James Avery remembers the first time he rubbed one out. He was sitting on a bed in the dark with his friend Henry Lee.
This is one of many happy childhood memories comically revisited in "Valhalla," an unusual, yet compelling play, presented by the Buffalo United Artists theater company at the Alleyway Theatre.
"Valhalla" explores the unlikely similarities between the lives of King Ludwig of Bavaria (Eric Rawski), who lived during the late 19th century, and the misadventures of a hell raiser named James Avery (Rick Lattimer) from Texas in the 1940s.
At first glance, these two seem to have nothing in common. However, as the play progresses, James and King Ludwig appear to be more similar despite the difference of era and setting.
The one characteristic that unites the two seemingly disparate characters together is their homosexuality. The societal problems in 19th century Bavaria and 1940s America are markedly similar. In light of the recent groundbreaking "Brokeback Mountain," "Valhalla" brings a taboo, unordinary subject and projects it in an unbiased light.
Ludwig is pressured by his mother to produce an heir and James is made a social outcast in his small town.
Each character is in a different phase of accepting his sexuality. James is sexually self-aware at 12 when he and friend Henry Lee share an intimate moment under the covers. Ludwig, however, remains more confused about his identity. For a while, it seems that everyone knows he is gay except him.
The love affair between Henry Lee and James stretches across the length of the play, punctuated by Henry Lee's confusion about his own sexuality and the passionate moments the two men share.
"I thought that for this play to deal so openly with questions of identity was important," said Kimberley Stork, a receptionist from Lancaster.
Rick Lattimer, who makes this his first performance with the BUA creates a sympathetic air for his character James. He possesses the good looks of James Dean, with a certain garishness that Dean could never muster. He is cocky, talks back and misbehaves, apparently to draw the attention of those around him, many of whom readily give it.
Eric Rawski, a veteran actor of the BUA, portrays Ludwig. He stands tall and stocky with a booming voice and a yellow shock of hair. He meanders onstage in white stockings and glittery costumes that look like they're homemade, adding to the slapstick nature of the play.
"The minimalist approach didn't take away from the play. I think it only strengthened the performances of the actors," said Ben Harmon of Buffalo.
The scenes change smoothly. The lights dim on James in jail in Texas and come up on Ludwig in his royal court in Bavaria. The actors are able to create believable spaces through their performances, which are completely dead-on in their sincerity. No one misses a beat. One character walks offstage while the other walks on. At one point, Ludwig and James bump into one another during such an exchange and they simultaneously mutter, "Excuse me."
The inclusion of a few modern songs, such as "Stand By Your Man" and "I Need a Hero," facilitate the meshing of the very different time periods in which James and Ludwig live.
Their lives are also connected by a common love of beauty. James cannot shake his feelings for his lifelong love Henry Lee, while Ludwig becomes addicted to the stunning appeal of the opera.
"This is definitely a standout play for me. I liked that it dealt with the heavy issue of sexuality in a light way," said Tom Halloway, a stock clerk from Buffalo.
"Valhalla" is a unique, incredibly funny play that offers a different perspective on a contemporary social issue, using characters to whom everyone can relate.
"Valhalla" is playing through March at the Alleyway Theater on Main Street. Tickets are $12 for students.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
