Mini-Review -- Humor Vs. Preachiness In `Earl, Ollie, Austin'

An older generation passes down its wisdom to a younger generation. This is a theme that's been explored in many a play. The best ones are those that don't come off as preachy.

Unfortunately, the sweet, well-intentioned "Earl, Ollie, Austin and Ralph," written by Glen Rawls, falls into preachy territory a bit too often.

In an attempt to save his faltering relationship, young Austin takes his New York-bred (shorthand for cynical and obnoxious) partner, Ralph, back to the South of his childhood. They stay at a hotel run by an elderly gay couple, Earl and Ollie, who offer guidance and a sense of history and community to the younger couple.

But that history, as recited by Earl and Ollie, comes in lectures. You can sense the playwright straining to teach the audience about the country's homophobic history. Meanwhile, the arguing between the two younger men - much of it analyzing their relationship - quickly grows tedious.

As directed by Jack Edgerton, on a set by David Edgerton, the play proceeds at a leisurely pace. Troy Lund and Matt Snyder both have their moments as the naive, romantic Austin and the cynical Ralph. But together they generate little chemistry.

Fortunately, the play has a saving strain of humor. Terrence McSweeny and Peter Sill imbue Earl and Ollie's bickering banter with the affection and finger-snapping rhythm of old-time comedy duos such as George and Gracie. Best of all is Bill Matthies as Rogers, a

big-hearted, cheerfully lusty, almost-dirty old man, who picks up the pace of the play in every scene he's in.

In fact, one almost wishes it were the lively Rogers passing down his wisdom to the next generation.

"Earl, Ollie, Austin and Ralph" is presented by WindowLight Productions, Thursdays-Saturdays through Aug. 2 at Freehold Theatre West Hall, 1529 10th Ave., second floor; 206-292-0504.