Theater Interview: JASON REALE (Director of The Bent’s “Perfect Arrangement” in Palm Springs)

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by Jason Mannino on February 2, 2025

in Interviews,Theater-Palm Springs (Coachella Valley)

DIRECTOR AND PLAY:
A PERFECT ARRANGEMENT, INDEED

On February 6, The Bent in Palm Springs is opening Perfect Arrangement, a biting and timely comedy by Topher Payne. Set in 1950 during the height of McCarthy-era persecution, the play explores the dangers of government overreach and forced conformity—issues that feel more urgent than ever in today’s political climate.

As the country grapples with renewed attacks on queer rights, Perfect Arrangement serves as both a history lesson and a warning—the idea of weeding out the undesirables has become most resonant and pressing. The play follows two U.S. government employees and their spouses who appear to embody the ideal 1950s nuclear family. But behind closed doors, they hide a carefully crafted arrangement to shield themselves from a society that seeks to erase them. When their private lives come under scrutiny, they must confront the limits of their own survival in a world that demands their erasure.

Stage and Cinema‘s Jason Mannino caught up with Director Jason Reale. Typically onstage, Reale marks his directorial debut with this production.

  1. This is your first theater directing gig (I know you have directed in other mediums). What inspired you to want to direct in general, and specifically, this play?

Directing feels like a natural extension of my storytelling passion, whether that’s on stage, behind the camera, or behind the scenes. I’m drawn to exploring characters’ complexities and the social dynamics that shape them. I would not be doing this without the support of Steve Rosenbaum, who encouraged me to step into directing and trusted me with this project. Perfect Arrangement immediately stood out to me, particularly because of its use of sitcom-style comedy to explore the real-life masks people wear to survive, both personally and within society. It’s a brilliant and timely way to navigate themes of repression and identity.

  1. As a new director, how did you approach the play? How do you balance the play’s farcical nature with its serious themes?

I wanted to honor both the humor and the gravity of this piece. The sitcom-inspired farcical elements, quick exchanges and exaggerated situations, serve as a mask for the deeper emotional and social issues at play. My approach focused on finding moments of emotional depth even amidst the absurdity, ensuring that the humor never undermined the serious themes. The farce exposes the fragility of the characters’ façades, which allows both the comedy and the underlying tension to amplify each other.

  1. Perfect Arrangement is set during the 1950s Lavender Scare, a time when LGBTQ+ individuals faced government persecution. In light of recent executive orders that recognize only two sexes and roll back diversity initiatives, how have you approached highlighting the parallels between the 1950s setting and today’s political environment?

The fight for visibility and rights is far from over. The Lavender Scare was fueled by fear, misinformation, and propaganda, and while we’ve made strides, we’re still witnessing the same fear-based tactics used against marginalized communities today. This play underscores the cyclical nature of that struggle. We’re seeing echoes of the Lavender Scare in current political discourse, and I wanted to draw those parallels to remind audiences how fragile progress can be. It’s crucial to stay vigilant and continue pushing back against the forces of fear and oppression.

  1. I know rehearsals began before the inauguration but did the current and political landscape influence any of your directorial choices?

Absolutely. There’s no way it couldn’t. Themes of fearmongering, societal control, and persecution have only felt more urgent as time goes on. The characters’ desire to protect themselves first by masking their true identities and persecuting others resonates deeply now. The idea of living in a “paper doll house” where a fragile facade can be torn apart at any moment—feels especially poignant in today’s climate of uncertainty.

  1. In this political climate, here is a sincere question that I have been asking myself. How does creating and producing LGBTQ+ content by a gay theater company, for a gay audience, in Palm Springs (which is essentially an LGBTQ+ bubble) make an impact?

Creating meaningful art within a community that feels safe and accepted is still incredibly important, especially in times of uncertainty. While Palm Springs offers a haven, art has the power to extend beyond the bubble and ignite conversations that can inspire change. In a world where our rights and visibility are constantly under threat, art reminds us of our strength, our shared history, and our power to shape the future. It’s about offering hope while keeping our eyes open.

  1. What conversations would you like to inspire in your audience?

I hope this play sparks a conversation about identity, the ways societal pressures force us to hide parts of ourselves for survival or conformity. I want audiences to reflect on the power dynamics that influence our lives, particularly in politics and how marginalized groups are treated. The play also examines the ease with which people can turn on each other for self-preservation. Ultimately, I want the audience to leave with a greater understanding of how fear can manipulate and divide us and how essential it is to keep fighting for visibility, equity, and love.

  1. What do you think this play offers to younger audiences who may not be familiar with the historical context?

For younger audiences, I think this play provides a window into the not-so-distant past and offers a reminder of how quickly history can repeat itself. The Lavender Scare might seem like history, but its themes of discrimination, fear, and identity policing are very much alive today. The play also illustrates the lengths to which people will go to survive under oppressive systems, offering a powerful lesson in resilience and the importance of standing up for one’s truth, no matter the era.

A Perfect Arrangement
The Bent Theatre
in association with The Palm Springs Cultural Center
Camelot Theatres, 2300 East Baristo Road in Palm Springs
Fri and Sat at 7; Sun at 2
February 6-16, 2025
for tickets ($42), visit The Bent

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