By Catherine Jozwik
Known for its intimate and moving performances, Milwaukee’s Boulevard Theatre delivered a heartfelt and hilarious stage reading of New York City-based playwright Joshua Harmon’s LGBTQIA+ comedy “Significant Other” June 7 at The Sugar Maple, a cozy bar located in the city’s Bay View neighborhood.
The intimate venue filled up with playgoers ranging from ages 20-approximately 75 quickly, and about 20 attendees had to be turned away, a testament to the power and popularity of this production.
Directed by Boulevard Theatre founder and artistic director Mark Bucher, “Significant Other” featured a talented cast of seven, including Joan End as Helene, Grace Berendt as Kiki, Keith Smith in several roles including Evan and Roger, Kyle Conner as Jordan, Mohammed ElBsat in several roles including Will, Mary Grace Seigel as Vanessa, and Caitlin Compton as Laura. The script, which explores how friendships change as people start getting married and having children, is incredibly relatable.
All performances were stellar, but Conner’s was exceptional, conveying a perfect mix of humor, longing, and pathos. Berendt was also quite enjoyable to watch as self-obsessed motormouth Kiki, and Seigel played the bored pessimist Vanessa, who later finds true love, to a T. End was also well-cast as Jordan’s warm-hearted grandmother Helene. The reading included a well-timed rendition of Celine Dion’s romantic hit song “Because You Loved Me.”
Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, the run of this wonderful stage reading was limited. But this reviewer is very much looking forward to Boulevard Theatre’s next production.