Margaritas, cocaine, and one lonely gay man— mix them together and you get "Bright Colors and Bold Patterns," a sidesplitting rant on gay marriage.  Written and performed by Drew Droege, and directed by Molly Prather, this one-man show is a must-see. 

Performing in the intimate VS. Theatre, Drew Droege holds the audience in the palm of his hands from the very beginning with his relatable complaints, unabashed honesty, and his need to have his opinions heard. The show starts with an already drunk Gerry (Droege) showing up to a party before the rehearsal dinner for his friend’s wedding. The invitation for said wedding comes along with the request that the guests “Please refrain from wearing Bright Colors and Bold Patterns.” Gerry, who sees this as a repression of his self-expression and identity, unleashes his opinions on individuality, life, and love onto his friends. 

Serving as both playwright and actor, Droege proves himself to be a true double threat. He creates such a connection with the other characters in the show that the audience doesn’t even realize they are not actually there. The minimalistic set— a couple of chairs and a table—and the proximity of the audience to the stage creates an easy atmosphere, where the audience feels as if they too are a part of the conversation.

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The script is both witty and sassy, and chockfull of allusions. For those in the audience who do not understand some of the more obscure references, Droege cleverly finds a way to explain them by breaking them down for Mack, the 23-year-old boyfriend of Gerry’s friend Dwayne, who is, at times, too young to understand. Californians especially will enjoy the many references to horrendous traffic and local hotspot favorites. Cue the mixed drinks and cocaine, and hilarity ensues.

It’s not all laughs, though. The audience watches Gerry’s walls slowly come down, to reveal the vulnerable and lonely man behind the loud façade. He is torn between celebrating this major step forward for the gay community, the legality of marriage, and his fear that this new change may cause many to quietly assimilate to society. However, Droege manages to play these rare moments of self-realization so sincerely that it garners rapt attention from the audience.  

More than just a good time, this show also leaves its audience with an important message— live life, and live it loudly— and an appreciation for what it means to be unique and different. 

With only two performances left, be sure to catch this show before it’s gone. 

“Bright Colors and Bold Patterns” is playing Tuesday, October 14 at 8pm and Thursday, October 16 at 8pm at the VS. Theatre Company (5453 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles). Tickets are $15. For more information call (323) 739-4411 or visit TheSoloCollective.com 

Reach Contributor Julia Stier here.

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