OLD HOLLYWOOD, QUEER LONELINESS,
AND A LEGEND’S FINAL ACT

A well-acted and atmospheric production brings
James Whale’s twilight years to vivid life

Jason M. Blackwell, Donald Currie, Francine Torres

New Conservatory Theater’s new Artistic Director Ben Villas Randle was on hand for opening night for his first production: Gods & Monsters. If the title sounds familiar, it should. It’s based on the true-life story of Hollywood film director James Whale’s final days before his “accidental” drowning in his backyard swimming pool in 1957. He directed 21 films but was most widely known for Frankenstein (1931) and one of its equally famous sequels, Bride of Frankenstein (1935). His tragic end was the subject of the acclaimed novel Father of Frankenstein by Christopher Bram. It was later made into a movie in 1998, Gods & Monsters, which starred Ian McKellen and Brendan Fraser.

Jason M. Blackwell, Tyler Aguallo, and Donald CurrieTyler Aguallo, Francine Torres, and Donald Currie

As the story starts out, James Whale (Donald Currie) is retired and living in his Hollywood mansion. His house is a treasure trove of art and many old props from his movie career. His longtime housekeeper, Maria Ramirez (Francine Torres), caters to all his needs. Out of the spotlight, he lives pretty much as a recluse. Several of his friends and former colleagues live nearby, but he seems to prefer staying at home enjoying memories of better days. His former companion, and now friend, David Lewis (Ryan Lee) drops in from time to time to check on him. Due to the ongoing popularity of his horror movies, younger fans occasionally seek him out to meet and/or interview him. Openly gay, James certainly enjoys the attention of attractive young male fans. He invites them over, and it gives him a chance to relive his glory days. He also pushes boundaries with his handsome guests and plays games that are sexually provocative. This, of course, often makes these young men very uncomfortable.

Jason M. Blackwell and Donald Currie

Clayton Boone (Jason M. Blackwell) is his well-built, good-looking African American groundskeeper. The director becomes obsessed with at least befriending him and starts out offering to “sketch” young Boone (as he likes to be called). Boone has James’s motives figured out but is curious about this legendary director at the same time. Most of the story revolves around their friendship (or courtship). This well-told story evolves slowly, and the audience gets wrapped up in their evolving “friendship.” Being 1957 and Hollywood, gay men—particularly those with money and prestige—are more widely accepted and can live more openly. The story touches on racism but also covers another sensitive subject. Aging in Hollywood is frowned upon, particularly for older gay men not blessed with good looks. James Whale’s loneliness is palpable. Seeing him recall his days of glory, having pool parties with young naked boys, is sad. As much as the audience wants to cringe at some of his antics, we understand his desperation.

Jason M. Blackwell, Ryan Lee, Tyler Aguallo, and Donald Currie

The performances all around are fantastic and believable. The supporting players, including Tyler Aguallo as Edmund Kay, another would-be fan, more than hold their own with the lead actors. Francine Torres’ Maria Ramirez, the all-knowing housekeeper, is comic relief, and she steals every scene she’s in. Jason M. Blackwell as Clayton Boone is the character who evolves the most. From a shy introvert, he goes along cautiously throughout the story before he seizes his own destiny.

Donald Currie and Ryan Lee

The lion’s share of the acting, though, clearly falls on Donald Currie as the aging director. On stage for almost the whole play, his character is smart, savvy, and sympathetic at the same time. The whole story really is about him. It wouldn’t work without the audience rooting for him.

Donald Currie and Jason M. Blackwell

Maya Linke’s set design works to great effect. The artifacts in the apartment and the split-level wall, with Lana Palmer’s video images projected on it, create a haunting effect. When the old movies are shown on the screen, we feel like we’re all in an old black-and-white movie. Justin Partier’s lighting design creates an authentic mad scientist laboratory look during flashback scenes, especially when lightning strikes. Experienced director and A.C.T. & Berkeley Rep teacher M. Graham Smith creates a suspenseful story that plays out like an old movie.

Ryan Lee and Francine Torres

NCTC, particularly post-COVID, has branched out in telling authentic stories of queer history. The stories, though, have elements that appeal to all audiences. Gods & Monsters will appeal not just to queer audiences or fans of horror movies. This well-told and acted story treats anyone who attends to a fun night of theater.

Donald Currie, Tyler Aguallo, and Jason M. Blackwell

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photos by Lois Tema

Gods & Monsters
New Conservatory Theatre Center
Walker Theatre, 25 Van Ness Ave @ Market St
one hour, forty minutes; no intermission
Wed and Thurs at 7:30; Fri and Sat at 8; Sun at 2
ends on April 5, 2026
for tickets ($35.50–$72.50), call 415.861.8972 or visit NCTC

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