GEMINI STARS/SCORPIO STARS by Gian Marco Lo Forte - Signs of Gay Views and Vulnerabilities

Lo Forte is an NYC writer/director who represents gay perspectives, lifestyles, love & torment.  GEMINI STARS/SCORPIO STARS is musical that mixes social media & performance art as a means of bridging understanding with LGBTQ individuals.  I commend the talented ensemble cast who combined acting, storytelling, multi-media,  choreography, music and vocals.  The production was a dispersed immersion into the interconnecting lives of several friends gathered to celebrate the holidays amongst their haven of friends with whom they formed a "family".  This family doesn't share bloodlines but they share kindred experiences, a history of alienation for their homosexuality and a profound sense of freedom having found acceptance in being their true best selves.  The internet has a major role in the play.  The internet & vlog writing has helped in finding a supportive, relatable community.  The opening video is a friendly & joyous FaceTime of 2 women showing how they each transform from a "dyke to feminine" appearance.  But ubiquitous acknowledgement for the LGBQT community having reached a mass level of acceptance, of tolerance or safety are misleading.  Are gay people disposable in society?  The question poised is met by both a yes & no answer from the cast.  Feelings of self-loathing are obstacles that many gays still grapple.  Lo Forte's clever melange of musical staging & storytelling shares coming out stories & experiences.  The explicit sharing of detailed sexual encounters was off-putting. The highlight of the show was the original songs written & performed by Colombian born Ombro de Oro.  The other artistic standout production  number shared the live actors with a stunning video using the glittery, golden curtain on stage as a flowing ocean.  The choreography simultaneous on stage & in the video was a knockout.  The lesson in self-defense which ended a rather magical & delightful overall performance was exhausting.  But its powerful messaging of dehumanizing the enemy struck a blow.  Wanting to be looked at and admired hit a universal theme performed in an erotic dance by choreographer/performer Daniel Diaz.  The earnest messaging of benefitting by learning from different people was extended to the audience.  All were invited to stay and mingle with the performers after the show.  There was a lot of talent showcased in this motley medley.  I hope these fine actors weren't only singing to the choir.