A shout-out to the '70s

Albert Innaurato’s personalized tragic-comedy‘Gemini’ plays out in Italian-dominated South Philadelphia (although it couldeasily be transferred to Boston, the Bronx, Brooklyn or parts of New Jersey). Withdialogue mostly shouted and all the physicality essential to Italian speech, “Gemini”is the ideal kick-off production for Michigan State University’s Summer CircleTheatre season: loud, sometimes poignant and very funny.

Set in 1973, ‘Gemini’ follows a day in the lifeof seven interconnected characters as they forge through issues of love givenand unrequited, sexual identity, body image and, of course, the zodiac. Todescribe the story further is to given away important revelations. To directorRob Roznowski’s credit, “Gemini” feels less like a theatrical time capsule thanit could. The character revelations and developments are relevant enough toavoid blank stares from younger viewers. Roznowski keeps the show moving alongswiftly with flawless timing, particularly during explosive scenes at the endof Acts One and Two.

The numerous script failings, however, are beyondRoznowski’s control, including character monologues filled with over-obviousmetaphors. In an ensemble production from the ’70’s, every character apparentlymust verbalize an explanation for their actions, but for audiences, “Gemini” moveslike a family reunion. It feels like there are fun relatives around, butinevitably you are momentarily stuck talking to the weirdo cousin everyoneavoids. Politeness rather than interest holds you in their grasp until thatnecessary distraction provides your exit.

In “Gemini,” Leslie Hull is that necessarydistraction. As Bunny, the neighborhood drama-queen, Hull completely commitsherself to uninhibited physicality, turning a scene of staged drunkenness intomemorable hilarity. Hull masterfully blends her character’s inner torment with unawareplayfulness.

Nicholas Dressel rarely steals scenes as FranGeminiani, a middle-aged Philly father with skin rashes, but he does providestrong support. Dressel’s charming smile perfectly suits Fran’s easygoing persona,which becomes humorously unhinged at the sight of bad table manners.

Graham Lundeen, Claudia Dibbs and ChrisRobinson as home-from-college Harvard students believably relay their romanticentanglements and finally shine during their fluidly choreographed showdown inthe second half.

Ian Paige and Brittane Rowe understandablystruggle with their oddball characters, one in arrested development and theother in arrested domesticity, but each finds their moments to stand out.

“Gemini” marks the first Summer Circle showto utilize body microphones to correct the long-standing problem of dialoguebeing lost outside. Ironically, the microphones are hardly needed, consideringvirtually every line is shouted. “Gemini” does benefit from a stunning two-storyset of a brick faade, one with plenty of doors and windows from which toscream, thanks to designer Zac Campbell.

Like the reality television of today, “Gemini’s”most enjoyable moments come from its most dynamic characters, the ones that swear,attempt suicide and overeat at the same volume.

'Gemini'
MSU Summer Circle Theatre
Continues 8 p.m. Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11
Outdoor theater behind the MSU Auditorium, along the Red Cedar River
Free