"Perfect Arrangement" by Walking Shadow Theatre at the Crane Theater

The day after seeing Lyric Arts' regional premiere of the British comedy Home, I'm Darling, about a modern day couple living the facade of the perfect '50s lifestyle, I saw Walking Shadow Theatre's production of Perfect Arrangement, about two couples in the '50s living the facade of the perfect '50s lifestyle. But this time it's hiding the fact that the two women and the two men are the actual couples, and the facade is necessary for these State Department employees to survive the Lavender Scare during the era of McCarthyism. On a set that's a neat replica of I Love Lucy, the play has a sitcom feel, perfected by the direction and performances of the talented cast, that turns into something darker when the direness of the foursome's situation is revealed. June Pride Month is a perfect time to revisit this time in queer history, when people could be fired from government jobs based on the mere suspicion of homosexuality. Perfect Arrangement plays at the Crane Theater through June 21.

"Perfect Arrangement" at Theatre in the Round

Just in time for Pride Month, Theatre in the Round is bringing us the story of two gay couples in the '50s, and what they have to do be with the person they love and still have a career and acceptable public persona. What starts out as a comedy turns tragic as this Perfect Arrangement falls apart. As a time when LGBTQ+ rights are threatened, it's good to look back at history and the people who worked so hard to achieve those rights, to remember how much things have changed, and how much they haven't. But this is no dry history lesson, it's an entertaining comedy with an emotional pull that makes you feel for each of the characters as they navigate this sticky situation. A strong cast and spot-on design make this play a Perfect Arrangement indeed (playing weekends throughout June).