Coming Out in Pain

What happens when a newly married man decides to acknowledge his homosexual longings? Stephen Ludwig’s “Accidental Dancers” takes a disturbing look at the emotional toll of coming-out in this emotionally hard-hitting production at the Long Beach Studio Playhouse.

On an October evening, a couple are in their sixth month of wedded bliss. But the outside world is knocking at the door and the catalyst for implosion is a dead tree. Kevin (Christopher May) has writer’s block and his frustration turns from professional to sexual when an aging boy-toy landscaper named John (Steve Johansen)--recently dumped by his lover--comes by the house to discuss replacing the tree. John is a friend and business associate of Kevin’s wife, Louise (Stephanie Geyer), who innocently invites her friend to stay for dinner.

Kevin manages only surly conversation with John, who unbeknownst to Louise, is already acquainted with Kevin, having met him in a sordid one-time fling.

A few days later, John taunts and cajoles Kevin into admitting his own true identity. A kiss leads to physical desire that can only break hearts.

John becomes Kevin’s guide into gayness, but Ludwig has already set up warning signs, perhaps too many. Louise curses the couple, declaring that Kevin will soon leave John. Lust introduced John and Kevin, but that too dies as Kevin is weighed down by John’s neediness and his own desire to roam.

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Tim Mueller’s set design is dominated by white doorways--entrances and exits that airily define the space and Kevin’s dilemma. Under Michael Ambrosio’s sensitive direction, all three actors convey an earnest appeal.

Johansen brings an honest, likable frankness to John--a man comfortable with his sexuality and physically attracted to an older man in a codependent, clingy way. May’s Kevin transforms from a repressed, quiet man into a playful, joyful partner while Geyer’s Louise, who was intellectually better suited to Kevin, recedes into bitterness.

Ludwig’s script leans toward soap opera and uses obvious metaphors. Trees and roots are alluded to at every occasion. Louise’s predicament isn’t devastating enough; she has to be a victim of spousal abuse in her previous marriage and then has an unseen traffic accident involving a drunk driver and hospitalization soon after she discovers Kevin’s gayness.

There’s a disturbing suggestion that in her heart Louise knew Kevin was gay and chose him because he was gentle and safe, unlike her brutal first husband. But does everyone really have gay-dar?

BE THERE

“Accidental Dancers,” Long Beach Studio Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; July 9, 2 p.m. Ends July 15. $12 to $15. (562) 494-1616. Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes.