Those thoughts were simmering just below the surface when I saw 'The Last Sunday in June', ReAct Theatre's newest production, last weekend at Theatre Off Jackson. Working from a plot cenetered around Pride, the ensemble cast tweaks every idea and every stereotype of Gay men, presenting a piece that is at once funny and witty, while also being hauntingly painful, but still able to illuminate. And keep in mind, even as the jokes and 'snaps' are flying back and forth, there is still a disturbing feeling like one is watching one's own life on stage, with all of the unflattering parts hanging out.

Is this a bad thing? I didn't think so. In fact, I found the play refreshingly honest and vibrtant, with portrayals by actors Austin Farwell and Rob macGregor, as two Gay men about to embark on the big step of buying a house in the suburbs, after living in the middle of Gay New York. I also liked the supporting actors, particularly ShawnJ West, who gives the play a conscience, by playing the one among the group who has AIDS, a secret only known to his two friends Tom and Michael (Farwell and MacGregor). Mostly, though, I liked the way serious lines were given as much time and space as the funny ones, illustrating the very real way a lot of GBLTQ people deal with our issues. Go see it, and hurry, because it ends this weekend and this one is a do not miss. For ticket information and times, call 364-3283, or go to www.reacttheatre.org.