An admirable scandal

There cannot possibly be a single envelope left in Cranford.

The Theatre Project has pushed not one envelope, but many, by staging Paul Rudnick's outrageous comedy "Valhalla."

New Jersey may have never seen a play so at home with homosexuality. There's a scene involving masturbation that might offend many. Nevertheless, the clever way that Rudnick wrote it -- and the equally ingenious way that director Mark Spina has staged it -- will let many overlook the scandal, and just plain admire it.

"Valhalla" is two minty stories in one. First, there's King Ludwig of Bavaria, that mad monarch who had a great appetite for young men, beautiful castles, and opera. The second tells us of James Avery, a fictitious Texas teenager of the '40s, a time when being gay was something never mentioned in polite company.

James isn't polite. He says what's on his mind, and that's usually sex. He lusts for handsome football team captain Henry Lee, though when that dashing lad isn't around, James will settle for Henry Lee's girlfriend, Sally. Both are aghast at his overt propositions, and yet, each is intrigued at his courage.

At first, there seems to be little potential to dovetail both tales. But Rudnick shows so many parallels between the two that one just might infer that James is Ludwig reincarnated.

The playwright's thesis is easier to glean. People, he feels, are more gay than they care to admit. When an army officer finds one of his recruits making sexual advances on the other, he understandingly says, "Well, he is adorable." Rudnick also suggests that heterosexuals tend to have less fun than their gay counterparts. Late in the play, when James asks Henry Lee to join him in song, the distraught straight yells, "I don't sing! I don't dance! I'm married!"

Dennis DaPrile seems terribly one-note as Ludwig -- all gushing excitement, twittering fingers, and (of course) limp wrist -- but that's what Rudnick's written. More successful is Kevin Sebastian as James, with eyebrows that look positively malevolent, and a sinister grin to match. How well his shoulders shake with lust whenever he's near the boy next door.

That's Stephen Medvidick , who does an excellent job of squinting in confusion, trying to keep up with every one of James' excesses. He's one of four performers who plays dozens of roles. Even if each wasn't terrific in all of them (and each is), all would deserve credit for changing from one elaborate Maggie Baker-Atkins costume to another in lickety-split time.

Jenelle Sosa is a real comic find, especially in the droll and inured way she plays a princess with an unfortunate affliction. Gail Lou portrays everything from Ludwig's imperious queen to a Long Island tour guide to a singer who's sensational in warbling scat. Rick Delaney excels at exasperation, which is what you have if you're Ludwig's lackey.

Opera lovers will grin at the "Lohengrin" references, and they'll also appreciate the positively Wagnerian ending. Getting there, though, takes too long. "Valhalla" is one of those many comedies that's never as funny after intermission. Those 15 minutes may prove useful to theatergoers who can't take Rudnick's message or language -- for they'll be able to take their leave.

Peter Filichia may be reached at pfilichia@starledger.com or (973) 392-5995.