Perfect Arrangement by Topher Payne
Evert B. Person Theatre
March 6, 2025,
7:30 pm
– 10:00 pm
March 7, 2025,
7:30 pm
– 10:00 pm
March 8, 2025,
7:30 pm
– 10:00 pm
March 9, 2025,
2:00 pm
– 4:00 pm
Director: Ely Sonny Orquiza
Tickets Coming Soon!
Summary
Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the gay rights movement, Perfect Arrangement merges madcap sitcom-style laughs with provocative drama as two closeted U.S. State Department employees struggle to maintain their cover – and their sanity – in 1950s America.
It’s 1950, and new colors are being added to the Red Scare. Two U.S. State Department employees, Bob and Norma, have been tasked with identifying sexual deviants within their ranks. There’s just one problem: Both Bob and Norma are gay, and have married each other’s partners as a carefully constructed cover. Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the American gay rights movement, madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two “All-American” couples are forced to stare down the closet door.
“The best thing about Topher Payne’s fabulous Perfect Arrangement is its pitch-perfect capture of the 1950s comic voice, and its application to the dreadfully serious drama.”
– DC Theatre Scene, Read More
“Usually a playwright has to choose between writing a laugh-out-loud comedy and a very serious drama. Topher Payne has written both with Perfect Arrangement.”
–TheatreMania, Read More
“As hiding gets harder, pitch-perfect comedy ensues: slamming doors, strange disguises, preposterous excuses... Eventually, the four must decide whether face-saving domestic lies are worth it, or whether ostracism beats living in fear. In our own era of surveillance and paranoia, their mid-century problems don’t feel so far away.”
– The New Yorker
“[A] clever canapé of a comedy... Mr. Payne is a deft and witty writer.”
– The New York Times
Content Advisory:
Perfect Arrangement portrays, among other things, the history of the Lavender Scare, the name given by historians to the government’s persecution during the 1950s of its own workers based on their perceived sexualities. As part of this, the play depicts homophobic slurs and homophobia; the high tension of being ‘outed’; and rigid gender roles, which can involve misogyny and sexism. Additionally, the play depicts anti-Communist propaganda, and the persecution of people for their political beliefs. Please note also that the play treats many of these subjects with humor and comedy, and that many of the characters achieve moments of empowerment throughout.
"Perfect Arrangement" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatrical on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.