysterical. (Remember “dodge ball”?) Otherwise, Cohen’s sketches, like those of McWilliams and Smith, prove rather soft-focus and PG, lacking political comment or psychological insights.

After their 30-minute stand-up routines, the three briefly reunite to thank the audience, then gather at the exit, shaking hands as if it’s a gay wedding party. Maybe that last gesture should become part of their act. At least then they’re working the room together.

* “Funny Gay Males,” Highways, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica. Tonight at 8:30, Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Ends Sunday. $10. (213) 660-8587. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.