A Waning Gibbous Moon - alternative theatre company | 10.18.24
The Alternative Theater Company is currently producing the Joe Marshall original play “A Waning Gibbous Moon” at BACCA Arts Center in Lindenhurst from October 18th to October 27th and I had the pleasure of being in the audience for opening night - and what a delight it was!
“A Waning Gibbous Moon” is a story about 4 men in New York City who are all living separate lives - however centered around Mark, a gay man working as a professional dancer. His relationships with each are different and the story tackles themes of friendship and sexual fluidity. I don't want to say more than that because it would spoil the experience, but there is something here for everyone to relate to.
Mark is played by Justin Cimmino, who also serves as the choreographer for this production - which shouldn't be overlooked. The dancing in this show was a joy to watch and integral in displaying the progression of relationships in Act 2, so the fact that he led the charge here is quite impressive. His portrayal of Mark was beautifully genuine and he draws you in from the very first scene. He lives with Stan (Jeff Pangburn) who works as an interior designer. Their relationship is fun and certainly one some of us gays have seen before - clearly two best friends with some snarky banter but their honest conversations highlight the relationship between the two. Pangburn navigates through this dynamic with ease! While some of the subject matter feels heavier at times, Pangburn serves as the comedic relief and lightens the mood.
(Which makes perfect sense in my opinion. Do you know the man?! He’s hysterical and I can prove it! I had him on The Kyle Petty Show recently to discuss this very show - check it out here!)
You will find yourself not only looking for Pangburn’s next entrance, but smiling just at the thought of it! The company is rounded out by Hayden Walsh who plays Cooper, a friend of both Mark and Stan; and Peter Zhong who plays Rick, a dancer who works alongside Mark. Walsh is not new to the Alternative Theatre Company and was most recently seen in last year’s production of SONDER. I went into this show with high expectations for him and he did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in upcoming Alternative Theatre productions! I'm told this is the first time Zhong has acted as he generally works on the tech side of theater; but you wouldn't have known that from this performance. He was warm and genuine in his portrayal of rick and you are immediately endeared towards the character.
I certainly can't wrap this up without giving credit to Joe Marshall, who wrote the show! I feel that when we get a story with gay characters, much of the story is written by somebody who hasn’t actually experienced the things they are writing about. That isn't the case with this show and it wasn't the case with last year's SONDER, either. The storylines feel familiar and the dialogue is relatable - everything you would hope for from a theater company that works to amplify queer voices & stories. This is a theater company that we absolutely must support! Stories like this and opportunities to play real, queer characters can be difficult to find and this company is a gem.
“A Waning Gibbous Moon” is running until October 27th and tickets can be purchased at awaninggibbousmoon.com.
Cast & Creatives:
Cooper - Hayden Walsh
Mark, Choreographer - Justin Cimmino
Stan - Jeff Pangburn
Rick, Set Builder - Peter Zhong
Playwright, Director - Joe Marshall
